As it happened: ASX closes up 0.4% at new 11-month high

Summary

• The S&P/ASX 200 closed 0.4% higher at 6824.7 points, the highest it has been since 25 February last year
• The Therapeutic Goods Administration, the country’s medical regulator, has provisionally approved Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for use in Australia. The first vaccinations are expected late February
• Iron ore giants BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue Metals were strong while the major banks also added to their tally. Afterpay, Wesfarmers, Woolworths and Coles moved ahead 
• The S&P 500 and Dow E-mini futures were up 0.4% and 0.3% respectively, pointing to gains on Wall Street tonight. The Nasdaq E-mini was up 0.7%