(Updates to close)
SYDNEY, July 23 (Reuters) - Australian shares slipped 0.43 percent on Thursday, dragged down by falling global commodity prices, which created losses in the materials sector.
The S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO lost 24.269 points to close at 5590.300. The benchmark dipped 1.61 percent on Wednesday.
New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index .NZ50 lost 0.45 percent or 26.45 points to finish the session at 5,901.300.