Eight of 11 sectors finished lower on the ASX but energy stocks offered some relief. -AAP Image
The Australian share market has slipped after again approaching its best ever close, fading ahead of key US economic data and a long weekend in most Australian states.
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The S&P/ASX200 traded a tight range on Friday to finish 20.2 points lower, down 0.24 per cent to 8,518.7, as the broader All Ordinaries slipped 25.5 points, or 0.29 per cent, to 8,743.1.
The top-200 gained roughly one per cent for the week but failed to hold above its record close of 8,555.8 for a second straight day, as investors took profits ahead of a trading break on Monday and two potentially volatile US sessions before the next ASX open.
Eight of 11 local sectors finished lower but energy shares offered some relief, up 0.6 per cent as hopes of easing US-China trade tensions pushed oil prices higher.
The Australian dollar is buying 64.99 US cents, roughly on par with Thursday at 5pm but at the upper end of its recent range with the greenback.
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