An early bounce for Australian shares has faded, as hopes of Middle East de-escalation crumbled on reports US Gulf allies were taking steps to enter the conflict.
After spiking 138 points at Tuesday's open, the S&P/ASX 200 ended the session 13.5 points higher, up 0.16 per cent, to 8,379.4, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 18.7 points, or 0.22 per cent, to 8,571.3.
