Australia: Shares tick sideways as China data fails to inspire

[SYDNEY] Australian stocks closed flat on Monday as some weak economic figures from China undermined momentum from a massive rally in Westpac Banking Corp.

Data showed China's third quarter economic growth slowed to below seven per cent for the first time since the global financial crisis.

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 1.5 points or 0.03 per cent to 5,269.7. The benchmark has dropped 2.6 per cent in 2015 amid concerns about slowing growth in Australia's biggest trade partner, China.

Westpac rose 3.7 per cent when its shares resumed trading after a halt for raising capital.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index rose 14.8 points or 0.3 per cent to finish the session at 5,834.8.

REUTERS