The Australian sharemarket maintained its momentum from morning gains and established its foothold in the 7100s region in late trade. The ASX200 extended its rally to 4 consecutive days, notching a two-week high at the close of trade
Rises in blue-chip companies propelled the broad market, as all sectors except for Utilities edged higher today. All big four banks made advances today, as Commonwealth
(ASX:CBA) continued to reset record highs and lifting 0.9 per cent to $99.63.
The New Zealand government has temporarily suspended quarantine-free travel arrangements with Victoria, following the state’s reintroduction of social restrictions in response to nine new cases of COVID-19. The news has so far not had an immediate impact on travel stocks, as Qantas
(ASX:QAN) and Air New Zealand
(ASX:AIZ) both closed higher.
At the closing bell, the S&P/ASX 200 was 0.98 per cent or 69.30 points higher at 7115.20.
Futures
The Dow Jones futures are pointing to a rise of 85.00 points.
The S&P 500 futures are pointing to a rise of 13.25 points.
The Nasdaq futures are pointing to a rise of 66.50 points.
The SPI futures are pointing to a rise of 60 points when the market next opens.
Best and worst performers
The best-performing sector was Real Estate Investment Trusts, up 1.46 per cent. The worst-performing sector was Utilities, down 0.44 per cent.
Asian markets
Japan's Nikkei has gained 0.57%.
Hong Kong's Hang Seng has gained 1.53%.
China's Shanghai Composite has gained 2.31%.
Commodities and the dollar
Gold is trading at US$1877.16 an ounce.
Iron ore is 4.10 per cent lower at US$192.42 a ton.
Iron ore futures are pointing to a rise of 0.42 per cent.
Light crude is trading $0.01 higher at US$63.74 a barrel.
One Australian dollar is buying 77.62 US cents.
