Australian shares ease but finish week in the green

The local share market has finished slightly lower but its weekly performance was enough to make up for last week's losses and leave it within striking distance of a fresh all-time high.

The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index on Friday closed down 8.5 points, or 0.1 per cent, at 8,214.5, while the broader All Ordinaries dipped 7.2 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 8,491.5.

For the week, the ASX200 gained 64.5 points, or 0.79 per cent, after dropping 62.2 points the prior week.

Its finish on Friday was 55.3 points, or 0.7 per cent, off its all-time best close of 8,269.8 set on September 30.

The Australian dollar was buying 67.40 US cents, from 67.30 US cents at Thursday's ASX close.