SYDNEY: The Australian sharemarket ticked up slightly today after commodity price gains buoyed resource firms and retail trade data boosted consumer shares.
At the 4.15pm (AEDT) official market close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 3.1 points, or 0.06 per cent, to 5242.3, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 3.6 points, or 0.07 per cent, to 5294.8.
The benchmark had initially lifted 1.15 per cent at the open but retreated throughout the day with three of the four big banks turning into the red. But oil price gains overnight and a gold recovery during the session helped materials stocks keep the benchmark on the positive side of the ledger.
IG market analyst Angus Nicholson said materials had been boosted by strong performances by dual-listed giants BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto on London’s market overnight.
