Sino Gold and Lihir Gold increased 19.3% and 19.2% respectively.

Macquarie DDR led decliners in the ASX 200 index shares with a fall of 10.6% followed by losses in Goodman Corp. of 9.1%, in West Australia Newspaper of 8.4%, Macquarie Countrywide of 8.3%, and GPT Group of 7.1%.

Westpac Full-Year Profit Rises 6% to A$3.72 billion

Westpac reported today that full year profit in the period ended September 30 increased 6% to A$3.72 billion, in line with the market consensus. Cash earnings per share gained 5% to 198.3 cents per share.

Revenue soared to A$11.1 billion and lending and deposit growth increased 13% and 16% respectively.

However provision for bad and doubtful debts surged 93% to A$931 million from A$482 million a year earlier on rising unemployment.

The lender increased its second half dividend by 8% to 72 cents per share, increasing the full year dividend to A$1.42 per share.