News: NAB Australia shares slip on fears of lockdowns in Europe

• ASX benchmark's marks worst session since Oct. 2
• U.S. stimulus are just about out of time - analyst
• Afterpay closes at record high to boost Tech index

(Updates to close)

Australian shares closed lower on Tuesday, weighed by miners and bank stocks, as surging coronavirus cases in Europe raised the possibility of further restrictions and stoked fears of an onerous global economic recovery.

The S&P/ASX 200 index (xjo) slid 0.7% to close at 6,184.60, marking its worst session since Oct. 2. The benchmark gained 0.9% on Monday.

Italy approved the shutting of public squares from 9 p.m. and many regions in Spain tightened curbs as COVID-19 cases spiked. Meanwhile, in Britain the government scientific adviser said the country needs to impose a three-week period of national lockdown.

"The virus numbers are pointing to a second wave globally. This may lead to more severe shutdowns and lower economic activity," said Brad Smoling, managing director at Smoling Stockbroking.

Adding to market uncertainty, U.S. House Speaker said she hoped that by the end of Tuesday there will be "clarity" on whether a coronavirus stimulus bill can be passed before the Nov. 3 presidential election.

"The U.S. stimulus talks are just about out of time. I now believe that neither side wants to make a move before the election outcome," Smoling said.

The Australian financial index (xjo) fell 1.2%, weighed by losses in the "Big Four" banks.

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) , National Australia Bank (NAB) Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) and Westpac Banking Corp (WBC) fell between 1% and 1.4%.

Miners .AXMM fell 1.1%, dragged down by losses in BHP Group (BHP) Rio Tinto (RIO) .

In a bright spot, technology stocks .AXIJ gained 1.7% and closed at a record high, boosted by buy-now-pay-later firm Afterpay's (APT) near 6% gain after a partnership with Westpac Banking (WBC) to offer savings accounts.

In New Zealand, the benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index (nz50) rose 0.62% to 12,462.1.

Top gainers were Serko Ltd (SKO) , up 3.6%, followed by Port of Tauranga Ltd (POT) , gaining 3.5%.