The local share market defied a sluggish start, ending the day marginally higher.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.2% to 5,248 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.3% to 5,286 points
- AUD/USD at US 72.67 cents
- Iron Ore at US$52.93 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,177.38 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$48.53 a barrel
The ASX followed a lead set by other Asian equities markets, recording a strong gain in the latter half of the session.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) was one of the stronger blue-chips today following a pleasing production report. The shares rose 1% for the day, while Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) also provided some support.
The gold miners also rose strongly. EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) gained 8.3% and Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) was up 2.2%.
Other big-name companies reporting gains were Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG), up 6%, Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO), up 2.2%, and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES), up 0.5%.
BC Iron Limited (ASX: BCI) was the top performing company. It rose 18.9% while Sky Network Television Limited (ASX: SKT) shed 11.6%.
Here are Tuesday's top stories:
