Mining giant BHP Billiton fell 34 cents to $44.65 and takeover target Rio Tinto shed 23 cents to $138.60. Australia's newest iron ore exporter Fortescue Metals Group was lower despite progress being made on Fortescue's push to have railways controlled by Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton open to third parties. The National Competition Council today released draft recommendations that there should be increased access to Rio Tinto's Hamersley and Robe railway lines, and BHP Billiton's Goldsworthy railway line. Shares in Fortescue closed 65 cents, or 5.68 per cent, lower at $10.80 ``There has also been a lot of selling in financials, with Macquarie Group down almost seven per cent in intraday trade and the big banks were also largely weaker, probably due to profit taking ahead of the weekend,'' Ms Saly said.