HONG KONG: Hong Kong stocks rose at the open on Monday, kicking off the new year on a positive note after a healthy finish to 2021, though traders remain on edge over a range of issues including the fast-spreading Omicron virus variant.

The Hang Seng Index added 0.48 percent, or 112.87 points, to 23,510.54.

Mainland Chinese markets are closed for a holiday.