Australia: Shares turn lower on weak commodities, China woes

[SYDNEY] Australian shares fell 0.7 per cent on Monday on a broad based sell-off sparked by lower commodities prices and renewed concerns about China's equity markets.

The S&P/ASX 200 index lost 36.1 points to 5,166.5 at the close of trade. The benchmark fell 0.2 per cent on Friday and is on track to end the month 1.4 per cent lower.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index was flat, off 0.01 per cent or 0.9 points, to finish the session at 6,100.15.

REUTERS