HSI opened up 109.12 pts (+0.42%) at 25,807.61 on Aug 21 (Fri); Hang Seng TECH Index opened up 9.88 pts (+0.21%) at 4,710.41; HSCEI opened up 31.80 pts (+0.37%) at 8,579.64; Red Chip Index opened up 21.14 pts (+0.50%) at 4,232.01.

UK retail sales fell in July, weighed by declines in non-food and non-store retailers, the ONS said. Department store sales fell 1.4% MoM, textiles/apparel/footwear -2.7% MoM and non-store retail -3.6% MoM; food store sales rose 0.5% MoM, helped by supermarket and alcohol/beverage promotions, hot weather and the World Cup. Fuel sales rebounded 3.8% MoM after a 3.6% drop in June. The ONS said some demand was pulled forward into June by earlier-than-usual promotions. Overall sales remain relatively resilient; the release is unlikely to materially alter BoE policy prospects, though inflation remains the Bank's primary challenge.

Citigroup raised its PT on Marvell Technology (MRVL.O) to $275 from $225.