A sluggish morning trading affected Australia's stock market S&P/ASX 200 Index as it declined 0.3 percent to 4,397.50 as of 12:48 p.m. in Sydney. New Zealand's NZX 50 Index shed off 0.3 percent to 3,004.56 in Wellington.

The following were among the most active shares in the market today:

Mining shares led by BHP Billiton (BHP AU), the world's largest mining company, declined 1.9 percent to A$37.86 in Sydney. Rio Tinto Group (RIO AU), the world's third-largest mining company, fell 2.8 percent to A$66.82.

Prospects of copper futures are not as rosy as prices for September delivery slid 1.5 percent to $3.009 a pound in New York yesterday.

Oil companies led by Woodside Petroleum Ltd. (WPL AU), Australia's second- largest oil and gas producer, increased 0.1 percent to A$42.53. Rival Santos Ltd. (STO AU) fell 2.9 percent to A$13.70.

Gold producers led by Newcrest Mining Ltd. (NCM AU), Australia's biggest gold producer, declined 0.2 percent to A$34.91. Rival Eldorado Gold Corp. (EAU AU) dropped 4.5 percent to A$18.91.

Alumina Ltd. (AWC AU) gained 1.3 percent to A$1.57. Its partner in a joint venture, Alcoa Inc., the largest U.S. aluminum producer, reported second-quarter profit that topped analysts' expectations.

Charter Hall Retail REIT (CQR AU) increased 1.8 percent to 56.5 Australian cents.

DUET Group (DUE AU) climbed 4.6 percent to A$1.70.

DuluxGroup Ltd. (DLX AU) rose 3.9 percent to A$2.64.

Energy Resources of Australia Ltd. (ERA AU) declined 4.3 percent to A$14.09. The uranium producer controlled by Rio Tinto said second-quarter output fell 44 percent after heavy rain and instability in a pit wall reduced access to high-grade ore.

National Australia Bank Ltd. (NAB AU) rose 1 percent to A$24.49.

New Zealand:

Telecom Corp. of New Zealand Ltd. (TEL NZ) declined 1 percent to NZ$1.93.