Highlights

Australian benchmark index, the ASX 200, plunged 1.5% by the lunchtime.

Barring utilities, all 10 sectors were bleeding in red.

Mining stocks such as BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue Metals fell sharply.

Energy firm AusNet Services surged 19% on the takeover offer.

Regional Express shares rose on mandating COVID-19 vaccination for frontline staff.

Australian shares have fallen sharply by the afternoon as a plunge in commodity prices and weak global cues…