ASX 200 trading closing flat as regulator publishes scathing assessment of energy sector

The Australian share market has come off its new year high, as the nation and the US both grapple with what 2021 could really bring.

The ASX200 closed 0.03 per cent lower, finishing at 6,681 points and the All Ordinaries rose 0.03 per cent to 6,955 points.

The ASX finished its first day of trade for 2021 yesterday on a positive note, enjoying its best day of trade since November 24.

But the market dropped on the back of US markets trading down on their first session of the year.

Education and energy led the falls, however, gold stocks, including Silver Lake Resources (+7.3pc) and Newcrest Mining (+4.3pc), are holding it up.

The price of spot gold is currently slightly higher at US$1,939 an ounce.

Some of the downers including shopping centre…