Australia: Shares close down as weak commodity prices weigh on market

[SYDNEY] Australian shares slipped 0.43 per cent on Thursday, dragged down by falling global commodity prices, which created losses in the materials sector.

The S&P/ASX 200 index lost 24.269 points to close at 5590.300. The benchmark dipped 1.61 per cent on Wednesday.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index lost 0.45 per cent or 26.45 points to finish the session at 5,901.300.

REUTERS