Australia: Shares rise on hopes of Europe stimulus package

[SYDNEY] Australian shares rose for a second session on Thursday as investors wagered the European Central Bank will unveil a stimulus package later in the day, while a rebound in oil and copper prices shored up the resources sector.

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 26.5 points or 0.5 per cent to close at 5,419.9.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index fell 25.7 points or 0.5 per cent to finish the session at 5,647.1.

REUTERS