Australia: Bourse ends higher on retail sector gains

[SYDNEY] Australian shares ended slightly higher on Monday, with weaker miners offset by gains in the retail sector.

The S&P/ASX 200 index finished up 0.16 per cent, or 9 points, at 5,539.96.

Among the biggest movers were condom maker Ansell Ltd, which closed 17.7 per cent higher, and JB HI-Fi, which ended up 9.9 per cent.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index finished 0.3 per cent, or 25.25 points, higher at 7,388.35.

REUTERS