Market Close 20 Aug 21: Longest losing streak in 18 months

The Australian sharemarket gave back this morning’s gains on news that Greater Sydney’s lockdown will be extended by an additional month. The ASX 200 fell for a fifth day for the first time in 18 months while the index also had its worst week in seven months. BHP’s 16% decline this week weighed heavily on the market as did the significant falls in oil and iron ore prices. 

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