Aussie sharemarket finishes at a loss despite strong Wall Street lead, banks drag market

Key points

• The Australian share market closed 0.09 per cent lower, with financials and materials sectors leading losses. Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, and NAB shares fell, while healthcare and real estate gained.
• The High Court blocked a coal mine extension in the Upper Hunter Valley, citing environmental concerns.
• Shares in Sea Forest rose 17 per cent after a deal with a major beef supplier, and Telix Pharmaceuticals gained 3 per cent after FDA approval for a brain tumour imaging agent.