Australia Stocks Update: S&P/ASX 200 Falls 17.60 to 5,121.30

By Nicolas Johnson

July 2 (Bloomberg) -- Australia's benchmark stock index, the S&P/ASX 200 Index, fell 0.34 percent at 10:05 a.m.

The index of 200 companies traded on the Australian Stock Exchange fell 17.60 to 5,121.30. Among the stocks in the index, 49 rose, 68 fell and 83 were unchanged.

Declines in the S&P/ASX 200 Index were led by Bhp Billiton Ltd, Fortescue Metals Group Ltd and Foster's Group Ltd. About 67.86 million shares changed hands on the Australian Stock Exchange.

Bhp Billiton Ltd, which fell 90 cents to A$43.50, was the most active stock by value in Australia.

The next most-active issues were Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd, which rose 10 cents to A$17.87, and Commonwealth Bank Of Australia, which rose 18 cents to A$39.41.
Last Updated: July 1, 2008 20:05 EDT