The Aussie market declined today, following a weak session on international markets overnight.

The sectors closed mixed, with defensive sectors, health care, telcos and utilities all closing in positive territory.

Materials were the major drag on the market, paring early gains after Chinese trade date revealed weaker-than-expected import growth.

Imports were up 6.3% in June when compared to the prior year, below expectations of a 10.4% rise.

The Chinese data impacted BHP and Rio Tinto which were both showing gains in early trading. Both miners ended up dropping 0.8%.

Alumina plummeted 6.6% after US joint venture partner Alcoa reported a 2Q loss of US$2 million.

The major banks all closed in the red; ANZ was the worst performer, losing 0.7%.

Fund manager, Platinum Asset tumbled 7.8% after downgrading its FY12 profit guidance, due to lower funds under management.

The ASX 200 let go of 20 points (-0.5%) to settle at 4098.

Evening Market Analysis: The Slide Continues is a post from: Australian Stock Report Market Pulse Blog