Australia's share market had a downbeat day as spikes in bond yields prompted investors to sell equities, while Brisbane's growing coronavirus outbreak hit Easter travel plans.
Shares closed a little lower on the Australian market as a coronavirus lockdown unfolded for Brisbane, and the refloating of a ship blocking the Suez Canal caused oil prices to fall.
Australia's resources and energy exports are forecast to reach a record $296 billion in 2020/21, despite the global economic downturn driven by COVID-19.
Investors have had their best week on the ASX in the past seven, while the surging buy now, pay later sector may be the best indicator of any effect on shares from the end of the JobKeeper wage subsidy.
Shares closed at their highest level on the Australian market in more than a week, as a weaker Aussie dollar helped the indices buck downcast sentiment overseas.
Treasury chief Steven Kennedy believes few countries have achieved what Australia has in responding to last year's recession – relatively good health outcomes, smaller economic impacts and now, rapid recovery.
Australia's share market has closed lower for the fourth time in the past five sessions, while the Aussie dollar fell to US76 cents as demand for commodities dropped.
Investors in Australia's share market have made gains early in a week in which most of the focus will likely be on US financial leaders appearing before the Senate.
Australia's share market closed lower for a third consecutive day and the week, while US financial leaders will next week have another chance to persuade investors jittery about the prospect of inflation.
Shares on the ASX have closed lower, but the Aussie dollar rose as investors tipped it to benefit following forecasts of strong economic growth in the US.