The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index fell 22 points to 4,042.2, according to the latest data, its weakest close since June 4. It lost 0.2 percent on Wednesday.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index rose 1 percent to 3,416.1 points. The central bank held its benchmark cash rate steady at 2.5 percent for a 10th consecutive review on Thursday.

Top miners and banks fell, though wealth manager Perpetual rallied 10 percent after the Australian Financial Review said at least one private equity firm was "readying to make a play for Perpetual." Perpetual said the report was pure speculation.