By Oliver Gray
Investing.com - The S&P/ASX 200 marched higher on Thursday, adding 7.6 points or 0.1% to fresh record peaks and extending gains of 0.38% in the previous session amid continued robust corporate earnings and fresh record highs in U.S. indices overnight as a pause in key inflation indicators eased persistent inflation concerns and boosted risk sentiment.
On the coronavirus front, Victoria reported 21 new cases with 7 infectious among the community after extending lockdown restrictions for another week yesterday. New South Wales added a near record 345 cases as infections continue to balloon across the region, while Queensland added 10 local cases, all linked to the current outbreak.
Among stocks, Telstra Corporation Ltd. (ASX:TLS) gained 2.87% after reporting solid results, as chief executive Andy Penn noted that the company had reached a turning point and is beginning to see benefits from its T22 transformational work. Graincorp Ltd (ASX:GNC) surged 11.88% after upgrading its guidance, while Downer Edi Ltd (ASX:DOW) lifted 4.33% following full year results.
In New Zealand, the NZX 50 was down just 7.5 points or 0.06% to 12740.57.