Local mining shares led a broad-based sell-off today after commodity prices fell overnight. Meanwhile, investors continue to focus on upcoming events such as a potential 'Brexit' which could also be weighing on the market's mood.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) down 0.9% to 5312 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) down 0.8% to 5391 points
- AUD/USD at US 74.12 cents
- Iron Ore at US$52.56 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,264.84 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$51.55 a barrel
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) shares fell sharply, losing 4.1%. Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) also lost 3%, while Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (ASX: LNG) plunged 22.8%.
The banks were also a drag on the market. Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) were the worst, all losing more than 1%.
Meanwhile, Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) lost another 0.2% and Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) fell 0.9%.
Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) was one of the worst for the day, falling 5.6%. Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS), on the other hand, rose 4%.
Here are Friday's top stories: