Australia: Shares close on positive note as energy stocks rebound

[SYDNEY] Australian shares ended higher on Friday with utilities and energy sectors making solid contributions as oil prices regained some ground.

The S&P/ASX 200 index finished up 0.6 per cent at 5,968.4, taking gains this week to 1.2 per cent. The benchmark index ended the week not far a seven-year peak of 5,996.9 reached last month.

New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index closed a touch firmer at 5,847.4. On the week, it was 0.3 per cent higher.

REUTERS