(Updates to close)
SYDNEY, Oct 5 (Reuters) - Australian shares opened the week with a blazing start, jumping nearly 2 percent on Monday with all sectors rising on news of strong job advertising figures that boosted investor confidence in the health of the economy. ID:L3N1250E6
The S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO surged 98.48 points to finish near day's high at 5,510.5 - the highest close since Sept.18. The benchmark fell 1.8 percent on Friday.
The index fell for two straight months to September hitting a 2-year trough and forcing most market strategists to slash their year-end expectations. A new Reuters poll found the index is seen ending 2015 roughly 1 percent above Monday's close. ID:L4N11O14O
New Zealand's benchmark NZX 50 index .NZ50 rose 0.7 percent or 37.03 points to finish the session at 5,630.54.