S&P/ASX 200 falls and takes miners' share prices lower

The S&P/ASX 200 (Index:^AXJO) (ASX:XJO) has fallen 1.3%, led lower by BHP Billiton Limited (ASX:BHP).

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The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has reversed some of its recent gains today, slipping 65 points or 1.3% to 5,120 points.

The local market has been on a tear recently, rising in nine of its last 11 sessions in a rally led mostly by the miners and the banks. However, those are the companies leading the market lower today after a volatile night for commodity markets.

Shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP), for instance, have fallen 2.2% and are trading at $17.35 a share. South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) has also fallen 3.2%, while Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) and Sundance Energy Australia Ltd (ASX: SEA) are down 2.2% and 16.7%, respectively.

The banks have run into a few hurdles as well, with Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) all shedding 1.8%. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) shares have also dipped 1.3%.

Whatever the reason for today's falls, investors should be encouraged by the recent gains and the lowered level of volatility in the markets compared to earlier in the year. The S&P/ASX 200 is still hovering well below its 2015 highs of nearly 6,000 points and investors should be on the lookout for great buying opportunities.

Motley Fool contributor Ryan Newman has no position in any stocks mentioned. Unless otherwise noted, the author does not have a position in any stocks mentioned by the author in the comments below. You can follow Ryan on Twitter @ASXvalueinvest. 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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