By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 dipped 49.4 points or 0.66% to 7452.7 on Thursday, falling to 2-week lows after a flat close in the previous session. Market participants retreated as falling Iron ore prices pushed miners lower, while corporate earnings continue to roll in.
On the coronavirus front, New South Wales tallied a record 681 fresh cases today as health authorities urge vaccination amid accelerating infection rates. Victoria reported 57 locally acquired infections, with 13 infectious while in the community, while the ACT tallied 22. Meantime, Queensland health authorities reported zero cases.
Among stocks, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO), BHP Billiton Ltd (ASX:BHP) and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX:FMG) plunged 3.33%, 5.68% and 4.06% respectively as Iron ore dipped in overnight trade. Meantime, Origin Energy Ltd (ASX:ORG) was 2.06% lower after reporting an A$2.29 billion full-year loss, while gold miner Newcrest Mining Ltd (ASX:NCM) lifted 0.95% on solid results.
Investors will also be looking toward key employment data for a gauge on the effects of the ongoing lockdown restrictions across the country.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 added 156.24 points or 1.23% to 12875.12.