ASX 200 strikes new record high

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

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

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

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has smashed a new record high amid a surge in mining stocks and the first day of trading for repackaged Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) shares.

The ASX 200 hit an intraday high of 8,575.2 points, up 0.47%, just before midday on Thursday.

Materials is the leading sector, up 1.5% at the time of writing.

Which ASX 200 stocks are pushing the market higher?

ASX lithium share Liontown Resources Ltd (ASX: LTR) is the strongest riser of the ASX 200 on Thursday.

Liontown shares lifted 9.24% to an intraday peak of 65 cents amid a conference presentation today.

Next are ASX Ltd (ASX: ASX) shares, which rose 9.2% to an intraday peak of $68.99.

This followed the share market operator releasing its 1H FY25 results.

ASX reported a 5.9% increase in operating revenue to $541.9 million and a 10.1% rise in EBIT to $253.7 million. This led to a 9.9% bumped-up interim dividend of 111.2 cents per share.

Investors are also showing strong support for Sigma Healthcare Ltd (ASX: SIG) after its merger with Chemist Warehouse became official and the new shares began trading today.

Sigma is now the ASX 200's second-largest healthcare stock by market capitalisation. The Sigma share price rose 8.7% to an intraday high of $3 per share.

Mineral Resources Ltd (ASX: MIN) shares are next, rising 7.3% to an intraday high of $34.18 amid an update on new governance procedures from the beleaguered miner.

The company announced it has implemented many new measures, including disallowing key management personnel to use company resources, and enhanced policies relating to the sale of company assets, investment decisions, and managing whistleblower complaints.

There are also new protocols for managing related-party transactions, disclosing conflicts of interest, and requirements that personal conduct meets company values and standards.

The miner confirmed its former CEO and founder, Chris Ellison, has paid the $3.79 million fine imposed on him for various transgressions.

Another ASX 200 lithium share, Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) is also rising strongly today.

The fifth-biggest mover of the ASX 200 on Thursday, Pilbara Minerals shares lifted 5.6% to an intraday high of $2.25.

With no news from the miner today, it appears this may be a case of investors buying the dip.

The stock fell 5.6% over three days after the miner released an earnings update on Monday.

Potential imminent rate cut has market buzzing

Anticipation of the first interest rate cut in Australia continues to drive the ASX 200's northward trajectory.

The Reserve Bank of Australia will make its next call on rates next Tuesday, 18 February.

The market has been buzzing since better-than-expected inflation numbers for the December quarter upped the likelihood of a cut this month instead of the previously forecast May.

Interestingly, three of today's biggest ASX 200 risers are also among the 10 most shorted stocks in the marketplace.

Motley Fool contributor Bronwyn Allen has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. 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

A piggy bank on the cloud in the blue sky symbolising a record high share price.
52-Week Highs

12 ASX 200 shares that smashed historical peak prices today

Twelve ASX 200 shares rose to new multi-year peaks in an otherwise quiet day of trading.

Read more »

A woman's hand draws a stylised 'Top Ten' on a projected surface.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors saw another day of mild gains for the stock market this Thursday.

Read more »

Two boats on the water with crates with the words trade war in the middle.
Share Market News

Trump's tariffs blocked by trade court: Which ASX 200 stocks could benefit the most?

These 3 ASX 200 stocks have heavy tariffs exposure.

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.
Broker Notes

How this undervalued ASX All Ords share could rocket 80% in a year

A leading fund manager expects a big turnaround for this beaten-down ASX All Ords stock.

Read more »

Man looking happy and excited as he looks at his mobile phone.
Share Gainers

Why Champion Iron, Clarity Pharmaceuticals, St Barbara, and Woodside shares are charging higher today

These shares are having a good session today. But why are investors buying them?

Read more »

Frustrated stock trader screaming while looking at mobile phone, symbolising a falling share price.
Share Fallers

Why ALS, Black Cat, Boss Energy, and Soul Patts shares are falling today

These shares are falling on Thursday. Let's find out why.

Read more »

A car dealer stands amid a selection of cars parked in a showroom.
Broker Notes

Up 77% in a year, guess how much more upside Macquarie tips for Eagers Automotive shares

Macquarie released its latest analysis on Eagers Automotive fast rising shares this morning.

Read more »

Boy looks quizzical standing in front of a graph.
Share Market News

Big ASX 200 news! Stock market whipsaws as Trump's tariffs struck down

Markets initially surged on news that Trump's tariffs are out.

Read more »