Guinness Peat Group Plc.

The Australian share market delivered a strong opening on Wednesday as Wall Street's rally overnight boosted confidence in local market. S&P/ASX200 index rose 1.4 per cent in early trade, driven by resources, industrial and financial stocks. The Australian shares yesterday closed slightly lower with light volumes while Asia markets were mostly flat.

The Australian sharemarket closed higher Tuesday. Financial stocks were boosted as Westpac's strong earnings result provided a positive sign for the banking sector and Australia's economy. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was up 22.3 points, or 0.5 per cent, at 4567.8, while the broader All Ordinaries index gained 20.4 points, or 0.4 per cent, to 4590.8.

The Australian shares closed with little change on Friday. The market rebounded from early losses as a surprise guidance upgrade by Commonwealth Bank pushed the financial sector higher in late trade. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index gained 1.6 points to 4899.6, while the broader All Ordinaries index added 0.1 point to 4929.5.

US stocks climbed to a 2009 new high on Thursday, as the oil prices surge buoyed energy companies. New York crude oil futures rose more than 3 per cent to a one-year high of US$77.58 a barrel after the government said US gasoline reserves fell sharply last week. The financial and IT stocks retreated over mixed economic data and corporate outlook.

On Friday, the Australian share market fell more than 2% as major banking and resources stocks felt the impact of renewed concerns about the health of the global economy. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 finished down 102.4 points, or 2.06% to 4877.1. The broader All Ordinaries lost 101.4 points, or 2.01% to 4949.5.