SP/ASX 200 largely fell -2.5% (-177 pts), closed at 6963 points, fell 3 days in a row, a 174-day low.
Among the 150 largest-cap stocks, 8 (5%) closed higher. Only 13% of all ASX stocks ended higher, the least for 22 months.
In terms of sectors, all sectors were down with losses from -1.2% to -3.8%. 6 sectors outperformed the market. The market was down -2.5%; Consumer Defensive, Utilities were down -1.2%, but already the best performers, reflecting a more conservative market sentiment; Energy was down -3.8%, the worst performer.
● MERCURY NZ (MCY) retreated -1.1% (-$0.06), closed at $5.52. The largest increase in volume.
● THE A2 MILK COMPANY (A2M) spiked 7.1% (+$0.36) after a 4-day losing streak, closed at $5.45, the best % gain in more than 3 months, crossed above MA20 ($5.43). The best performer with a huge increase in volume.
● LIONTOWN RESOURCES (LTR) sank -9.9% (-$0.15), closed at $1.36, fell 3 days in a row, the worst % loss in nearly 2 months, also a 72-day low. The worst performer with a significant increase in volume.