Aussie shares finished higher on the day, despite a mixed night on international markets overnight.

A majority of sectors closed above water; with healthcare and utilities the standout performers.

Materials and energy stocks were the weakest links.

Out of the big four banks all but CBA (-0.4%) enjoyed gains, with ANZ and NAB the best performers, both up 1%

The mining majors were mixed as were overnight commodity prices. BHP added 0.2% whilst rival Rio Tinto let go of 0.7%.

Aristocrat Leisure jumped 7.4% after announcing a 1H FY12 net profit $34.7 million, a 39.6% rise on the previous corresponding period.

Flight Centre was up 0.4% after announcing a FY12 profit of $200.1 million, up 43.1% on the prior year's result.

The ASX 200 put on 16 points (+0.4%) to close at 4360.

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