On Thursday, the S&P/ASX 200 Index (INDEXASX: XJO) smashed its record high set earlier this year to close 0.20% higher at 6,864.00 points.
The Aussie benchmark index enjoyed its 4th consecutive day of gains this week as it climbed above its previous high water mark.
Read on for all of the news and events that you missed on a record-setting day for Aussie equities.
1. Westpac in the headlines… again
It's been a tough past week or so for Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC). The rough ride for the ASX 200 bank continued on Thursday as it made concessions to shareholders.
Westpac recently announced a $500 million share purchase plan to raise additional capital and shore up its balance sheet.
However, the bank is now allowing shareholders to withdraw from the SPP in light of the ongoing AUSTRAC scandal.
Westpac shares edged 0.44% lower to $24.70 per share following the news.
2. Telstra shares surge higher on possible spin-off
Telstra Corporation Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares were among the top ASX 200 performers.
The group's shares rocketed 4.04% high yesterday after rumours of a possible spin-off of its InfraCo segment.
InfraCo is Telstra's infrastructure arm which is a semi-autonomous business in its own right.
An article in the Australian Financial Review speculated on the move and investors were keen to buy up on Telstra shares following the news.
3. ASX 200 finally breaks the barrier on Thursday
It's taken until Thursday, but the ASX 200 finally beat its record high level set in late July.
The Aussie index broke its pre-GFC levels to close at 6,845 points back in July but jumped to a new high of 6,879.50 points yesterday.
The Service Stream Limited (ASX: SSM) share price led the ASX 200 leaderboard on Thursday and was closely followed by Telstra.
Service Stream shares climbed significantly higher despite having no announcements since late October.
