The ASX defied a weak lead set by US shares on Friday night, returning to the black today. Healthcare shares were the standouts for the day with the ASX looking for its sixth consecutive week of gains.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.6% to 5358 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.4% to 5420 points
- AUD/USD at US 72.83 cents
- Iron Ore at US$54.54 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,277.10 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$48.44 a barrel
As noted above, healthcare shares were on fire today. Primary Health Care Limited (ASX: PRY) and Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX: SHL) were two of the best, rising 5.2% and 4.9%. Meanwhile, CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) and Cochlear Limited (ASX: COH) rose 1.9% and 3.4%.
The major banks and miners finished on top as well. Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) was the best of the banks, with all four ending the day in the black, while BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) shares recovered 2%.
Shares of Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) also rose 0.5%.
Unfortunately, shareholders of Blackmores Limited (ASX: BKL) were not so lucky. Their shares fell 5.2% to $172.23.
Here are Monday's top stories:
- This lithium miner's shares have soared 12,540% since January 2015
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- 3 ASX tech shares that you NEED on your watchlist
- Why health care shares are soaring today
- 5 small-cap shares for your watchlist
- Could Warren Buffett be tempted by Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd shares?
- Is now the time to sell your oil and gas shares?
