Australian shares ended up 0.9 per cent on Thursday led by broad-based gains sparked by data showing better-than-expected trade balance and retail sales at home.

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose about 47 points at the close of trade, also supported by signs of resilience in the US economy. The benchmark ended 0.8 per cent higher on Wednesday.

New Zealand’s benchmark NZX 50 index ended up 0.36 per cent or 19.6 points to finish the session at 5,522.7.

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