At lunch on Thursday the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is on course to record another strong gain. The benchmark index is currently up 1% to 6,000.9 points.
Here's what has been happening:
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ASX 200 hits 6,000 points.
The ASX 200 index has shaken off the recession news and stormed higher again on Thursday. So much so, the index has broken through the symbolic 6,000 points mark. This is the first time the ASX 200 has traded above this level in almost three months. The big four banks have played a key role in driving it through this level today. All four are trading higher at lunch.
Westpac AUSTRAC update.
The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price is pushing higher today despite the release of an update on its Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (AML/CTF) compliance issues. Australia's oldest bank has been investigating its compliance issues and believes three primary factors led to the breaches. These include some areas of AML/CTF risk not being sufficiently understood within the bank.
Vocus reaffirms guidance.
The Vocus Group Ltd (ASX: VOC) share price is charging higher today after the release of a positive announcement. The specialist fibre and network solutions provider revealed that it has refinanced its debt and remains on course to achieve its guidance for FY 2020. Vocus expects its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) to be in the range of $359 million to $369 million. This compares to the EBITDA of $360.1 million it posted in FY 2019. The core Vocus network services business is expected to deliver EBITDA growth of 10% this year.
Best and worst ASX 200 performers.
The best performer on the ASX 200 on Thursday has been the Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (ASX: URW) share price with a 15% gain. Investors may believe the shopping centre operator's shares have bottomed now. The worst performer has been the Nufarm Limited (ASX: NUF) share price with a decline of almost 11%. This morning analysts at Macquarie downgraded its shares to an underperform rating with a $4.85 price target.
