HONG KONG, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Hong Kong stocks were set for a flat open on Friday after a higher close on Wall Street encouraged some investors to scour the market for bargains, but weak banking and property stocks put a lid on gains.
The benchmark Hang Seng Index <.HSI> was expected to open flat at 22,660.88, staying below a strong previous support level around 22,800. (Reporting by Vikram S Subhedar; Editing by Chris Lewis)