2013.07.1105:15:44UTC+00Australian stocks surge after Bernanke's comments

Australian stocks jumped in early action Thursday after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke announced U.S. interest rates will remain low to support economic recovery. The S&P/ASX 200 index bolstered 1.1% to 4,956.6, with investors set to turn their attention to the release of Australian jobs figures for June. Mining stocks led the charge higher, with shares of gold producer Newcrest Mining Ltd. boosted with 6.4%, BHP Billiton Ltd. surging 2.4% and Rio Tinto Ltd. trading 2% higher. Energy and retail issues also posted wins, as did banking shares. Woodside Petroleum Ltd. acquired 1.5% boost and Westpac Banking Corp. marched 1.2% greater.