Market Wrap: Hot streak continues for ASX investors

Local shares rose for the ninth consecutive day today in what has proven to be a remarkable Santa rally.

Here's a quick recap:

• S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 1% to 5319 points
• ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 1% to 5366 points
• AUD/USD at US 72.87 cents
• Iron Ore at US$42.31 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
• Gold at US$1,070.60 an ounce
• Brent oil at US$37.30 a barrel

The Australian share market received another boost from international equity markets today after they rallied as a result of surging commodity prices.

Unfortunately, that didn't translate to any meaningful gains for BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) or Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO). Both traded flat at the end of the day after spending most of the session in the red.

National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) were the best of the banks, rising 1.4% and 1.9%, while Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) and CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) gained 1.5% and 1.4%.

Karoon Gas Australia Limited (ASX: KAR) was one of the best shares on the ASX, rising 6.8%, while BlueScope Steel Limited (ASX: BSL) lost 4.9%.

Here are Wednesday's top stories:

1. 3 ASX shares to buy for 2016 and beyond
2. Why Australian Dairy Farms Group shares have more than tripled in price
3. 3 big name shares to be wary of in 2016
4. Forget the banks: 3 financial shares for income and growth in 2016
5. 2 outstanding small cap shares to add to your portfolio in 2016
6. Will the Telstra Corporation Ltd share price outperform in 2016?
7. Is Woolworths Limited a top share for 2016?