Australian shares ended higher today, despite negative leads from international markets overnight.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.6% to 4976 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.5% to 5028 points
- AUD/USD at US 70.43 cents
- Iron Ore at US$42.43 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,120.97 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$32.79 a barrel
The local share market shrugged off an early decline today, ending the day in the black. A 1.5% gain from Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) provided plenty of support while the miners also ended the day higher.
Shares of BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) climbed 0.6% and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) rose 2.2%, but Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) was the big winner. Its shares gained 4.1%.
Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) was also on the winners' list, rising 1.5%, while Sundance Energy Australia Ltd (ASX: SEA) gained 15.8%.
Slater & Gordon Limited (ASX: SGH) and AWE Limited (ASX: AWE) weren't so lucky, falling 14.3% and 11.5% respectively.
Here are Thursday's top stories:
- Australia and New Zealand Banking Group flags dividend cut
- 6 top investment tips for millennials in 2016
- The end of an era for Aussie blue chip shares
- Asciano Ltd shares soar on Qube Holdings Ltd takeover bid
- A falling Australian dollar is hurting Australian retailers
- CRASH: Why the Lovisa Holdings Ltd share price got hammered today
- Can Fortescue Metals Group Ltd become the world's lowest-cost producer?