Australia: Shares drop slightly on weak resources, energy

[SYDNEY] Australian shares eased on Tuesday as weakness in metals, mining and energy stocks offset the positive catalyst from Wall Street's record close.

The S&P/ASX 200 index posted its second straight drop, falling 6.9 points to 5,517.1 points at the close of trade. The benchmark lost 0.5 per cent on Monday.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index rose 0.37 per cent or 20.5 points to finish the session at 5,490.8.

REUTERS