Local shares skyrocketed more than 2% today, following the lead set by international markets on Friday. This was largely due to a better-than-expected US June payrolls report which appears to have helped ease concerns related to the world's biggest economy.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 2% to 5337 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 1.9% to 5417 points
- AUD/USD at US 75.67 cents
- Iron Ore at US$55.17 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,365.52 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$46.51 a barrel
The banks played a huge role in today's rally. While all four banks rose more than 2%, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) were the best, lifting 3.5% and 3.3%.
The miners were strong, too. BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) gained 2.9%, while South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) soared 6.9%.
Meanwhile, Beadell Resources Ltd (ASX: BDR) and Silver Lake Resources Limited. (ASX: SLR) were strong among the gold miners. The pair gained 6.3% and 6.8%, respectively.
Fellow gold miner Independence Group NL (ASX: IGO) was one of the best for the day as well, rising 6.1%.
Unfortunately, Primary Health Care Limited (ASX: PRY) didn't fare as well, shedding 2.4%, although it did fall as much as 8.4% earlier in the session.
Here are Monday's top stories:
- These Are the 10 Highest-Dividend Shares by Yield – but Are Any Worth Buying?
- ASIC's court claims could shatter the big banks' reputations for good
- 4 financial ratios to understand before buying shares
- Supermarket shares could keep falling on margin pressure
- Independence Group NL surges on gold production update: Is it a buy?
- The ultimate growth stock: Catapult Group International Ltd
- 8 stocks to benefit from government policy in the years ahead
