Market Wrap: Still no relief for BHP shares as ASX soars

The Australian share market closed higher for the first time in 2016 with the ASX 200 storming back towards 5000 points.

Here's a quick recap:

• S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 1.3% to 4987 points
• ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 1.2% to 5041 points
• AUD/USD at US 70.38 cents
• Iron Ore at US$41.19 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
• Gold at US$1,083.39 an ounce
• Brent oil at US$31.24 a barrel

The ASX ended its horror start to 2016 in fine fashion today, closing more than 1% higher in a relief rally led by the banks. Oil prices stabilised, for now at least, while Chinese exports also surprised on the upside which provided some comfort.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) led the banks higher, rising 2% and 2.2%, with all four majors ending the day at least 1.2% higher.

Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) was also back on the market's agenda today, rising 1.1%, while Spotless Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SPO) soared 15.3%.

Unfortunately, there weren't too many smiles from investors in the gold sector. EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) shares crashed 6.1%, while Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) both tanked 4.9% and 7%.

BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) was the other big-name share to end the day in the red, falling 1.6%, while WHITEHAVEN COAL LIMITED (ASX: WHC) plunged 9.4%.

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