Big news: The ASX 200 Index just hit a new record high

Here's how it happened.

Man raising both his arms in the air with a piggy bank on his lap, symbolising a record high.

Image source: Getty Images

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

What a day it has been for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) this Thursday. The flagship ASX index closed at a flat 8,447 points yesterday afternoon. This morning, the ASX 200 opened at that same 8,447-point level before rising as high as 8,515.7 points. 

That happens to be a new 52-week high for the ASX 200. It's also a new all-time record high, making this a momentous day for the Australian share market indeed.

Of course, ASX investors won't find this too surprising. The ASX 200 Index hit a bevy of new all-time highs over the course of last year. The latest occurred only back in December, when the index hit a high of 8,514.5 points, just a whisker below today's fresh high.

At the time of writing, the ASX 200 has pulled back a little from this morning's latest record but remains up a comfortable 0.68% at 8,505.5 points. 

At present, this puts the index up a healthy 4.7% over 2025 to date, as well as up a robust 11.9% over the past 12 months. Interestingly, the index has now put on a decent 5.2% since 20 December, which was a low point last month. Check this all out for yourself below:

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3S&P/ASX 200 Price Return (AUD) PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.com.au

Which ASX 200 shares are pushing the index to a new record today?

If we dig into which ASX 200 shares are responsible for the index's latest all-time high, we only need to turn to the usual suspects. All four of the big ASX bank stocks are pushing decisively higher this Thursday. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) has gained 0.76% at the time of writing, and is back above $160 a share. 

National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) is standing out with a 1.1% rise, while ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) is the laggard with a 0.4% gain.

The big four banks alone account for more than 20% of the ASX 200's weighting right now, so this is undoubtedly helping.

BHP Group Ltd (ASX: BHP), the second-largest stock in the index, is also having a great day. Its shares are presently enjoying a 1.3% lift to $39.64 a share.

CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL), currently the ASX 200's bronze medallist, is also enjoying a 1% rise this Thursday, putting the company at around $280 a share.

So, with all of these major ASX 200 holdings rising so decisively, it's no surprise to see the ASX 200 hitting this new high today. Let's see if it can gain even more ground tomorrow.

Should you invest $1,000 in S&P/ASX 200 right now?

Before you buy S&P/ASX 200 shares, consider this:

Motley Fool investing expert Scott Phillips just revealed what he believes are the 5 best stocks for investors to buy right now... and S&P/ASX 200 wasn't one of them.

The online investing service he’s run for over a decade, Motley Fool Share Advisor, has provided thousands of paying members with stock picks that have doubled, tripled or even more.*

And right now, Scott thinks there are 5 stocks that may be better buys...

See The 5 Stocks *Returns as of 7 February 2025

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in CSL and National Australia Bank. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended CSL. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended BHP Group and CSL. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Record Highs

Happy couple doing grocery shopping together.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

The Coles share price just hit a new all-time high

Coles shares are making history today.

Read more »

Multi-ethnic people looking at camera sitting at public place screaming, shouting and feeling overjoyed about their windfall, good news or sports victory.
Share Market News

ASX 200 strikes new record high

ASX mining stocks and debuting Sigma-Chemist Warehouse shares are soaring today.

Read more »

A woman wearing a yellow and white striped top and headphones plays excitedly with her phone.
Bank Shares

$167: Have CBA shares become a 'meme stock'?

CBA shares have hit yet another new record high this Thursday.

Read more »

Man pointing at a blue rising share price graph.
Record Highs

This $23 billion ASX 200 stock just rocketed 11% to new all-time highs! Here's why

Investors in this ASX 200 financial share are bidding up the stock today. But why?

Read more »

A young bank customer wearing a yellow jumper smiles as she checks her bank balance on her phone.
Bank Shares

CBA shares: Another day, another new record high

What's behind CBA's latest push into record territory?

Read more »

Businessman smiles with arms outstretched after receiving good news.
Technology Shares

Xero share price hits all-time high! Too late to buy?

This expert reckons Xero has plenty left in the tank...

Read more »

Six smiling health workers pose for a selfie.
Healthcare Shares

Guess which ASX 200 stock is jumping to record high on big European news

What is getting investor excited on Friday? Let's see what is happening.

Read more »

Three rockets heading to space
Record Highs

3 ASX 300 shares smashing new multi-year highs while the market struggles

The broader market is in the red on Friday but these three shares are riding high.

Read more »