By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The ASX 200 eased slightly in early deals on Friday, trading near record high valuations following gains of 1.1% in the previous session, as investors digested lacklustre local data amid the continued spread of the coronavirus Delta variant.
Victoria added 14 fresh COVID-19 cases as New South Wales reported a fresh record of 136. Meanwhile, Queensland health authorities confirmed that a flight attendant has tested positive after travelling on 6 crewed flights.
Among stocks, Gold miner Silver Lake Resources Ltd (ASX:SLR) has plunged 8.78% after a disappointing operating update, while miners BHP Billiton Ltd (ASX:BHP) and Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) were both lower on weaker iron ore prices. Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX:APT), and Zip Co Ltd (ASX:Z1P) rose 2.72% and 2.29% respectively.
Meantime, local preliminary data showed both Manufacturing and Services PMIs snapping 10 months of consecutive growth as extended lockdown restrictions and accelerating COVID-19 cases hit business activity and output.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 fell 20.69 points or 0.16% to 12700.15.