Market Wrap: ASX shares down on last day of 2015

The local share market's strong run home came to an end this afternoon following nine straight sessions of gains.

Here's a quick recap:

• S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) down 0.5% to 5295 points
• ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) down 0.4% to 5344 points
• AUD/USD at US 73 cents
• Iron Ore at US$43.42 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
• Gold at US$1,062.60 an ounce
• Brent oil at US$36.56S a barrel

The ASX closed lower for the first time in ten sessions today, dragged lower by weak international leads overnight and further pressure on oil prices. The ASX 200 rose 8.4% over the last nine sessions but still ended 2015 roughly 0.8% lower.

BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) acted as a drag on the market again, falling 1.3% and 0.2%. Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) also fell 2.1%.

Meanwhile, each of the major banks ended in the red as well. National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) were the worst hit, falling 0.4% and 0.3%.

Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH) and Cardno Limited (ASX: CDD) were two of the worst shares on the ASX, losing 4.1% and 4.9% respectively, while Bega Cheese Ltd (ASX: BGA) bucked the trend, rising 3.2%.

Here are Thursday's top stories:

1. Should you worry about A2 MILK FPO NZ and Bellamy's Australia Ltd crashing?
2. ATTENTION: Australia's digital economy is set to take off
3. Should you buy Commonwealth Bank of Australia shares in 2016?
4. REA Group Limited, Shine Corporate Ltd, Qantas Airways Limited: Buy, Hold or Sell?
5. Should you own BHP Billiton Limited shares in 2016?
6. Will the National Australia Bank Ltd. share price flop in 2016?