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SYDNEY, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Australian shares fell 0.84 percent on Thursday led by financials as stronger-than-expected jobs data further diminished the chances of a Reserve Bank rate cut.
The S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO slipped 42.75 points to 5037.7 at the close of trade. The benchmark fell 0.55 percent on Wednesday. The index is on track to post a third consecutive week of losses.
New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index fell 0.21 percent or 13 points to finish the session at 6040.56.