Australia: Shares close lower on weak commodities

[SYDNEY] Australian shares fell for a fourth consecutive session on Thursday as sliding commodity prices hit the heavyweight resources sector.

The S&P/ASX 200 index dipped 0.4 per cent to 5,442.7 at the close of trade, after touching its lowest in two weeks.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index eased 0.5 per cent to finish the session at 5,462.743, but was still near record highs set this week.

REUTERS