Aust stocks close flat

The Australian stock market closed flat after a day of mixed news flow, featuring stronger than expected capital expenditure figures and a shock tumble for engineering firm Forge.

At the 1615 AEDT official market close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index inched up 0.03% to 5,334.3 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index edged up 0.03% to 5,326.6 points.

IG market analyst Stan Shamu said the local market underperformed the region today despite gains for the big banks and miners.

"Industrials continue to languish with profit warnings in the mining services companies being the dominant theme," Mr Shamu said.

"A shocking day for Forge (-83%) set the tone for the sector."

New private capital expenditure lifted 3.6% in the September quarter, beating expectations of a 1.2 per cent fall.