As it happened: ASX finishes up 0.8 per cent

Summary

• The ASX200 finished Thursday up 0.8 per cent to 6112.6, posting a second session of gains. 
• All big four banks were higher, pushing financials sector ahead 1.92 per cent. 
• Australia has recorded a $4.6 billion trade surplus for July, a drop of $3.5 billion. 
• The big lenders and blood giant CSL outperformed on Thursday, while Transurban, Wesfarmers, Woolworths, ResMed also had a strong session.