Energy, healthcare sectors drag Australia shares lower; NZ slips
Australian shares ended weaker on Monday, led by energy and healthcare sectors, as investors maintained a cautious stance ahead of a US-China Phase 1 trade deal this week, and as bushfires raging across the country dented the mood.
The S&P/ASX 200 index was down 0.4 per cent at 6,903.70, at the close of trade. The benchmark ended 0.8 per cent higher on Friday.
China’s Vice Premier Liu He will visit Washington this week to sign the trade deal. The two nations, however, have not yet finalised what exactly will be signed, the White House said on Friday, adding that the translation of the deal was still not complete.
