Australian shares posted a strong gain on Wednesday while Wall Street and Asian markets picked up on a brightened outlook and higher commodities prices. The local market was also lifted by a bunch of upbeat profit results. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index surged 100.1 points, or 2.2 per cent, at 4667.9, while the broader All Ordinaries index jumped 96 points, or 2.1 per cent, to 4686.8.
The Australian sharemarket closed higher Tuesday. Financial stocks were boosted as Westpac's strong earnings result provided a positive sign for the banking sector and Australia's economy. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 22.3 points, or 0.5 per cent, at 4567.8, while the broader All Ordinaries index gained 20.4 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 4590.8.
Australian shares dropped on Monday as investors were nervous ahead of the EU meeting over Greek debt. Trading was quiet in local market while most Asian bourses were closed for Lunar New Year on Monday, Wall Street also closed because of a public holiday. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index fell 16.6 points, or 0.4 per cent, at 4545.5, while the broader All Ordinaries index shed 18.4 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 4570.4.
The Australian sharemarket eased some early gains and closed slightly higher on Friday. This was the first weekly gain in five weeks while the global markets had been shadowed by China's monetary tightening, worries on US economic recovery stability and sovereign debt issue in Euro zone.
The Australian shares were stronger after an unexpectedly improved employment data. The market was also helped by a rise in Rio Tinto shares on expectation that it would follow its BHP Billiton in reporting upbeat earnings. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed 40.9 points, or 0.91 per cent higher, at 4554.3 points while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 42.8 points, or 0.94 per cent, to 4575.8 points.
Asian shares are expected to remain rising after a rebound in most markets yesterday. On Tuesday China's Shanghai Composite rose 0.5%, Taiwan's Taiex surged 2% and South Korea's Kospi added 1.1%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index gained 1.2% spurred by Swiss banking major UBS's return to profit.
Australian shares fell on Tuesday led by financials sector as investors remained concerns over Europe's financial health. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was down 16.3 points, or 0.4 per cent, at 4505.1. The broader All Ordinaries index fell 18.1 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 4520.7.
