THE MARKET

THE share market surrendered its early gains to close relatively steady as investors practised caution ahead of US inflation data and Australian jobs figures out later in the week.

The benchmark S&P/ ASX200 stock index dropped 2.1 points to 5744.3 points.

The broader All Ordinaries index was down 2.4 points, or 0.04 per cent, at 5804 points.

The Australian dollar weakened slightly against the US dollar to finish at 80.28 cents.