Timbercorp Limited

The Australian shares Wednesday posted a strong gain boosted by miners and banks. The upbeat data on consumer confidence and housing finance also helped to lift the local market. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index rose 89.5 points, or 2.27 per cent, to 4024.4, and the broader All Ordinaries index surged 82.7 points, or 2.1 per cent, at 4016.3.

The Australian share ended slightly lower on Wednesday despite strong lead on Wall Street. The market is still seeking direction amid global volatility. The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index was down 9.2 points, or 0.25 per cent, to 3668.2, while the All Ordinaries fell 5.9 points to 3627.2.

Yesterday the Australian stock market closed nearly 1% higher with gains in banking and resource sectors. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index ended up 32.4 points, or 0.9%, at 3687 and the broader All Ordinaries index was up 30.4 points, or 0.9%, at 3624.3. Earlier, the market had sunk into negative territory. Today's focus will be the official unemployment figures for December 2008 which are expected to rise on the deepened credit crisis.

On Thursday, the Australian share market closed higher for a fourth day with around 1.4 per cent stronger led by the big miners as commodities surged. The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed up 48 points, or 1.36 per cent, at 3588, while the broader All Ordinaries gained 48.6 points, or 1.4 per cent, at 3528.2. Analysts said the market seems to be a little quiet with less participation, except for some fluctuation after BHP's decision of dumping its takeover bid for Rio Tinto.