Australia shares snap losing streak on optimism over Clinton win; NZ up

[BENGALURU] Australian shares rose on Monday, snapping a four-session losing streak, after the FBI cleared Democrat Hillary Clinton in its latest email review, lifting a cloud over her presidential campaign days before the Nov 8 election.

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 1.4 per cent, or 69.98 points, to 5,250.8 at the close of trade. It was the benchmark index's best day in nearly four months.

The FBI said on Sunday it stood by its earlier finding that no criminal charges were warranted against Mrs Clinton for using a private email server for government work.

Financials led the gains, with Macquarie Group climbing 3 per cent to top the financial index. Westpac Banking Corp gained 2.7 per cent, outperforming the broader market, as investors drew comfort from its decision to keep its dividend steady.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose 2.4 per cent, or 163.8 points, to finish the session at 6,872.27.

Auckland International Airport and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp both added more than 4 per cent.

REUTERS