The local share market has closed at its highest level in two weeks - and not far from its best close ever - thanks to solid gains from the big banks and the mining giants.
The benchmark S&P/ASX200 index on Monday finished at 8,252.8, up 38.3 points, or 0.47 per cent from Friday's close and just 17 points below its all-time closing high set on September 30.
The broader All Ordinaries rose 38 points, or 0.45 per cent, to 8,529.5.
The Australian dollar was buying 67.41 US cents, from 67.41 US cents at Friday's ASX close.