0138 GMT — Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index falls 1.4% to 17979.55 in early trade, tracking losses across regional equity markets. The main theme has been risk-off, Commerzbank analysts say in a research report. The U.S. inflation report released overnight has renewed the narrative that the Fed may have to maintain its restrictive stance for longer, the analysts add. Worst performers on the benchmark index include JD.com, which slips 6.6%, Baidu down 3.6%, and Chow Tai Fook Jewellery 3.3% lower. The Hang Seng Tech Index is down 2.1% at 3933.24. ([email protected])