The sharemarket has closed at a fresh four-year high as gains by financial stocks offset falls by the big miners.
At close today, the benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index had risen 16.8 points, or 0.33 per cent, to 5098.7 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index rose 14 points, or 0.27 per cent, to 5115 points.
On the ASX 24, the March share price index futures contract was up 15 points at 5075 points, with 30,318 contracts traded, according to preliminary calculations.
CMC Markets senior trader Tim Waterer said although there were no outstanding earnings results today, there was nothing in the latest batch to dissuade investors.
"The result is that ASX 200 forward progression is maintained," he said. "Materials sector weakness was offset by financial sector strength with the key banking stocks continuing their run of form.
"Overall, stocks continue to saunter higher in the absence of negative headlines."
BHP Billiton shares fell 35c to $38.65 after a 58 per cent fall in first-half profit due to lower commodity prices, a weak US dollar and sale of some business.
Chief executive Marius Kloppers is to step down and be replaced on May 10 by Andrew Mackenzie, the 56-year-old Scottish head of the BHP's metals business.
Iron ore miner Fortescue Metals Group's first-half profit fell 40 per cent because of weaker ore prices, and its shares fell 26c, or 5.02 per cent, to $4.92.
Rio Tinto shares also fell $1.12, or 1.59 per cent, to $69.39.
The four major banks all made gains. Commonwealth Bank rose 80c to $66.85, ANZ rose 21c to $28.74, National Australia Bank rose 39c to $30.56 and Westpac rose 5c to $30.35.
Wall Street closed firmer overnight, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 53.99 points, 0.39 per cent, to 14,035.75, its best level since October 12, 2007.
National turnover was 1.93 billion securities worth $6.17 billion, with 470 stocks up, 531 down and 343 unchanged.
