The Australian share market has closed lower, retreating after three straight sessions of gains.

At the close on Thursday, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 36.4 points, or 0.61 per cent, lower at 5,908.5, while the broader All Ordinaries index was down 30.7 points, or 0.52 per cent, at 5,877.9, according to preliminary figures.

On the ASX 24, the March share price index futures contract was 35 points lower at 5,887, with 19,373 contracts traded.