Reversing earlier profits, the resource companies led the Australian stocks' fall at close of trade today.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index closed down 32 points, or 0.68 per cent, at 4685, whereas, the broader All Ordinaries index fell 31 points (0.65 per cent) to 4708.20. On the Sydney Futures Exchange, the share price index contract was 28 points lower at 4701, on 26,537 contracts in December.
Tony Russell, Manager in ABN Amro Morgans Ipswich said that after a good start which followed the overseas gains; the share market displayed downward trend during the trading day. After the market hit a four-day high, there was expected profit-making in the resources and banking sectors. “The resources are certainly leading the charge down”, he added.
BHP Billiton, the world's largest resources company lost 23c to $40.23 and its competitor Rio Tinto lost $1.89 to $71.89, whereas Fortescue Metals Group dropped 12c to $4.13.
Among the gold miners, Lihir fell 4c to $3.66 and Newmont Mining dropped 1c to $5.74, while Newcrest increased 20c to $37.20. 
Energy stocks mostly showed a downward trend, with Woodside Petroleum down 25c at $48.44, Oil Search eased one cent lower to $5.86 and Santos one cent lower at $15.01.
Commonwealth Bank was 29c stronger at $53.05, while National Australian Bank had dropped 32 c to $28.37, and Westpac had increased 24c to $24.44.
Most of the media stocks had a poor day, with News Corporation lost 9c to $15.40, while its non-voting scrip dropped 13c to $13.04, and rival Fairfax fell 1c to $1.65.