Australian shares inch down Monday's close, tracking Wall Street markets as investors remained uncertain about the new year.
The S&P/ASX 200 Index fell 0.3% or 26.8 points to close at 8,231.
The day saw thin trading with investors becoming risk-averse ahead of uncertainties surrounding the new year, Bloomberg reported.
In company news, Astral Resources (ASX:AAR) submitted a non-binding indicative proposal to acquire Maximus Resources (ASX:MXR) for AU$0.07 per share in an all-scrip, off-market takeover. Shares of Astral Resources fell 7%, while shares of Maximus Resources soared 31% at market close.
Woolworths Group (ASX:WOW) said customers of its Everyday car insurance will receive refunds after the retailer discovered they had been overcharged by its underwriter for several years, The Australian reported.
Lastly, Proteomics International Laboratories (ASX:PIQ) validated the use of a plasma protein biomarker to detect endometriosis via the PromarkerEndo diagnosis test. The company's shares surged past 22% at market close.