Australia: Shares fall on China data, end 12-day winning streak

[SYDNEY] Australian shares pared early losses on Monday but closed lower to end a 12-session winning streak, weighed by resources stocks following surprisingly weak trade data in China.

Financials turned around in late trading when bargain hunters emerged, while gains in healthcare and energy shares also helped.

The S&P/ASX 200 index fell to 5,814.9 points at the close of trade. The benchmark ended 0.1 per cent higher on Friday to its highest in nearly seven years. The index gained 9.6 per cent in the last 12 sessions to match the longest winning streak on record seen in 2008.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index fell 0.5 per cent or 28.02 points to finish the session at 5,769.57.

REUTERS