The banks led the local share market higher today, driven by reports that Deutsche Bank is close to reaching a settlement with the US Department of Justice. The strong gain came despite much of the country enjoying a public holiday today.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 0.8% to 5478 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 0.7% to 5564 points
- AUD/USD at US 76.56 cents
- Iron Ore at US$55.86 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,316.13 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$49.47 a barrel
The banks were particularly strong today. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) gained 1.5% and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) rose 1.8%.
Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) lifted 1.1% and National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) gained 0.8%.
BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) rose another 1.7% today, with South32 Ltd (ASX: S32) also rising 2.5%.
iSentia Group Ltd (ASX: ISD) was one of the market's strongest performers today. Its shares rose 5%, while Australian Agricultural Company Ltd (ASX: AAC) rose 9.8%.
Telecommunications giant TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TOM), on the other hand, fell 1.3%. OceanaGold Corporation (ASX: OGC) fell 2.9%. And lithium giant Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) dropped 5.6%.
Here are Monday's top stories:
