Australia, NZ: Shares fall as investors pore over earnings reports

[SYDNEY] Australian shares closed 0.2 per cent lower on Wednesday as investors continued to analyse earnings reports, with an uninspiring lead from Wall Street doing little to boost investor sentiment.

The S&P/ASX 200 index slipped 8.8 points to 5,543.70 at the close of trade. The benchmark rose 0.3 per cent on Tuesday.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index fell 0.18 per cent or 13.55 points to finish the session at 7,349.61.

REUTERS