As it happened: Border blues sap ASX as Asian markets surge

Summary

• The ASX 200 closed 0.7% lower, having earlier edged ahead despite new COVID-19 fears 
• The NSW-Victoria border will close on Tuesday night after the latter recorded 127 new cases
• US futures are up 1.3% and hint at a strong open for Wall St tonight. Asian stocks are surging. 
• The Australian dollar has climbed throughout the day and is up to US69.72¢