Major markets in Asia closed lower on Tuesday, with Italian politics and the slide in oil prices in the spotlight.
In Japan, the Nikkei 225 slumped 122.66 points, or 0.6%, to 22,358.43, with strength in the yen weighing on major exporters. The safe-haven yen traded at 108.92 to the U.S. dollar, compared to Monday's close of 109.41. Electronics stocks finished the day lower, as did steelmakers
In Hong Kong, the Hang Seng Index dumped 307.68 points, or 1%, to 30,484.58, hurt by losses in the heavily weighted financials sector. Shares of insurer AIA, in particular, fell 1.8% before the market close.
Korean markets faltered, as gains in some technology names failed to lift the broader index. Banks and most manufacturing stocks saw declines.
Australian markets actually gained, as large cap banks buoyed the market. Energy stocks which had been hit in the last session pared some overnight losses, with Woodside Petroleum edging up by 0.3%.
In individual movers, LG Display jumped 5.2% while Japan Display tumbled 8% The divergent moves came after media reports that Apple would use organic light-emitting diode screens for new iPhones in the new year
Investors also digested geopolitical developments involving North Korea after delegations from the U.S. and the hermit state met on Sunday.
That came despite U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement last week that he was canceling a planned summit in June with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
The U.S. has readied sanctions on Pyongyang that could be unveiled soon, but was reportedly postponing the measures as the two countries attempted to resurrect talks.
In other markets
Markets in Singapore were shuttered for holidays
In Shanghai, the CSI 300 dipped 29.25 points, or 0.8%, to 3,804.01
In Korea, the Kospi index lost 21.71 points, or 0.9%, to 2,457.25
In Taiwan, the Taiex Index deleted 23.65 points, or 0.2%, to 10,964.12
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 backtracked 9.34 points, or 0.1%, to 8,635.86
In Australia, the ASX 200 gained 9.54 points, or 0.2%, to 6,013.56
