Australian share prices closed 0.11 percent higher on Monday as unexpectedly strong profit reports continued to fuel a buoyant market, dealers said. They said shares continued to gain despite some clouds on the horizon, including higher interest rates and rising input costs which suggest more moderate growth. The benchmark SP/ASX 200 closed up 4.7 points at 4,168.2, while the broader. All Ordinaries Index ended up 1.9 points at 4,153.6.

Turnover totalled 1.08 billion shares worth 2.56 billion Australian dollars, with fallers leading risers 792 to 743 and 450 stocks steady.

Profit reports for the December period were continuing to surprise on the upside with earnings growth greater-than-expected, while further encouragement was being taken from positive outlook statements.

BlueScope Steel was one of the stars, reporting a record interim result, increasing its interim dividend payment and announcing a share buyback.

Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2005