Australian shares slipped on Monday in the wake of Wall Street's fall on Friday, with mining stocks accounting for most of the slide. President Donald Trump's failure to get a healthcare plan through the US House of Representatives raised questions about his ability to push through tax cuts and fiscal spending to boost the economy. The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 6.85 points or 0.12 percent to 5,746.7 at the close of trade.
Some analysts expect a much more severe reaction to the failed healthcare legislation when the US share markets reopen later on Monday.
The big pressure points for the Australian benchmark index were metal majors. BHP Billiton fell 2.9 percent, Rio Tinto was off 1.8 percent and Fortescue Metals down 3.0 percent.
New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index ended 0.16 percent or 11.12 points lower, to finish the session at 7,062.71.