Australia: Shares hit by struggling iron ore prices

[WELLINGTON] Australian shares ended lower on Monday, hit by losses in mining companies on the back of struggling iron ore prices, while market participant said foreign investors were trimming exposure to the country's stocks.

The S&P/ASX 200 index ended down 25.3 points, or 0.5 per cent, at 5,292.90, hovering near a 7 1/2-month low hit last week.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index rose 0.08 per cent, or 4.3 points, to finish the session at 5,241.31. - Reuters