Sydney - Investors sold Australian stocks at the opening bell Thursday after a reversal on Wall Street and big declines on Asian markets in the previous session.

The ASX 200 lost 141 points, or 3.3 per cent, in early trading to 4,014.

Falling commodity prices and fears of a global recession hurt the local currency, with the Australian dollar trading at 66 US cents - only 1 cent off its five-year low. (dpa)