Market Wrap: S&P/ASX 200 continues hot streak

The local market closed higher today, continuing the strong rally it posted last week.

Here's a wrap:

• S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.4% to 5,276 points
• ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.4% to 5,326 points
• AUD/USD at US 71.81 cents
• Iron Ore at US$44.91 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
• Gold at US$1,077.65 an ounce
• Brent oil at US$44.48 a barrel

Despite gains in international shares on Friday, another fall (1.2%) in iron ore prices at the weekend led to further losses from shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO).

The banks were the drivers on the market today with each of the majors climbing higher. National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) rose a solid 0.87%.

Meanwhile, more rumours are emerging that embattled supermarket giant, Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW), could again be caught in the crosshairs of international private equity firms. Its shares rose 3.9%, while rival Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) climbed 1.05%.

Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH) was the ASX's worst performer, falling 19%. Myer Holdings Ltd (ASX: MYR) was among the best performers, up 3.9%.

Here are Monday's top stories:

1. Is South32 Ltd a bargain at today's share price?
2. Are Westpac Banking Corp shares a 'Buy' at this price?
3. Why Slater & Gordon Limited shares were smashed 10% today
4. At $5.40 are Telstra Corporation Ltd shares a buy?
5. Should you buy Veda Group Ltd at this share price?
6. Woolworths Limited share price jumps on takeover speculation
7. 3 retirement dividend shares on sale