ASX 200 ends week lower; Liontown leads lithium gains, BHP closer to OZ Minerals takeover

Shares end higher on lithium and banking stocks. Liontown sees best gain in a year. BHP's OZ Minerals bid is 'fair and reasonable'. Investors block Pushpay sale.

Local and global economic updates are driving equity investor sentiment. Picture: David Swift

Welcome to the Trading Day blog for Friday, March 3. The Australian sharemarket fell to its fourth consecutive weekly fall as 10 of the 11 sectors posted gains led by communication and financials. 

The S&P/ASX 200 rose 0.4 per cent to 7283.60. For the week, the index fell 0.3 per cent.

The dollar was buying US67.45c at the close.