Beijing - Shares in China's main stock market index fell nearly 3 per cent Tuesday with analysts saying investors were taking profits after a recent spree of gains.

The key Shanghai Composite Index, which tracks shares traded in local and foreign currencies, lost 69.95 points, or 2.93 per cent, to end the day at 2,319.44 points.

The smaller Shenzhen Composite Index also fell 3.45 per cent, closing at 736.98.

The losses followed a jump of almost 3 per cent in Shanghai on Monday after several days of minor gains in both markets.

The Shanghai Daily newspaper quoted analysts as saying Tuesday's slump was partly caused by investors cashing in on the recent gains.

Shares in metal producers, carmakers and banks were some of those faring the worst in Shanghai Tuesday, the newspaper said. (dpa)