Australian stocks made a recovery today as robust Chinese economic data spurred investor sentiment around the region. The All Ordinaries Index (XAO) gained 30.8pts or 0.6pct to 4810.3 while the S&P/ASX 200 Index (XJO) firmed by 28.8pts or 0.6pct to 4728.6.

Mining stocks finished strongest, with the materials sector rising 1.3pct. Shares in BHP Billiton (BHP) closed higher by 1pct to $44.59 while Rio Tinto (RIO) added 1.4pct to $87.36 and Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) added 3pct to $6.80. Gold miner Newcrest (NCM) firmed by 1.8pct to $43.05 as the price of gold rose to US$1405 an ounce during Asian trade.

The energy sector increased by 1pct with the crude oil price at fresh two year highs of US$88.29 a barrel at 4pm AEDT/

Among the banks, the Commonwealth Bank (CBA) was strongest, rising 1pct to $48.55.

Qantas (QAN) gained a further 2.5pct to $2.87.

Employment rose by 29,700 in October, in line with forecasts centred on job gains of around 20,000. Full-time employment fell by 14.100 and part-time jobs rose by 43,800, the biggest gain in 15 months.

The unemployment rate rose from 5.1pct to a six-month high of 5.4pct as job growth was outpaced by the rise in new entrants. The size of the labour force rose by 0.5pct in October matching the largest monthly increase in 21 months.

The participation rate rose from 65.6pct to 65.9pct. Average hours worked rose by 0.5pct. Hours worked are up 3.7pct over the year. The working age population grew by 19,800 in October.

Chinese consumer prices rose at a 4.4pct annual pace in October, the fastest pace in over two year.

China's industrial production and retail sales slowed in annual terms in October. Urban property prices continue to moderate.

The Australian dollar ended the day's trade weaker against the major currencies and at 4.30pm AEDT was worth US$1.0049, £0.6224 and €72.87c.

On the market overall, a total of 2.62 billion shares were traded, worth $5.3 billion. 681 were up, 463 were down and 362 were unchanged.

At 4.30pm AEDT on the Sydney Futures Exchange, the Share Price Index (SPI) futures contract was at 4739, up 23pts.

The G20 Summit is being held in Seoul and will be the major market mover for global markets during the overnight session.