Here's what happened to the ASX 200 today

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX:WES) shares were crushed on dividend worries.

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The ASX remains on track for its seventh-consecutive week of gains. Shares recorded another rise today, although there were a few hiccups during the day which threatened to drag the market lower.

Here's a quick recap:

  • S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.3% to 5388 points
  • ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.3% to 5451 points
  • AUD/USD at US 72.10 cents
  • Iron Ore at US$50.41 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
  • Gold at US$1,229.21 an ounce
  • Brent oil at US$50.05 a barrel

BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) did much of the heavy lifting today. It combined with Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) and Santos Ltd (ASX: STO) to help lift the market after oil prices rose above US$50 a barrel.

The trio rose between 2.1% and 4.9%.

The banks were on top again as well, although the results were somewhat mixed. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) lifted more than 1% each, but National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) ended 0.4% in the red.

Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) didn't perform so well, however. Its shares dropped 3.6% on concerns over its dividend.

Programmed Maintenance Services Limited (ASX: PRG), on the other hand, soared 17.7%, making it one of the market's top-performing shares.

Here are Thursday's top stories:

  1. Why the Australian dollar could fall to just US50 cents
  2. Could this small tech company be the next TPG Telecom Ltd?
  3. This broker thinks Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd shares are a BUY
  4. 2 high-yielding shares and a growth idea for your portfolio
  5. Retailer claims vitamins sales hit by China worries
  6. Here's why ASX gold miners are a dangerous investment right now
  7. Why a leading fund manager says these 3 ASX shares are buys
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.

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