SYDNEY, Mar 18: Australian shares pared early losses to finish unchanged today after a late rally in industrials and telecom shares, but weakness in financial and consumer staples sectors capped gains.
Sentiment was cautious as investors awaited a U.S. Federal Reserve monetary policy statement later in the global day. Iron ore producer Fortescue plunged after scrapping a $2.5 billion bond issue while energy-related shares also fell. The S&P/ASX 200 index closed at 5,842.3 points, after rising 0.8 percent on Tuesday.
New Zealand’s benchmark NZX 50 index ended down 1 percent or 58.74 points to finish the session at 5,846.66. (AGENCIES)