ASX 200 soars: 13 shares you should have been watching

Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX:FMG) has become the lowest cost seaborne supplier of iron ore into China.

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The local share market rocketed higher today, propelled by a strong performance from international markets overnight. The miners rose strongly, as did the major banks.

Here's a quick recap:

  • S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 1.2% to 5543 points
  • ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 1.1% to 5599 points
  • AUD/USD at US 74.89 cents
  • Iron Ore at US$82.25 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
  • Gold at US$1,177.03 an ounce
  • Brent oil at US$53.00 a barrel

Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) helped propel the ASX 200 to a strong gain today. The miner's shares rose 3.1%, with BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) up 1.2%.

Meanwhile, Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) announced it had become the lowest cost seaborne supplier of iron ore into China. Its shares rose 1.7%.

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) gained 2.5% as well. Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) climbed 2.1%.

Insurance business QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) lifted 4.9%, while Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) climbed 4.5%.

Ardent Leisure Group (ASX: AAD) was among the market's best today. It gained 4.2%. Independence Group NL (ASX: IGO) lifted 1.2% as well, and AMP Limited (ASX: AMP) rose 3.7%.

The aged care operators didn't fare so well. Estia Health Ltd (ASX: EHE) fell 3.3% and Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG) shed 0.7%.

Dorsavi Ltd (ASX: DVL) also fell 8.5%.

Here are Thursday's top stories:

  1. Slater & Gordon Limited shareholders could face wipeout
  2. 3 small cap growth stocks for a big 2017
  3. 3 stocking fillers for smart investors this Christmas
  4. Don't JUMP off this ASX dividend machine!
  5. Iron ore price hits 2-year high: Will the bubble burst in 2017?
  6. 4 shares to own in an Australian Recession
  7. 5 small-cap shares I'm tipping to shine in 2017
Motley Fool contributor Ryan Newman has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

A white and black robot in the form of a human being stands in front of a green graphic holding a laptop and discussing robotics and automation ASX shares
Technology Shares

Joining the revolution: How I'd invest in ASX AI shares right now

Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) could usher in a new industrial revolution. Here’s how you can invest in it.

Read more »

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »