The Australian share market has extended losses to a third consecutive session with local investors joining a slump across Asian markets ahead of key US economic data.
The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index ended 62.2 points, or 0.75 per cent, lower on Wednesday, at 8,193.40, while the broader All Ordinaries finished down 64.3 points, or 0.76 per cent, to 8,450.90.
Only one of the 12 ASX sectors managed to end in positive territory, with the heavyweight banking and mining sectors accounting for the bulk of the losses.
The Australian dollar was buying 65.29 US cents, compared with 65.55 US cents at Tuesday's ASX close.