The ASX finally snapped its six-day losing streak as fears of Brexit subsided overnight. The broader market didn't lift by much, although shares could recover more of their recent losses if the perceived odds of Britain leaving the European Union diminish further over the weekend.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.3% to 5162 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.3% to 5248 points
- AUD/USD at US 73.9 cents
- Iron Ore at US$50.70 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,283.02 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$47.81 a barrel
There were a few standout performers for the day, but Aconex Ltd (ASX: ACX) was by far the best. Its shares soared 9.2% following a very encouraging broker forecast.
Meanwhile, the banks managed to regain some composure today, with all four ending the day in the black. Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) gained 1% while Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) rose 0.7%.
The iron ore miners were back in form today, as well. BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) shares lifted 1.1% and Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) gained 1%, but things weren't quite so rosy in the gold sector.
St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) was the worst performer for the day, shedding 8%. Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST) and EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) also tumbled 5.1% and 2.9%, respectively.
Here are Friday's top stories:
- Have Brexit fears been overcooked?
- Woolworths Limited vs Wesfarmers Ltd: Which is better for dividends?
- Forget Commonwealth Bank of Australia and buy these 3 dividend shares instead
- My 4 tips on how to survive a bear (market) attack
- Better Buy: Ramsay Health Care Limited vs Healthscope Ltd
- 3 high-growth shares I'd buy with $15,000
- Top fund manager likes these 5 ASX shares
