Most Asian stock indices fell due to concerns over Portugal's biggest listed lender. The parent company (Espirito Santo Financial Group) of Portugal's bank, Banco Espirito Santo SA, reported it didn't make the payments on short-term paper. Investors have concerns over of the banking sectors in Portugal as well as in Spain and Italy.

The Japanese stock index Nikkei 225 declined due to stronger yen. The yen was supported by increasing demand for safe-haven currency.

Canon Inc. shares rose 2.4% after the Nikkei said the company will report the better-than-forecasted second-quarter profit.

Indexes on the close:

Nikkei 225 15,164.04 -52.42 -0.34%

Hang Seng 23,233.45 -5.54 -0.02%

Shanghai Composite 2,046.96 +8.62 +0.42%