Australia: Shares end flat on fears over rising virus cases

[BENGALURU] Australian shares ended little changed on Monday, rebounding from a 1 per cent drop earlier in the session as fears of second wave kept investors on the sidelines, with gains among gold miners offset by losses in tech and energy stocks.

A spike in coronavirus infections pushed Australia's second-most populous state, Victoria, to extend its state of emergency for four more weeks to July 19 on Sunday.

The move pressured stocks with exposure to travel and tourism. Flag carrier Qantas Airways and travel services provider Flight Centre Travel Group gave up more than 4 per cent each.

The S&P/ASX 200 index ended 0.03 per cent higher at 5,944.5 points in a second straight session of gains, after falling 1 per cent in early trade. The benchmark rose 0.1 per cent on Friday.

Gold stocks jumped 4.5 per cent to a near three-week high, the metal prices strengthened in safe haven buying.

Meanwhile, the financial sub index reversed course to end higher after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) governor Philip Lowe said the economic downturn in the country was not as severe as expected.

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However, Mathan Somasundaram, market portfolio strategist at Blue Ocean Equities, said the RBA was talking up the economy, despite reality being far from it.

He added that a V-shape recovery is a pipe dream and "will meet reality in July US reporting season".

The technology sector slipped 1.7 per cent led by Altium and WiseTech Global, losing 7.6 per cent and 5.6 per cent, respectively.

ASX 200 Energy index also ended lower following a slide in oil prices, with oil and gas explorer Cooper Energy Ltd leading lossses and ending down 3.8 per cent.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index fell 0.9 per cent to finish the session at 11,158.46.

Shares of A2 Milk Company dropped 4.7 per cent, after the dairy producer confirmed it was in discussions multiple parties for potential strategic options relating to manufacturing capabilities.

REUTERS