By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 closed at fresh record highs on Tuesday, adding 24.20 points or 0.32% to 7562.60 following a flat session yesterday, buoyed by gains in financial stocks and solid corporate earnings results.
In coronavirus news, New South Wales reported a fresh record 356 cases today, with 57 infectious while in the community as exposure sites continue to balloon across the state, while Victoria reported 20 fresh cases amid unlinked community transmission. Meantime, Queensland reported 3 cases all linked to the current Indooroopilly cluster.
Among stocks, James Hardie Industries PLC (ASX:JHX) surged 2.9% to record highs after upgrading guidance on strong growth expectations across North America, Asia Pacific and Europe. Challenger Ltd (ASX:CGF) climbed 1.9% after reporting stronger than expected earnings. Financials also closed higher with Commonwealth Bank Of Australia (ASX:CBA) lifting 1.54% to a record high.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 moved added 63.4 points or 0.5% to 12764.23.