(Updates to close)
SYDNEY, July 16 (Reuters) - Australian shares rose for a third straight session on Thursday, underpinned by gains in the financial sector that lifted Commonwealth Bank to a two-month closing high.
The benchmark S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO closed up 33.4 points, or 0.6 percent, at 5,669.6. It touched 5,691.2 - a level last seen on June 24.
Commonwealth Bank CBA.AX shares put on 1.0 percent to A$87.96, having touched a session high of A$88.41.
Also firmer, New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index .NZ50 climbed 18.2 points, or 0.3 percent, to 5,824.2.