As it happened: ASX hits near 11-month peak as 2021 starts with a bang

Summary

• The ASX followed Wall Street higher on Friday, adding 0.7% to finish at a session high 6757.9. The local market closed a near 11-month peak as it gained 2.6% for the week
• The banks, tech, health, and energy stocks were strong in the final session of the week, while consumer discretionaries also rose. Mining stocks cooled off
• The Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq all set new highs as US markets brushed aside Capitol chaos to focus on the Democratic sweep of Washington, and the extra stimulus on the way for the economy. US futures markets were ahead by between 0.4% and 0.6% and hint at gains on Wall Street tonight
• Victoria has recorded zero new cases of coronavirus, while NSW has recorded four. Greater Brisbane will go into a three-day lockdown from 6pm tonight. Masks will be mandatory when leaving home for essential purposes and neighbourhood exercise