The local share market rocketed higher today, propelled by a strong performance from international markets overnight. The miners rose strongly, as did the major banks.
Here's a quick recap:
- S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) up 1.2% to 5543 points
- ALL ORDINARIES (Index: ^AXAO) (ASX: XAO) up 1.1% to 5599 points
- AUD/USD at US 74.89 cents
- Iron Ore at US$82.25 a tonne, according to the Metal Bulletin
- Gold at US$1,177.03 an ounce
- Brent oil at US$53.00 a barrel
Rio Tinto Limited (ASX: RIO) helped propel the ASX 200 to a strong gain today. The miner's shares rose 3.1%, with BHP Billiton Limited (ASX: BHP) up 1.2%.
Meanwhile, Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) announced it had become the lowest cost seaborne supplier of iron ore into China. Its shares rose 1.7%.
Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) gained 2.5% as well. Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) climbed 2.1%.
Insurance business QBE Insurance Group Ltd (ASX: QBE) lifted 4.9%, while Insurance Australia Group Ltd (ASX: IAG) climbed 4.5%.
Ardent Leisure Group (ASX: AAD) was among the market's best today. It gained 4.2%. Independence Group NL (ASX: IGO) lifted 1.2% as well, and AMP Limited (ASX: AMP) rose 3.7%.
The aged care operators didn't fare so well. Estia Health Ltd (ASX: EHE) fell 3.3% and Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG) shed 0.7%.
Dorsavi Ltd (ASX: DVL) also fell 8.5%.
Here are Thursday's top stories:
- Slater & Gordon Limited shareholders could face wipeout
- 3 small cap growth stocks for a big 2017
- 3 stocking fillers for smart investors this Christmas
- Don't JUMP off this ASX dividend machine!
- Iron ore price hits 2-year high: Will the bubble burst in 2017?
- 4 shares to own in an Australian Recession
- 5 small-cap shares I'm tipping to shine in 2017
