Australia's share market has trimmed its early losses but ultimately ended the session lower, a mining sector rebound unable to overcome resurgent fears as the US and Iran traded strikes.
The S&P/ASX200 fell 20.1 points on Thursday, down 0.23 per cent, to 8,633.2, as the broader All Ordinaries lost 20.3 points, or 0.23 per cent, to 8,836.7.
Energy stocks and defensive sectors outperformed the broader market after US President Donald Trump vowed to attack Iran "very hard" after a US chopper was shot down earlier in the week, while an afternoon rebound in mining stocks helped the bourse balance its losses elsewhere.
The Australian dollar is buying 70.06 US cents, down from 70.17 US cents on Wednesday at 5pm AEST.
