The materials sector was the primary driver Monday, aided by gains in energy stocks as oil prices added to last week's gains, while healthcare, property and telecommunications stocks lost ground. Continue Reading Below ADVERTISEMENTAmong energy stocks, Woodside Petroleum was 1.1% higher, Oil Search rose 0.8% and Santos picked up 0.6%. Write to Robb M. Stewart at robb.stewart@wsj.comThe Australia stock market closing comment will no longer be published as a daily story after Monday, July 31. We will continue to report on Australia stock movements in Market Talk items throughout the day and will offer a summary in a Market Talk around 0630 GMT. Commentary on Australian stocks will continue to be part of global market updates throughout the Asian day.

Source: Wall Street Journal July 31, 2017 07:30 UTC