SYDNEY: Australian shares are expected to open weaker after losses on Wall Street and on concerns about Chinese demand for metals, with GDP data expected to show a slowdown in mining investment kept growth below potential at the start of the year.
Local share price index futures fell 0.4 percent to 4,879, a 21.8-point discount to the underlying S&P/ASX 200 index close. The benchmark rose 0.3 percent on Tuesday.
New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index fell 0.2 percent in early trade.
US stocks fell on Tuesday as investors sold growth-oriented sectors on speculation the Federal Reserve may slow the pace of its economic stimulus.
Growth in China's steel demand is expected to slow to a near-standstill in 2013, the head of the country's biggest listed steelmaker said on Tuesday, adding to pressure on iron ore prices after a 17 percent fall in May.
Copper rose as investors took account of a prolonged shutdown at the world's second-biggest copper mine.
Gold fell about 1 percent after India, the world's largest bullion consumer, further restricted imports.
Australia's first-quarter GDP report is due at 0130 GMT. It is expected to show growth was below potential as a big slowdown in spending by miners was compounded by a still sluggish non-resource sector, even as exports and consumer spending added to growth.
Australian gambling tycoon James Packer is teaming up with a Sri Lankan partner for a $350 million investment, including a hotel with a least 400 rooms, Sri Lanka's investment promotion minister said on Tuesday.
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