Australian shares rocketed higher today, following the lead set by international equity markets on Friday night. The ASX 200 is now sitting firmly above the 5,500-point mark.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.7% to 5537 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.7% to 5625 points
- AUD/USD at US 76.14 cents
- Iron Ore at US$60.74 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,335.72 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$44.43 a barrel
The banks were particularly strong today. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) shares lifted 1.8% while Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) gained 1.4%. Meanwhile, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) shares also lifted 4.3%.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) also rose 2.3% while Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) shares rose 0.5%.
Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd (ASX: FLT) was one of the market's best performers for the day. Its shares gained 5.5% to $33.40.
Unfortunately, the strong gains weren't enjoyed by every company on the ASX.
The gold miners in particular were hit hard after the gold price sank. EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) dropped 5.7% and Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) fell 4.2%.
iCar Asia Ltd (ASX: ICQ) and MMA Offshore Ltd (ASX: MRM) ended the day in the red, as well. iCar Asia shares fell 16.9% and MMA Offshore lost 2.9%, although its shares did fall as much as 13.2% during the session.
Here are Monday's top stories:
- 2 top small caps to buy with $10,000 today
- Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd lifts dividend, is it a buy?
- Reckon Limited rockets ahead of earnings, is this tech share a buy?
- Why aren't you a millionaire yet?
- iCar Asia Ltd crashes on profit update
- 4 stocks to buy now and hold for the next 20 years
- Here's why the gold miners are getting smashed today
- What to watch when Commonwealth Bank of Australia reports
