Australian shares have lost ground after energy stocks tumbled more than five per cent. -AAP Image
Australian shares have ended the day lower after Santos led a plunge in energy stocks as yet another suitor abandoned plans to buy the oil and gas giant.
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The benchmark S&P/ASX200 fell 63.7 points, or 0.72 per cent, to 8,754.8, as the broader All Ordinaries lost 55.2 points, or 0.61 per cent, to 9,039.7.
Nine of 11 local sectors closed in the red, as energy stocks tumbled more than five per cent after Abu Dhabi National Oil Company bailed out on its $28 billion takeover offer for Santos.
The heavyweight financials and materials sectors also tracked lower, as CBA sold off and easing iron ore prices dragged on large-cap miners.
The Australian dollar is fetching 66.24 US cents, down from 66.74 US cents on Wednesday at 5pm, after weaker-than-expected August jobs growth narrowed bets for further interest rate relief ahead.