Market Wrap: ASX shares surge on Fed rate hike

The local share market surged higher again today, ending the session above 5100 points.

Here's a quick recap:

• S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 1.5% to 5102 points
• ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 1.4% to 5150 points
• AUD/USD at US 71.79 cents
• Iron Ore at US$39.18 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
• Gold at US$1,067.86 an ounce
• Brent oil at US$37.15 a barrel

The ASX jumped higher shortly after the opening bell, and from there, there was no looking back. The gains came after the US Federal Reserve elected to hike interest rates overnight for the first time since 2006, reflecting its confidence in the US economy.

Although BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) shares both fell, they were two of the few exceptions for the day.

Elsewhere, Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares rose 2.3% and its three rivals gained 2%, while Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) and CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) rose 2.1% and 2.6%.

Meanwhile, Caltex Australia Limited (ASX: CTX) shares jumped 6%, while Mesoblast limited (ASX: MSB) was the market's biggest winner, its share price rising 15.3%.

Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH) shares weren't so lucky. They fell 17.2% following an earnings downgrade.

Here are Thursday's top stories:

1. US Fed raises rates: The beginnings of a Santa rally?
2. Here's why Santa's come early for the ASX
3. Medibank Private Ltd shares sink on regulatory risk
4. Can the BHP Billiton Limited share price hit $20 in 2016?
5. Why Slater & Gordon Limited shares tumbled 13% today
6. Here's why the Caltex Australia Limited share price is soaring