Here's what happened to the S&P/ASX 200 today

BHP Billiton Limited (ASX:BHP) and the gold miners were back on top today

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Local shares shot higher again today, defying a weak international lead which saw US shares fall on worries of a June interest rate hike.

Here's a quick recap:

  • S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.5% to 5351 points
  • ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.5% to 5415 points
  • AUD/USD at US 72.30 cents
  • Iron Ore at US$53.47 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
  • Gold at US$1,254.07 an ounce
  • Brent oil at US$49.22 a barrel

The miners were back on top today, even though the iron ore price was slammed overnight. Shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) rose 0.8% while Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) also gained 1.7%.

The gold miners managed to regain some of yesterday's losses, as well. Beadell Resources Ltd (ASX: BDR), for instance, rose 3.5% while St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) gained 2.5%.

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) was the best of the banks, rising 0.7%, while Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) shares also rose 0.5%.

Meanwhile, Metcash Limited (ASX: MTS) shares rose 6.1%, making it one of the best shares on the ASX 200. Japara Healthcare Ltd (ASX: JHC) wasn't so lucky, losing 2.8%.

Here are Friday's top stories:

  1. 4 tips to become a great investor – from a great investor
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  3. Is it time to buy Woodside Petroleum Limited and Santos Ltd shares?
  4. Webjet Limited jumps 7% on company update: Should you buy?
  5. Does JB Hi-Fi Limited face a bidding war over The Good Guys?
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  7. A Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd shareholder's worst nightmare
Motley Fool contributor Ryan Newman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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