Australia: Shares rise again on iron ore prices, China optimism

[SYDNEY] Australian shares had a second straight day of solid gains on Thursday, as rising iron ore prices and stabilising Chinese equity markets lifted investor confidence.

The S&P/ASX 200 index climbed 0.81 per cent or 45.343 points to 5,669.500 at the close of trade. On Wednesday, the benchmark gained 0.7 per cent to close at 5,624.2.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index gained 0.36 per cent or 21.08 points to finish the session at 5,891.850.

REUTERS