The benchmark ASX 200 index surged above 5,600 points today, although it did trim its gains later in the session. Today's gain marked the index's sixth consecutive session in the black ahead of tomorrow's RBA interest rate meeting.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.4% to 5587 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.5% to 5670 points
- AUD/USD at US 76.08 cents
- Iron Ore at US$59.37 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,349.59 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$43.69 a barrel
As has often been the case in 2016, the gold miners represented a bright spot on the ASX today.
St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) shares soared 7%. Independence Group NL (ASX: IGO) gained 5.5%. And EVOLUTION FPO (ASX: EVN) rose 2.5%.
The iron ore miners produced reasonable gains as well. BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) lifted 0.8%, while Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) gained 0.9%.
The big four banks produced mixed results. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) fell 0.2% but Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) rose 0.8%.
CYBG PLC CDI 1:1 (ASX: CYB), a spin-off from National Australia Bank, also gained 4% for the day.
Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) climbed another 8.3%, while Catapult Group International Ltd (ASX: CAT) lifted 2.1%.
REA Group Limited (ASX: REA) wasn't so lucky. Its shares fell 3.7%.
Here are Monday's top stories:
- Top stock picks for August
- Will the RBA cut rates tomorrow?
- Catapult Group International Ltd reports huge growth: Is it too late to buy?
- The end for newspapers is near
- Where to from here for the Telstra share price?
- Is Vista Group International Ltd a buy on China potential?
- Why it could be time to sell your Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd shares
