By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The ASX 200 lifted 38.1 points or 0.52% to 7417.4 on Thursday, somewhat recouping losses of 0.7% yesterday as strong earnings pushed mining stocks to record highs, while falling long term bond yields also boosted risk appetite.
Meantime, Australia’s coronavirus infection rates continue to accelerate, with New South Wales adding a record 239 cases on Thursday as lockdown restrictions were tightened, while Victoria reported 6 cases, and South Australia reported 2.
Among stocks, Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) soared 1.47% to 134.17, BHP Billiton Ltd (ASX:BHP) lifted 1.64% to 53.33 and Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (ASX:FMG) added 1.9% to 26.3 as strong demand and an optimistic global growth outlook boosted iron ore prices to record highs.
On the bond markets, local 10-year bond yields eased to near 5-month lows of 1.158%, while U.S. 10-year rates were at 1.248%.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 added 133.53 points or 1.06% to 12728.85.