The local share market rose strongly this morning and then didn't look back. It's likely that a positive lead set by international markets on Friday, together with rising anticipation of an interest rate cut next week, would have played a big role in today's gains.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.6% to 5533 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.6% to 5607 points
- AUD/USD at US 74.82 cents
- Iron Ore at US$55.87 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,317.76 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$45.47 a barrel
Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) was the big news story of today. Its shares soared 8.2% following an update into its operational review. Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) gained 1.1% as well.
The banks drove the market higher, as well. All four banks recorded a gain, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) rising 0.5%.
Shares in the resources sector weren't so lucky. BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) fell 0.3%, while gold miners Newcrest Mining Limited (ASX: NCM) and St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) dropped 2.6% and 4.1%.
Elsewhere, Corporate Travel Management Ltd (ASX: CTD) shares flew 4.9% and Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd. (ASX: DMP) cooked up a 3.5% gain.
Small-cap chocolate manufacturer Yowie Group Ltd (ASX: YOW) didn't fare so well, closing 12.4% lower for the day.
Here are Monday's top stories:
- Why the Woolworths Limited share price is going nuts today
- These are the 10 worst-performing shares on the ASX in 2016
- 2 of my favourite small-caps for your watch list
- Why the Yowie Group Ltd share price got smashed today
- 3 things to consider before buying shares in Telstra Corporation Ltd
- More reasons I'd avoid buying shares in Coca-Cola Amatil Ltd
