The ASX 200 traded at record highs on Thursday, adding 3.9 points or 0.05% to 7588.2 following gains of 0.38% in the previous session as investors weighed robust corporate earnings reports against a worsening domestic coronavirus situation.
In coronavirus news, Victoria reported 21 new cases with 7 infectious among the community after extending lockdown restrictions for another week yesterday. New South Wales added a near record 345 cases with 157 infectious while in the community, while Queensland added 10 local cases, all linked to the current outbreak. ACT also reported a single case, forcing the territory into a weeklong lockdown.
Among stocks, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) fell 6.88% as the mining company’s shares traded ex-dividend. Telstra Corporation Ltd. (ASX:TLS) closed at 2-year highs after gaining 3.66% on solid results, with chief executive Andy Penn noting that the company had reached a turning point in its financial trajectory. Graincorp Ltd (ASX:GNC) surged 11.7% after upgrading its guidance, while Downer Edi Ltd (ASX:DOW) lifted 4.15% following full year results.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 closed lower, falling 66.26 points or 0.52% to 12681.81.