Three independent MPs who may hold the balance of power following Saturday's inconclusive election in Australia say they will negotiate as a bloc.
With some votes still to be counted, both the ruling Labor party and the opposition conservative coalition appear to have fallen short of the 76 seats needed for a majority.
Both are now lobbying for support from the independents.
Trading was down as financial markets opened, amid the political limbo.
The Australian dollar and government bonds both fell in value. The Australian dollar lost almost 1% against the US dollar in early trading, before recovering somewhat.
Australia has not elected a hung parliament since 1940.
But the latest figures from Australian public broadcaster ABC give Labor 72 seats and the coalition 69 seats. The Greens secured one seat and independents won three. Five seats have not yet been called. BBC News
