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.
Australian shares gave up early gains after disappointing trade numbers from China raised concerns that Chinese economy is cooling. The market closed slightly higher as earnings reports from market heavyweights BHP Billiton and Commonwealth Bank helped the rise. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 8.3 points higher, or 0.2 per cent, at 4513.4. The broader All Ordinaries index rose 12.3 points, or 0.3 per cent, to 4533.
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.
Australian shares Monday extended the drops and hit a one-month closing low, as US President Barack Obama's plan to curb bank risk-taking raised concerns about US banks. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index slid 32.7 points, or 0.7 per cent, at 4717.9 while the broader All Ordinaries index slipped 28.8 points, or 0.6 per cent, to 4743.1.
Yesterday the Australian sharemarket gained as the Chinese government released a report showing that China's exports jumped 17.7 per cent in December. The Australian dollar was stronger on Monday on the positive Chinese trade data and improved domestic jobs data. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index advanced 38.6 points, or 0.8 per cent, at 4950.7, while the broader All Ordinaries index was up 39 points, or 0.8 per cent, to 4981.2.
Australian stocks ended flat on Wednesday as shares gave up early gains in the afternoon dragged by banks. Miners advanced as investors were optimistic about the iron ore prices. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 1.6 points at 4925.9 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index lifted 7.7 points, or 0.15 per cent, to 4947.2 points.
The Australian shares Wednesday were broadly higher in the last full trading day before Christmas holiday. The market rose in a light trade after the US market gained on the upbeat home sales data. At the close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index rose 35.1 points, or 0.7 per cent, at 4739.3, while the broader All Ordinaries advanced 31.7 points, or 0.7 per cent, to 4756.1.
