The Australian share market gained nearly 0.7 per cent but it was considered disappointing given the stronger leads provided by European and US markets.

CMC Markets chief market strategist Michael McCarthy said there was technical resistance in Australia with traders unwilling to push the ASX200 beyond the 5,750 point level.

Less than three weeks ago, the index got within a few points of the 6,000 point level that it has not reached for more than seven years.

The market was up 1.8 per cent for the week.

“It was not all good news today with volumes dropping a little, suggesting a lack of commitment and sideways trading action meant we didn’t have much direction,” he told AAP.

Healthcare stocks rebounded to be the best performers after suffering the worst losses on Thursday.

That was largely due to ResMed climbing 26 cents, or 3.86 per cent, to $6.99.

That was minor consolation for a plunge of about 18 per cent the day before when it announced a trial of a sleep disorder therapy was found to increase the risk of heart attacks.

The big miners had a good day, with BHP Billiton up 52 cents, or 1.6 per cent, at $32.49 and Rio Tinto gaining 40 cents to $58.10.

Commonwealth Bank rose strongly, up 71 cents to $84.75, ANZ was up 10 cents to $33.12, Westpac inched two cents higher to $32.85 and National Australia Bank was ex-dividend, losing 97 cents, or 2.7 per cent, to $34.52.

KEY FACTS

* At the close on Friday, the benchmark S&P/ASX200 index was 38.9 points, or 0.68 per cent, higher at 5,735.5.

* The broader All Ordinaries index was up 37.5 points, or 0.66 per cent, at 5,730.

* The June share price index futures contract was 60 points higher at 5,747, with 25,572 contracts traded.

* The price of gold in Sydney at 1700 AEST was $US1,220.90 per fine ounce, up $US3.70 from $US1,217.20 on Wednesday.

* National turnover was 2.0 billion securities worth $5.8 billion.