Asian markets mostly fell Tuesday as a week-long rally finally came to an end with traders cashing in profits and awaiting developments in Britain's preparation to leave the European Union after last month's exit vote.

Shares worldwide have pushed higher since last week after a string of major central banks promised they would shore up financial markets to protect them against any negative effects from the British referendum result.

There were also hopes that the EU's third biggest economy breaking away might not be as painful for the global economy as initially assumed.

However, analysts said that with so many uncertainties surrounding the future of the country, as well as ongoing weaknesses around the world, the rally had run out of steam.
"The market's love affair with yield and all-things-not-Europe remains supportive," David Croy, a senior rates strategist in Wellington at ANZ Bank New Zealand, said.

"But it doesn't alter the fact that caution on behalf of central banks, the forthcoming Brexit negotiations with the EU and the wave of elections in Europe next year have raised political risk in Europe."

Tokyo was 0.9 percent lower by the break, while Hong Kong also fell 0.9 percent and Seoul dipped 0.3 percent but Shanghai rose 0.5 percent.

Sydney sank one percent with Australia looking set for a hung parliament after weekend elections threw up no clear winner. Standard & Poor's has warned the country's top-notch AAA rating could be in danger if whoever wins office is prevented from continuing to improve budget balances.

Tuesday's sell-off follows losses in European markets, where financial companies were hurt by a warning from the European Central Bank that Italy's number-three lender Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, reported to be the world's oldest bank, had dangerously high levels of bad debt.
The Italian banking system is emerging as a big worry for investors, compounding problems after Britain's decision to leave the EU, with stress test results on the continent's lenders due on July 29. Italy's are expected to show capital shortfalls.

US markets were closed Monday for the Independence Day holiday.

Oil prices also retreated in Asia owing to a pick-up in output in Nigeria, Africa's biggest producer, as installations hit by rebels earlier in the year were repaired and brought back online.

Brent was down 0.7 percent at $49.73 while West Texas Intermediate shed 1.3 percent to $48.38.

- Key figures around 0230 GMT -

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.9 percent at 15,638.52 (break)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.9 percent at 20,865.61

Shanghai - Composite: UP 0.5 percent at 3,002.59

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.3257 from $1.3317 Monday

Euro/dollar: DOWN at $1.1133 from $1.1142

Dollar/yen: DOWN at 102.33 yen from 102.48 yen

London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.8 percent at 6,522.26 (close)

New York - CLOSED for bank holiday

Source: AFP