SYDNEY, Mar 6: Australian shares were little changed on Friday in a choppy session as a late rebound in financial and real estate shares helped prop up the index, which had been pulled lower by resources and energy stocks. The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 0.09 percent, or 5.26 points, to 5,898.90 at the close of trade, hitting an intra-day low of 5,870.7 points.
The benchmark finished flat on Thursday, after reaching its highest level since early 2008 on Monday. The index is down 0.5 percent for the week, its worst weekly performance since Jan.16.
While the major banks ended in the red, insurance company QBE and investment bank Macquarie led gains with property companies Lend Lease and Westfield shining too. Iron ore and metals companies including Fortescue and Arrium sank on declines in iron ore prices. New Zealand’s benchmark NZX 50 index rose 0.8 percent or 46.29 points to finish the session at 5,903.065. (AGENCIES)
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