The ASX remains on track for its seventh-consecutive week of gains. Shares recorded another rise today, although there were a few hiccups during the day which threatened to drag the market lower.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.3% to 5388 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.3% to 5451 points
- AUD/USD at US 72.10 cents
- Iron Ore at US$50.41 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,229.21 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$50.05 a barrel
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) did much of the heavy lifting today. It combined with Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) to help lift the market after oil prices rose above US$50 a barrel.
The trio rose between 2.1% and 4.9%.
The banks were on top again as well, although the results were somewhat mixed. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) lifted more than 1% each, but National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) ended 0.4% in the red.
Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) didn't perform so well, however. Its shares dropped 3.6% on concerns over its dividend.
Programmed Maintenance Services Limited (ASX: PRG), on the other hand, soared 17.7%, making it one of the market's top-performing shares.
Here are Thursday's top stories:
- Why the Australian dollar could fall to just US50 cents
- Could this small tech company be the next TPG Telecom Ltd?
- This broker thinks Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd shares are a BUY
- 2 high-yielding shares and a growth idea for your portfolio
- Retailer claims vitamins sales hit by China worries
- Here's why ASX gold miners are a dangerous investment right now
- Why a leading fund manager says these 3 ASX shares are buys
