(Updates to close)
SYDNEY, Dec 18 (Reuters) - Australian shares gave up early losses to end flat on Friday, led by late buying demand in financials stocks, including Commonwealth Bank of Australia CBA.AX . urn:newsml:reuters.com:*:nL3N1471B9
The S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO rose 0.09 percent, or 4.69 points, to 5,106.70 at the close of trade. The benchmark jumped 1.5 percent on Thursday and posted its best weekly performance since the week ending Nov. 20.
New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index .NZ50 rose 0.32 percent or 19.51 points to finish the session at 6,107.84.