ASX Round-Up: ASX Nears Five-year High Early in Week

Today, the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) closed at 5,386.3 points, up 13.4 points, or 0.2 percent, from the previous session, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. The market hit a high of 5,397.1 points earlier in the day.

The ASX saw some excitement this week: earlier in the week, it came near a five-year high of 5,402.4 points, while yesterday, Australian markets were pushed higher due to big banks making major gains. However, as today began, analysts expressed the belief that the market would remain flat as no new economic news was expected, Financial Standard reported.

Among mining and energy exploration and production companies, Regis Resources (ASX:RRL) saw some of the biggest losses on the ASX today. The gold company dropped 2.59 percent, hitting AU$3.71.

Fortescue Metals Group (ASX:FMG), an iron ore producer, lost $0.09, or 1.7 percent, falling to $5.20. APA Group (ASX:APA), an investment company focused on developing energy infrastructure, also experienced losses on the ASX, falling $0.09, or 1.51 percent, to hit $5.87.

Arrium (ASX:ARI), an international mining and materials company, increased on the market today. The company gained $0.03, or 2.17 percent, to hit $1.41. Whitehaven Coal (ASX:WHC) also experienced gains. The coal company, which is engaged in projects in New South Wales, increased more than 2 percent, rising $0.04, to $1.77.

Origin Energy (ASX:ORG), which operates energy businesses engaged in oil and gas production, also increased on the ASX today. The company gained $0.24, or 1.67 percent, to reach $14.61.