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MELBOURNE, Aug 25 (Reuters) - Australian shares slipped on Thursday, hurt by falls in mining and energy stocks. Metcash MTS.AX and Woolworths WOW.AX , Australia's biggest grocer, were among the top gainers after Woolworths explained details of its exit from a disastrous foray into the home improvement business, with Metcash to purchase some hardware stores.
Mining and energy stocks fell, as oil tumbled and other commodities declined.
The S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO gave up 0.36 percent, or 19.77 points, to close at 5,541.90. The benchmark rose 0.14 percent on Wednesday.
New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index .NZ50 rose 0.23 percent or 16.98 points to finish the session at 7,427.28.