Australia: Shares extend losses, banks weigh on index

[SYDNEY] Australian shares fell 0.84 per cent on Thursday led by financials as stronger-than-expected jobs data further diminished the chances of a Reserve Bank rate cut.

The S&P/ASX 200 index slipped 42.75 points to 5037.7 at the close of trade. The benchmark fell 0.55 per cent on Wednesday. The index is on track to post a third consecutive week of losses.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index fell 0.21 per cent or 13 points to finish the session at 6040.56.

REUTERS