The S&P/ASX 200 Index (INDEXASX: XJO) recorded its third consecutive day of gains on Thursday as records tumbled.
The ASX 200 climbed 0.67% and smashed the 7,000 points barrier, closing at 7,041.80 points.
That's a new record high for the benchmark index, while the broader All Ordinaries Index (INDEXASX: XAO) finished 0.63% higher at 7,158.60 points.
The Information Technology (+1.70%) and Consumer Staples (+1.11%) shares led the way for the ASX 200 yesterday. Only the ASX Energy (-0.12%) and Industrials (-0.23%) sectors finished in the red in a good day overall for shareholders.
Catch up on the most important ASX 200 news, events and announcements on a record-breaking Thursday for Aussie equities.
1. ASX 200 blue-chip stocks the big winners on Thursday
The ASX 200 was carried higher by the biggest names in the index on Thursday.
The CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) share price smashed through the $300 per share barrier while Commonwealth Bank of Australia Ltd (ASX: CBA) shares also closed at a new 52-week high.
Macquarie Group Ltd (ASX: MQG) and Sonic Healthcare Limited (ASX: SHL) were amongst the other big names leading the ASX 200 higher on Thursday.
2. US–China trade deal is done… for now
The United States and China struck "phase 1" of a trade deal which addresses some of the biggest issues in their ongoing trade war.
After more than 2 years of tit-for-tat, the 2 superpowers agreed to halve the tariffs on $120 billion worth of goods, but a large amount of goods on both sides remain under the same conditions.
However, the latest step is one in the right direction and helped boost the ASX 200 higher on Thursday.
3. Challenger share price quietly surges higher
Embattled wealth manager Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) was the top performing ASX 200 stock on Thursday.
The Challenger share price has been under pressure in recent times due to weak investment returns and fund outflows. However, a 5.64% gain in yesterday's trade has brought the group's shares within 6.82% of a 52-week high.
Leading the ASX 200 losers board on Thursday was Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL). Investors dumped the Aussie retailer's shares as Jeanswest became the latest group to enter voluntary administration.
