(Reuters) - Australian shares ticked up to a near 10-year closing high on Thursday, driven by financials while materials rode higher on stronger commodities prices.
The S&P/ASX 200 index <.AXJO> rose 0.3 percent or 18.2 points to close a subdued session at 6,088.10, after ending almost flat on Wednesday.
Financials accounted for most of the gains on the benchmark, with index heavyweights Commonwealth Bank of Australia <CBA.AX> and Westpac Banking Corp <WBC.AX> rising 0.4 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively.
The Australian metals and mining index <.AXMM> stretched its winning run to a twelfth consecutive session as it gained 0.5 percent, underpinned by a strengthening in gold and copper prices. [GOL/] [MET/L]
Mining Giant BHP <BHP.AX> climbed 0.6 percent to its highest since May 2015, while rival Rio Tinto Ltd <RIO.AX> ticked up 0.4 percent to a near 6-1/2-year peak.
The energy sector also continued to benefit from higher oil prices. Oil and gas company Woodside Petroleum Ltd <WPL.AX> rose 0.8 percent to its highest close since Nov. 7. [O/R]
In New Zealand, the benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index <.NZ50> climbed 0.4 percent or 32.100 points to finish the session at 8,408.530, a record closing high.
Consumer discretionary and utilities stocks together accounted for about half the gains on the benchmark, with entertainment company Sky Network Television Ltd <SKT.NZ> rising 4 percent to its highest close since Oct. 17, while Genesis Energy Ltd <GNE.NZ> ticked up 2.9 percent.
(Reporting by Aditya Soni in Bengaluru; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
