The local share market continued to rise today, as it approached its highest level since the beginning of the year.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 1.1% to 5272 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 1% to 5336 points
- AUD/USD at US 78.11 cents
- Iron Ore at US$64.77 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,255.01 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$46.08 a barrel
Resources shares continued to drive the local market higher today as oil prices gained 3% and iron ore rose 3.1% overnight.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) was one of the biggest winners. Although it retreated slightly as the day wore on, the shares still gained 3.5%. South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) shares also surged 8%.
Shares in the energy sector performed even better. Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) gained 5.9%, while Origin Energy Ltd (ASX: ORG) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) soared 8.8% and 10%, respectively.
The banks also managed to end the day in the black. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) shares gained 1.7% while each of its major rivals gained 1.3%.
Meanwhile, shares of NIB Holdings Limited (ASX: NHF) and Medibank Private Ltd (ASX: MPL) soared 11.2% and 3.6% following NIB's earnings upgrade.
Unfortunately, Myob Group Ltd (ASX: MYO) and Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd (ASX: CCL) didn't fare so well today. Myob lost 4.3%, while Coca-Cola Amatil dropped 3.5%.
Here are Thursday's top stories:
- Why this veteran fund manager just bought oil shares
- Why the NIB Holdings Limited and Medibank Private Ltd share prices skyrocketed today
- BHP Billiton Limited shares hit 5-month high: Have you missed the boat?
- Why brokers think Somnomed Limited shares can soar higher
- 2 ways the Telstra share price could soar back over $6
- Interested in a 9.5% fully franked dividend?
