Australia: Shares surge on commodities bounce, NZ hits new high

[SYDNEY] Australian shares hit their highest close in three-and-a-half months on Thursday as surging prices for oil and iron ore lifted major mining and energy companies, while New Zealand shares edged up to a fresh record.

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 56.7 points, or 1.1 per cent, to 5,272.7 at the close of trade, its third day of gains in a row.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index added 4.8 points, or 0.1 per cent, to finish the session at 6,906.1, a new all-time peak.

REUTERS