Despite a slow start, the Aussie stock market finished last week comfortably in positive territory.

The market put on 54 points (+1.1%) for the week, to close at 4872.

The info-tech sector led the week’s gains, with telcos and energy stocks not far behind.

Computershare (CPU) and Iress Technology (IRE) sparked the info-tech sector, with CPU rising 3.9%, and IRE soaring 4.3%.

Telstra’s (TLS) share price surged 3.6% for the week, after the Federal government delayed the debate to split it up until May.

Arrow Energy (AOE) was placed in a trading halt on Friday on speculation that Royal Dutch Shell and PetroChina would sweeten their takeover offer.  AOE’s share price rose 1.7% for the week.

Other energy stocks also recorded decent gains for the week.  Oil Search (OSH) rocketed 4.7%, and Woodside Petroleum (WPL) climbed 2.9%.

Stock market giant Rio Tinto (RIO) and Chinalco signed a US$1.35 billion agreement on Friday to jointly develop the Simandou mine in Guinea.  RIO inched 0.3% higher for the week, and BHP Billition (BHP) advanced 0.8%.

David Jones (DJS) announced a 10.2% jump in 1H10 profit, however a cautious sales outlook saw its share price sink 4.7%.  Rival Myer Holdings (MYR) slumped 3.7%.

Among consumer staples stocks, Metcash (MTS) announced the closure of its Campbells Cash & Carry business.  Its share price dipped 1.2%, Wesfarmers (WES) declined 0.6%, whilst Woolworths (WOW) advanced 1%.

The financial sector also edged higher, with Australia and New Zealand Bank (ANZ) jumping 3.5%, and Westpac Banking Corporation (WBC) gaining 2% for the week.

The major economic news for the week that impacted the stock market was the RBA’s minutes for March.  The central bank noted that the Australian economy is on track to achieve trend growth in the next two years.

The Australian stock market posted another slight gain last week on the back of takeover activity and steady employment numbers.

The market advanced 51 points (+1.1%) for the week, to close at 4818.

The telco, energy, and utilities sectors were the week’s top performers.

Telco giant Telstra (TLS) had a stellar week with its share price soaring 5.2%.

Energy stocks were sparked by Arrow Energy (AOE), who received a takeover offer from Royal Dutch Shell and PetroChina.  The news saw AOE’s share price skyrocket 49% during the week.

BHP Billiton (BHP), which is the biggest company in the Australian stock market, managed to secure a 55% increase in coal prices for the June quarter.  Its share price rose 0.8% for the week, while rival Rio Tinto (RIO) climbed 1.3%.

Alesco Corporation (ALS) was the week’s biggest loser after announcing a major cut in FY10 guidance.  Its share price crashed 33.2%.

Australia and New Zealand Bank (ANZ) was the week’s top major bank, with its share price up 1.8%.  Insurance Australia Group (IAG) announced a cut in FY10 insurance margin guidance due to recent storm damage in Victoria.  Its share price slumped 2.5%.

Consumer staples giant Wesfarmers (WES) dropped 2.2%, while rival Woolworths (WOW) advanced 1.5%.

Among the retailers, Myer Holdings (MYR) announced a 38% jump in 1H10 profit.  Its stock advanced 3.2% for the week, while rival David Jones (DJS) jumped 3.4%.

The major economic event which moved the Australian stock market during the week was February’s jobs numbers.  The unemployment rate edged slightly higher to 5.3%, with the economy adding 400 jobs.

Over the week in Australia, stocks to watch have included miners, in particular gold miners, banks and property trusts.

The market had another strong week last week, adding 112 points (+2.4%) to close at 4706.

In Australian stock market news, much of the gains were driven by the mining sector, helped by a weak US dollar which boosted commodity prices.

Mining giant BHP Billiton (BHP) was up 4.3% for the week, while Rio Tinto (RIO) performed even better, up 7%.

Smaller miners also put on strong gains, with OZ Minerals (OZL) up almost 7%.

Gold miners performed very strongly early in the week, before giving up most of their gains, as gold prices closed above US$1100 an ounce for the first time ever.

In Australia stocks to watch also included the banks, which were less unified, with only half of the major banks finishing ahead for the week.

Commonwealth Bank (CBA) was the strongest of the bunch, up over 3%, buoyed by strong a strong first-quarter report.

ANZ Bank (ANZ) and National Australia Bank (NAB) both gained around half a percent, despite NAB paying out a dividend. Westpac (WBC) lost close to 3%, but this was mostly due to it also paying a dividend during the week.

The property sector was also strong, with Stockland (SGP) and Mirvac (MGR) each up 10%.