Australia: Shares extend gains on improved sentiment

[SYDNEY] Australian shares rose slightly on Friday after an improvement in risk appetite helped the markey notch the second largest weekly increase in four years.

The S&P/ASX 200 index added 0.3 per cent or 13.53 points to 5,256.1 at the close of trade, showing a gain of 4 per cent for the week.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index edged up 0.2 per cent higher or 13.27 points to finish the session at 6,008.52.

REUTERS