Australian shares up; New Zealand hits another record

Australian shares ended higher on Friday, hitting a fresh decade-peak and completing its first weekly session of gains in the new year. The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.7 percent, or 45.2 points to 6,122.3 at the close of trade. The benchmark closed slightly up in the previous session.
Financials and material stocks outperformed other sectors on the index. The 'Big Four' banks gained between 0.8 percent and 1.5 percent, with Commonwealth Bank of Australia closing at its highest since November 13.
New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index rose slightly by 0.1 percent, or 12.05 points, after retreating earlier in the day, finishing the session at a record high of 8,455.55.