Australian shares end higher on energy stocks, miners

Australian shares ended higher on Thursday, as miners and energy stocks rose on the back of higher commodities and oil prices ahead of renewed efforts this week to resolve the US-China trade conflict.

The S&P/ASX 200 index firmed about 0.5 per cent to close the day’s trading at 6,593.40, extending gains into a third consecutive session.

High-level negotiations between Washington and Beijing are due to begin on Thursday, though chances of a resolution appear low after President Donald Trump said a quick trade deal was unlikely.

“I think it’s a common word – ‘hopium’ – there’s a lot of hope that we do see something. However, if you look at it realistically, there’s really not a lot that I can see that would motivate China to getting a major deal done,” said Brad Smoling, managing director at