From Investing.com:

Australia stocks closed lower, with the S&P/ASX 200 down 0.31%. The best performers included Nickel Mines Ltd, Austal Ltd, and St Barbara Ltd, while the worst performers were Resolute Mining Ltd, Perseus Mining Ltd, and Silver Lake Resources Ltd. The implied volatility of S&P/ASX 200 options rose to 11.23, a new 1-month high.

In commodities trading, Gold Futures for February delivery was down to $2,071.80 a troy ounce, while Crude oil for delivery in February fell to $71.33 a barrel. The AUD/USD was unchanged at 0.68, and the US Dollar Index Futures was up at 101.06.



Read more: Australia stocks lower at close of trade; S&P/ASX 200 down 0.31% By Investing.com