Hong Kong stock indices opened lower on August 18: Hang Seng Index fell 0.33% to 25,368.87 points, Tech Index declined 0.28% to 4,768.81 points, and State-Owned Enterprises Index dropped 0.29% to 8,415.38 points.
Broad-based weakness across Hong Kong equities signals risk-off sentiment ahead of US economic data (Building Permits and Housing Starts due today) and FOMC Minutes tomorrow, both of which influence regional equity valuations through USD/liquidity channels. Tech and state-owned sectors, heavily exposed to US fiscal and monetary policy, led declines.