(Updates to close) Aug. 29 (Reuters) - Australian shares closed...

(Updates to close)

Aug. 29 (Reuters) - Australian shares closed 0.84 percent lower on Monday as U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen's speech last week underscoring the imminence of a rate hike in the near-term soured the mood.

The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index (xjo) ended the session down 46.27 points to 5,469.20 points, its lowest close since Aug. 3.

The benchmark was dragged down by energy and consumer cyclicals, with oil producer Woodside Petroleum (WPL) and retailer Wesfarmers Ltd (WES) shedding 2.83 percent and 3.32 percent respectively.

Aged care facilities provider Estia Health Ltd (EHE), the biggest loser on the index, plunged to a record low after its full-year earnings missed forecasts.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index (nz50) lost 0.33 percent, or 24.04 points, to finish the session at 7,367.26.

The financial sector, the benchmark's biggest constituent, lost 1.17 percent.

Westpac Banking Corp (WBC) finished 1.27 percent lower, while Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ANZ) lost 1.15 percent.