By Lisa Twaronite
TOKYO (MarketWatch) -- Australian shares were higher in early trading Monday, with higher metals shares lifting mining shares. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index was up 1.6% at 4440. BHP Billiton Ltd. (AU:BHP 37.87, +0.57, +1.53%) (BHP 67.37, +1.57, +2.39%) was up 2% and Rio Tinto Ltd. (AU:RIO 71.01, +1.71, +2.47%) (RTP 50.41, +1.73, +3.55%) gained 2.7%. Banks were also higher, with National Australia Bank Ltd. (AU:NAB 23.55, +0.50, +2.17%) (NAUBF 21.70, +0.10, +0.46%) and Australia & New Zealand Banking Group (AU:ANZ 22.95, +0.51, +2.27%) (ANEWF 20.85, 0.00, 0.00%) both rising 2.3%. Macquarie Group Ltd. (AU:MQG 37.84, +1.34, +3.67%) (MCQEF 34.50, -0.15, -0.43%) added 3.4%. |
