Australian shares struck a 10-year high before ending weaker on Wednesday, snapping a winning streak that had lasted for five consecutive sessions, with declines led by materials and real estate stocks.
The S&P/ASX 200 index peaked at 6,150 points in early trade before closing at 6,096.7, down 39.1 points, or 0.6 per cent from Tuesday, reports Reuters.
Miners accounted for most of the losses. Rio Tinto eased off its over six-year high to end 0.8 per cent in the red while rival BHP Billiton lost 0.3 per cent.
Goodman Group Pty Ltd lost its most in over three months while GPT Group slipped 3.0 per cent to its lowest in over two months.
Financial stocks also weakened, with the “Big Four” banks all losing ground, led by Commonwealth Bank of Australia , which shed over 0.7 per cent.