Australia: Shares jump 2% in 4th straight session of gains

[SYDNEY] Australian shares rose for the fourth consecutive session on Monday in a holiday-shortened week, led energy and resources companies in a broad-based rally that reflected a rebound in oil prices and risk appetite.

The S&P/ASX 200 index jumped 2 per cent, or 103.35 points, to 5,442 at the close of trade. The benchmark advanced 2.5 per cent on Friday, the biggest one-day gain since July 2013.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index rose 0.25 per cent or 13.99 points to finish the session at 5,541.74.

REUTERS