Australian shares edge lower as investors renew caution

Goldminers and defence stocks were up as the S&P/ASX 200 finished the day slightly down. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

Australia's share market has slipped a day after hitting a record high, as rising geopolitical risks send investors towards gold and defence stocks.

The S&P/ASX 200 pared early gains to finish Thursday down 27 points, or 0.31 per cent, to 8,565.1, as the broader All Ordinaries fell 23.7 points, or 0.27 per cent, to 8796.