Aussie shares climbed higher today, despite a mostly negative lead from international markets overnight. A clear majority of sectors finished above water with materials, healthcare and IT stocks the standout performers.

The big four banks were mainly stronger on the day, with ANZ (+0.7%), CBA (+0.1%), and Westpac (+0.6%) all closing higher. NAB (-0.1%) was the only one to close in the red. All of the big miners enjoyed healthy gains, with BHP (+0.8%) and Rio Tinto (+1%) both advancing.

Fortescue also managed to continue its move higher with a 5.4% surge. Karoon Gas rocketed 8.1% after announcing it has sold its 35% of four oil and natural gas exploration blocks offshore Brazil for US$40 million.

Macmahon Holdings plummeted 38.7% after slashing its FY13 profit guidance to between $20 million and $40 million. The ASX 200 added 24 points (+0.5%) to settle at 4418.