Business Standard

Australia Stocks climb on firmer commodity prices

Image

Capital Market
The Australian share market finished higher for third consecutive session on Monday, 17 May 2021, clawing back more of last week's inflation-fuelled losses, as jump in commodity prices helped to lift energy and materials sectors and offset declines in real estate and industrial stocks.

At closing bell, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 advanced 42.42 points, or 0.6%, to 7,066.98. The broader All Ordinaries added 43.2 points, or 0.6%, to 7,299.07.

Shares of materials and resourcrs gained as commodity prices improved. Brent crude was up 1.3% at $US69.58 a barrel, and US oil 1.5% to $US66.37 a barrel. Iron ore gained 4.3% to $US217.77 a tonne. Mining heavyweights BHP climbed 1.9% to $50.52, Rio Tinto finished 2.1% higher at $128.71, and Fortescue Metals gained 2% to $23.57.

 

Gold stocks rose as bullion prices soared to a near five-month high $US1866.47 per ounce on rising inflationary pressures and dollar weakness, with country's biggest gold miner Newcrest Mining gaining 1.1% to $28.66 and Northern Star was 2.1% higher at $11.45.

Lenders were also higher. Banks ANZ and NAB gained over 1 percent after upbeat RBA minutes. Commonwealth Bank shares closed flat at $97.76

Software firm Nuix shares rebounded 11.5%, after its chairman pledged improvements following a local media report raising questions about its governance and accounting.

CURRENCY NEWS: The U.S. dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of its peers, was at 89.906. The Australian dollar changed hands at $0.7807, stronger than levels below $0.774 seen last week.

Powered by Capital Market - Live News

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on our Telegram channel

First Published: May 18 2021 | 4:22 PM IST

Explore News