Hong Kong Shares Set for Lower Open After Hang Seng Slips to 26,484

Hong Kong shares are expected to open lower on Friday after the Hang Seng Index fell 0.13% to 26,484.68 on Thursday, extending recent weakness. The index had posted a brief rebound earlier in the week but gave back gains amid subdued regional sentiment and pressure on financials, property, and tech heavyweights including Alibaba. U.S. and European markets closed lower due to concerns over the AI trade and interest rate uncertainty ahead of key inflation data, leaving cautious risk appetite across Asia.