The Hang Seng Index edged down 0.11 percent, or 26.98 points, to 25,468.48 at the open.

The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index edged up 0.06 percent, or 1.77 points, to open at 2,817.57. The Shenzhen Composite Index, which tracks stocks on China's second exchange, however, opened 0.03 percent, or 0.41 points lower, at 1,516.66.