SYDNEY: Australian shares closed firmer for a fourth straight session on Tuesday, tracking a strong lead from Wall Street and its robust

by technology and energy stocks, with local material stocks gaining on higher metals prices.

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 0.3 percent or 14.900 points to 6,013.200 at the close of trade. The benchmark added 0.07 percent on Monday.

The Australian metals and mining index rose 0.8 percent, supported by an overnight rise in steel and copper prices.

Mining giant BHP rose 1.7 percent, accounting for most of the gains on the benchmark, while its peer Rio Tinto Ltd rose 1.1 percent.

Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd led the rally in financial stocks as it rose to its highest close since November 27. Zurich Insurance has agreed to buy Australia and New Zealand Banking Group’s life insurance arm for A$2.85 billion ($2.15 billion), its biggest foray into Australia and its third in the last two years.

In New Zealand, the market closed effectively flat, with the benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index up 3.30 points or 0.04 percent at 8,280.81.—Reuters