Aust stocks close higher

The Australian stock market closed slightly higher today as investors eye gains at the end of the quarter.

At the 1615 AEST official market close, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index rose 0.35% to 5,294.5 points, while the broader All Ordinaries index lifted 0.34% to 5,288.2 points.

IG analyst Chris Weston said the higher close may be due to the end of the quarter.

"With quarter-end in full view, money managers have been trying to etch out last minute performances from their funds, while it is also options expiry and there are always interesting moves around that," Mr Weston said.