Australian shares got a lift from strong gains in resource-related stocks on Wednesday, helped by higher gold and metal prices, while financials ended lower despite earlier gains. The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.3 percent to 6,146.1 at the close of trade. The benchmark fell 0.8 percent on Tuesday.
Mining stocks found support from firmer overnight metal prices, despite those prices easing in Asian trade. Asian markets have been muted by a week-long break in China, a major resources consumer. Global miners BHP and Rio Tinto were among the biggest gainers, rising 1.1 percent and 1.8 percent respectively.
The gold sub-index surged about 4 percent in the session to its highest in slightly over a week. St Barbara rose 7.4 percent, while Evolution Mining and Newcrest Mining gained 3.8 percent and 3.3 percent respectively. Three of the 'Big Four' banks were in negative territory, while Commonwealth Bank of Australia managed to rise 0.1 percent. New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index dropped 0.4 percent or 32.64 points to finish the session at 9,293.95. Index heavyweight a2 Milk Company was the biggest drag, sliding 2.6 percent, closing at its lowest since August 20.