3 ASX 200 events you missed on Wednesday

Catch up on all of the biggest news items, events and announcements that you missed as the ASX 200 climbed 0.47% higher on Wednesday.

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (INDEXASX: XJO)  continued its stunning rebound on Wednesday in another strong day for Aussie equities.

The ASX 200 closed 0.47% higher at 6,994.80 points and remains just shy of the elusive 7,000 points barrier. The broader All Ordinaries Index (INDEXASX: XAO) finished 0.50% higher at 7,113.50 points yesterday.

It was also a good day for most of the ASX major sectors, with only Consumer Staples (-0.19%) finishing in the red.

Industrials (+0.89%) and Energy (+0.64%) were the strongest performers in a positive day for most shareholders.

Here's a look at 3 of the biggest news items and events you missed on another big day of trade in Aussie equities.

1. Gold miners lead the ASX 200 higher on Wednesday

It's not all that often that you see a strong day across the board and an ASX gold miner top the winners list.

We saw exactly that on Wednesday though, as ASX 200 gold miners St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) and Evolution Mining Ltd (ASX: EVN) surged higher.

The St Barbara share price closed 8.12% higher at $2.93 per share with Evolution shares climbing 5.77% to $3.85 yesterday.

Both companies recently provided market updates and investors' hopes in the Aussie miners was clearly high as the 2 gold companies led the way.

2. Record highs continue in strong start to 2020

It's been a strong start to the new decade with the ASX 200 once again smashing records on Wednesday.

Helping the Aussie index along its way are heavyweights like CSL Limited (ASX: CSL), Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) and Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX: SHL).

All three of these ASX 50 companies have been surging past their previous record highs this week in a solid all-round performance.

3. Coal miners hit hard as BlackRock ditches fossil fuels

The world's largest asset manager BlackRock has bowed to investor pressure and announced it will dump fossil fuels from its immense portfolio.

BlackRock will cut thermal coal exposure from its investments, some US$7 trillion worth of them around the globe.

That saw ASX 200 coal miners such as Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) fall lower on Wednesday in response.

Coal wasn't the only mining sector in trouble yesterday with Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) both falling.

Pilbara and Orocobre shares slumped shares slumped 7.69% and 5.54% lower in yesterday's trade. However, both mining stocks remain up nearly 30% for the year despite the stumble.

Kenneth Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of CSL Ltd. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Macquarie Group Limited. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Sonic Healthcare Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

young woman reviewing financial reports at desk with multiple computer screens
Broker Notes

Leading brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy today

Here's why brokers believe that now could be the time to snap up these stocks.

Read more »

A businesswoman exhales a deep sigh after receiving bad news, and gets on with it.
Share Fallers

Why Bell Financial, IPD, Megaport, and Resolute Mining shares are falling today

These shares are starting the week in the red. But why?

Read more »

Person pointing at an increasing blue graph which represents a rising share price.
Share Gainers

Why Liberty, Lovisa, Novonix, and SG Fleet shares are storming higher today

These shares are starting the week strongly. But why? Let's find out.

Read more »

Shot of a young businesswoman looking stressed out while working in an office.
Industrials Shares

This ASX share is tumbling 13% on reduced earnings forecast

Earnings are expected to fall in the first half, much to the dismay of the market.

Read more »

A man in his 30s holds his laptop and operates it with his other hand as he has a look of pleasant surprise on his face as though he is learning something new or finding hidden value in something on the screen.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Guess which ASX All Ords stock just rocketed 23% on a $1.2 billion offer

Investors are piling into the ASX All Ords stock amid a $1.2 billion takeover bid.

Read more »

Excited group of friends sitting on sofa watching sports on TV and celebrating.
Technology Shares

Why today is a big day for Pro Medicus shares

Records are being broken by this share on Monday. What's going on?

Read more »

A young man talks tech on his phone while looking at a laptop. A financial graph is superimposed across the image.
Opinions

3 reasons the GQG share price looks like a buy to me

Here’s why the fund manager could be good value.

Read more »

Young man looking afraid representing ASX shares investor scared of market crash
Share Market News

These are the 10 most shorted ASX shares

Let's see which shares short sellers are targeting this week.

Read more »