Local shares closed higher again today following a rebound in oil prices and a strong session on Wall Street.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.5% to 5141 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.5% to 5193 points
- AUD/USD at US 72.33 cents
- Iron Ore at US$40.80 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,073.80 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$36.42 a barrel
Australian shares rose strongly after the opening bell and from there, never looked like retreating below yesterday's closing level.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) were two of the strongest performers, rising 3.5% and 4.2% after a rise in iron ore and oil prices overnight. South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) also gained 2.9%.
Unlike yesterday's session which saw all four major banks close lower, they each recovered today. National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) was the top performing bank gaining 0.8%, while Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) also gained 0.5%.
Aurizon Holdings Ltd (ASX: AZJ) and Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH) were two of the worst performing shares. They fell 11.7% and 6.6%, but Alumina Limited (ASX: AWC) closed 7.7% higher.
Here are Wednesday's top stories:
- Is your portfolio ready for a 'Bumper 2016'?
- Why I think now isn't the time to buy BHP Billiton or Rio Tinto shares
- BOOM: The A2 MILK FPO NZ share price adds another 9%
- Crash: Why Aurizon Holdings Ltd shares fell 15%
- Class action spells trouble for Slater & Gordon Limited shares
- Top broker reveals predictions for 2016