The ASX lost early gains to shed 0.2% despite Dow Jones' record high close, as financial and consumer staples weakened

The ASX lost early gains to shed 0.2% despite Dow Jones' record high close, as financial and consumer staples weakened. The Australian dollar traded at a 20-month low of 95.58 US cents, its lowest since October 5, 2011, compared with last night's local close of 96.55 US cents.