Aussie shares soared today, following a barnstorming session on overseas markets last night.

At home the major banks helped drive the market higher; NAB led the way with a 2.7% rise.

Investment Bank Macquarie jumped 2.9% after reports revealed that it may be selling its retail lending business to concentrate on investment banking.

The big miners climbed higher amid stronger commodities; Rio Tinto recorded a 2.5% gain, whilst rival BHP advanced 3% after it sold its stake in one of two diamond operations in Canada.

Retailer Billabong raced up 10.2%, regaining some of the massive losses from earlier in the week.

The ASX 200 surged 86 points (+2.1%), settling at 4140.

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Evening Market Analysis: Quiet Afternoon is a post from: Australian Stock Report Market Pulse Blog