SYDNEY: Australian shares rose 0.2 percent on Monday, with financials and gold miners supporting the market on the back of gains in regional bourses and higher commodities prices.

The S&P/ASX 200 index rose 12 points to 5,135.4. The benchmark advanced 1 percent on Friday. New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index added 0.5 percent or 21.5 points to finish the session at 4,545.7.