Here's why the ASX 200 was smashed today

Blackmores Limited (ASX:BHP) and Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd (ASX:LNG) both fell sharply today

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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:

  1. 6 lithium miners that have climbed more than 100% in 2016
  2. Mesoblast limited could be about to sink or soar
  3. Here's why Liquefied Natural Gas Ltd shares are plummeting
  4. 3 dirt cheap ASX shares to buy in June
  5. 4 shares under $5 for your portfolio
  6. Is it too late to profit from oil's bull market run?
Motley Fool contributor Ryan Newman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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