ASX losses ease in afternoon trade; Gold miners strong

Summary

• The ASX 200 is in the red, weighed down by the financials, health stocks and underwhelming Caixin Services PMI data
• QLD has shut its borders to the ACT and NSW. Victoria has 725 new virus cases and 15 deaths. NSW has new 12 cases, and QLD 3
• Gold prices hit a new record $US2030 an ounce this morning, helping the likes of Newcrest, Northern Star, and Evolution higher
• Korea's KOSPI and the Hang Seng are higher but other Asian markets are subdued. US futures are down 0.2%