Here's what happened on the Australian share market today

Local shares snapped their three-day losing streak, ending the day marginally on top.

Here's a quick recap:

• S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.4% to 4945 points
• ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.5% to 5024 points
• AUD/USD at US 75.59 cents
• Iron Ore at US$54.75 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
• Gold at US$1,228.44 an ounce
• Brent oil at US$38.51 a barrel

It was another volatile day for investors, but the market ultimately ended the day on top thanks mostly to support from the energy sector.

While it was another poor day for the banks, with Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) the only major to end the day higher (0.4%), energy shares provided plenty of relief.

Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) and Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) gained 3.9% and 5.3%, respectively, while Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) and BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) rose 2.8% and 1% as well.

Meanwhile, South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) gained 4.4% and Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) ended the day 6.6% higher.

Unfortunately, EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) didn't fare so well. Its shares lost 2.9% for the day.

Here are Wednesday's top stories:

1. 3 reasons to avoid shares, and 3 (even better) reasons to buy
2. 3 financial shares better than the big 4 banks
3. Arrium Ltd shares suspended: Is this the end for the miner?
4. Why the South32 share price is jumping today
5. A bargain hunter's guide to Woodside Petroleum Limited shares
6. Why the National Australia Bank Ltd. share price is down 33%
7. Down 40%: Is Santos Ltd a buy at this share price?