Australia shares end lower for fourth day; North Korea tensions in focus

[SYDNEY] Australian shares extended losses falling 1.18 per cent on Wednesday, as traders exercised caution over China's slowing growth and a North Korean nuclear test heightened geopolitical tensions.

The S&P/ASX 200 index shed 61.33 points to 5,123.1 at the close of trade. The benchmark fell 1.6 per cent on Tuesday.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index slipped 0.25 per cent or 15.58 points to finish the session at 6,262.52.

REUTERS