By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The ASX 200 eased 0.27% on Wednesday, retreating slightly from record highs after gains of 0.5% in the previous session as market participants remained cautious amid falling US equities and a worsening domestic coronavirus situation.
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian is set to announce a four-week extension of current lockdown restrictions after reporting a record 172 cases yesterday, while Victoria recorded 8 fresh cases after easing lockdown restrictions yesterday. Meantime, Queensland reported a single community case and 19 fresh infections aboard a bulk carrier MV Sanyu off the Queensland coast.
Among stocks, Resmed Inc DRC (ASX:RMD) lifted 2.76%, while Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX:APT) fell 2.72%. Investors will also be looking ahead to second-quarter CPI data and mining giant Rio Tinto Ltd (ASX:RIO) earnings results later in the session.
On the bond markets, local 10-year rates were at 1.177% while US 10-year rates held at 1.251%.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 was flat at 12954.1.