Hong Kong stocks started Friday on a positive note after stuttering for most of the week, as renewed recession concerns offset hopes for China's economic reopening.

The Hang Seng Index rose 0.75 percent, or 161.48 points, to 21,812.46.

The Shanghai Composite Index gained 0.21 percent, or 6.92 points, to 3,247.20, while the Shenzhen Composite Index on China's second exchange added 0.21 percent, or 4.44 points, to 2,116.54.