News: XEJ Australia shares end higher on reopening hopes; energy, bank stocks gain

• Travel stocks among best performers on ASX 200
• Energy stocks & major banks led gains
• NZX 50 fell 0.2%

(Updates to close)

Australian shares ended higher on Monday, buoyed by optimism over plans to lift the COVID-19 lockdown in the country's most populous state, while heavyweight energy and bank stocks also provided momentum.

The S&P/ASX 200 index (xjo) closed 0.57% higher at 7,384.2 points. The benchmark fell 0.37% on Friday.

Movement restrictions across New South Wales will be lifted gradually between Oct. 11 and Dec. 1 as vaccination rates push through 70%, 80% and 90%, authorities said.

"Low coronavirus numbers in our largest state have been helpful today, and travel stocks are doing well as investors looked ahead to the reopening of the states," Brad Smoling, managing director at Smoling Stockbroking said.

Global risk mood has also swung to positive as the fallout from cash-strapped property developer China Evergrande 3333.HK seems to be contained for now, Smoling added.

Travel and tourism companies surged on the news of COVID-19 curbs easing, with Qantas Airways (QAN) soaring up to 4.3% to hit more than a year's high. Travel agency Flight Centre (FLT) climbed 7.48%, while peer Webjet (WEB) rose 5.21%.

Energy stocks .AXEJ rose 1.81%, tracking oil prices that rose for a fifth straight day as parts of the world see demand pick up with the easing of pandemic conditions.

Heavyweights Beach Energy Ltd (BPT) and Woodside Petroleum Ltd (WPL) were the top gainers on the sub-index, advancing 4.22% and 3.2​%, respectively.

Financial stocks .AXFJ rose 1.52%, with a spike in lending rates last week helping lift major banks, as higher rates lead to better margins.

Among the 'Big Four' banks, the country's biggest lender Commonwealth Bank (CBA) climbed up to 3.2%, marking its best day since June 22.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index (nz50) fell 0.2% to finish the session at 13227.7 points.