On the US markets, major indices fell ahead of a monthly jobs report and the start of corporate earnings. The energy stocks fell as turmoil in the Middle East unsettled investors. A positive car sales and factory orders supported the market at lower levels. Federal Reserve's William Dudley repeated comments made last week, saying that the central bank is likely to support the economic recovery for some time.
On the European front, the British benchmark indices fell as investors awaited reports on British construction activity and US factory orders. The indicies were further pressurised by renewed concerns over the euro zone which prompted for profit-taking on the previous session's gains coupled with Weakness in emerging market currencies.
Nikkei opened the session on a positive note on the back of strengthening dollar against yen on expectations that Friday's US jobs data will bolster the chances that the US central bank will scale back its stimulus measures sooner than expected. However, The morning session closed on a negative note due to profit booking on the back of recent gains.