Australia shares end flat

Australian stocks gave up morning gains to end steady on Tuesday,as materials stocks weakened and weighed on the broader market.

The benchmark Samp;P/ASX 200 index ended up just 0.6 point at 4,643.4 according to latest data,after earlier touching its highest level since March 11. The index added 0.4 per cent on Monday on low volumes.

New Zealand8217;s benchmark NZX 50 index gained 0.5 per cent to 3,365.2.