The benchmark Hang Seng Index ended 159.37 points lower at 23,527.26 on turnover of HK$81.28 billion ($10.45 billion).

Chinese shares closed down 1.66 percent. The Shanghai Composite Index, which covers both A and B shares, was down 46.99 points at 2,791.81 on turnover of 110.8 billion yuan ($16.7 billion).