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The ASX ended the week in the green, making steady gains throughout the day.
The ASX 200 closed up 0.51 per cent, at 7361 points.
Asian markets also trended up, with the Nikkei gaining more than a per cent.
Nine of the 11 ASX sectors made small gains, with financials and materials on top but each gaining less than a per cent.
Gold stocks rallied as the metal’s price on global markets hit a one-year high.
In the green
Gold producer Silver Lake Resources (SLR) was the top-performing stock on the ASX 200, up 5.9 per cent to close at $1.33.
Meanwhile, mineral exploration giant IGO (IGO) also had a win after the company, along with partner Wyloo Metals, secured a site south of Perth to build a manufacturing plant to produce battery materials.
The proposed nickel plant would be the first of its kind in Australia. IGO last traded at $13.43.
And Corporate Travel Management continued to reap the rewards of yesterday’s news about winning a $3 billion contract to provide the UK Home Office with travel and accommodation services. It gained a further 2 per cent today to close the week at $21.62.
In the red
ASX real estate and healthcare sectors saw red today.
Karoon Energy (KAR) took a tumble after the company told investors operations at its Bauna gas field in Brazil would remain suspended until next month.
Karoon shut down in March due to an incident with a high-pressure flare.
Karoon Energy shares lost more than 5 per cent and closed at $2.26.
Bank of Queensland (BOQ) lost a little ground after announcing its next dividend would be 9 per cent lower than for the same period last year.
It also announced it expected to write down $200 million of goodwill, and it would allow $60 million for an integrated risk program.
Bank of Queensland shares closed the day at $6.43.
And software developer Prophecy International (PRO) felt a cooling-off period after making solid gains yesterday, following a positive quarterly report.
The company dropped more than 13 per cent after yesterday’s bump to 70 cents.
