HK shares slide 5 pct in global sell-off

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong shares will open 5 percent lower on Thursday, tracking a steep drop on Wall Street after dismal economic data prompted a global flight to cash.

The benchmark Hang Seng Index .HSI was indicated to open 644.82 points lower at 12,170.98, with stocks across the board notching up hefty losses.

Only 20 of 1091 traded issues will open in the black on Thursday.

The China Enterprises Index of top locally listed mainland Chinese firms .HSCE will open down 5.6 percent at 6,126.60.

(Reporting by Parvathy Ullatil; Editing by Anne Marie Roantree)