Australia: Shares hit 7-year closing high as investors cheer earnings

[SYDNEY] Australian shares edged up to a seven-year closing high on Tuesday as promising results in the mining, finance and healthcare sectors underpinned buying.

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 19.0 points or 0.3 per cent to 5,927.0, its highest close since May 2008.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index fell 0.5 per cent or 31.4 points to finish the session at 5723.0.

REUTERS