The Australian share market closed in positive territory as stronger commodity prices helped drive the resources sector.
The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index closed up 49.5 points, or 1.24 per cent, at 4,050.3 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index gained 51.3 points, or 1.28 per cent, to 4,044.2 points.
On the Sydney Futures Exchange at 1615 AEST, the September share price index contract was 37 points higher at 4,019 on 19,043 contracts.
"A positive performance and sentiment from the US on Friday as well as stronger commodity prices have helped drive our market," Macquarie Private Wealth adviser Helen Spencer said.
"The banks are mixed but the standout has been the resources sector.
"The recovering gold price has also helped push up gold stocks."
Among the major miners, Rio Tinto was up 92 cents, or 1.75 per cent, at $53.40 and rival BHP Billiton gained 80 cents, or 2.27 per cent, to $36.00.
On Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 32.12 points, or 0.37 per cent, to 8,743.94, extending a blue-chip rally to a fifth straight day.
Ms Spencer said the positive sentiment had continued as a result of better than expected financial results from the US and the local market was anticipating the beginning of reporting season in August.
Among the major lenders, Commonwealth Bank gained 41 cents to $39.90, ANZ was up 11 cents at $16.87, Westpac lost two cents to $20.24 and NAB lifted nine cents to $23.88.
Among the energy stocks, Woodside was up 40 cents at $43.00, Santos grew 36 cents to $14.49 and Oil Search was 19 cents higher at $5.60.
At 1625 AEST the spot price of gold in Sydney was US$944 per fine ounce, up US$7.25 from Friday's close of US$936.75.
Among the gold miners, Newmont added four cents to $5.07, Newcrest was up 29 cents at $31.24 and Lihir Gold gained three cents to $2.90.
- AAP
Australian sharemarket edges up
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