The S&P / ASX 200 Index (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has pulled back from the early gains, closing up 0.2% at 4,973.9. The rise follows strong gains on overseas markets, with the US S&P 500 index hitting its highest level ever, after Ben Bernanke reaffirmed the US Federal Reserve's commitment to maintaining its stimulus program.
Here are the top five best performing stocks in the index.
With gold rising four days in a row, it's perhaps no surprise that gold stocks dominated the top ten highest moving stocks on the index.
Gold miner Perseus Mining (ASX:PRU) gained 13.3% to end at 68 cents.
Emeco Holdings (ASX:EHL) rose 11.4% to 24.5 cents.
Australia's largest gold miner Newcrest Mining (ASX:NCM) continues its recovery, up 8.9% to $12.09.
Sundance Resources (ASX:SDL) climbed 8.5% to 7.7 cents.
Monadelphous Group (ASX:MND) added 6.4% to $16.34.
These stocks were the losers on the day.
Resolute Mining (ASX:RSG), another gold miner fell 5.3% to close at 63 cents.
Lynas Corporation (ASX:LYC) lost 4.3%, finishing at 44.5 cents.
Telecommunications company iiNet Limited (ASX:IIN), ended down 4.2% at $6.10.
Cabcharge Australia (ASX:CAB) fell 3.2% to $4.28.
Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN) lost 3.1% to finish at 93 cents.
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Motley Fool writer/analyst Mike King doesn't own shares in any companies mentioned.
