Australian shares fell 0.92 percent on Friday, reflecting broad-based losses across all sectors and tracking a selloff across global equities on heightened risk aversion. The S&P/ASX 200 index was down 49.34 points at 5,312.6 at the close of trade, its biggest daily percentage drop since June 1. The benchmark slipped 0.12 percent this week, its second consecutive weekly loss. New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index was steady at 6,971.78.
Uncertainty about a US interest rate decision next week and Britain's referendum on whether to remain in the European Union in the following week were keeping markets on edge.