ASX to open higher as US devolves into chaos

WASHINGTON D.C., USA - JANUARY 6: A screen grab captured from a video shows US President Donald Trumps supporters gather outside the Capitol building in Washington D.C., United States on January 06, 2021. Pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol as lawmakers were set to sign off Wednesday on President-elect Joe Biden's electoral victory in what was supposed to be a routine process headed to Inauguration Day. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

ASX: The ASX is expected to leap as much as 2 per cent higher at the open on Thursday after a strong lead from Wall Street overnight. The ASX finished lower on Wednesday as investors’ concerns about the US Senate election results dampened activity.

The S&P/ASX200 benchmark index closed lower by 74.8 points, or 1.12 per cent, to 6607.1 on Wednesday. The All Ordinaries was down 74.3 points, or 1.07 per cent, at 6881.4.

Wall Street: The US share market slid from session highs as pro-Trump protestors wreak havoc in the nation’s capitol. Unofficially, the Dow Jones Industrial Average finished 1.44 per cent higher to hit 30,829.40 points, while the S&P500 index finished up 0.57 per cent at 3,748.14.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq fell 0.61 per cent to finish at 12,740.79.

Occupation: The US Capitol has been breached by furious pro-Trump protestors after President Donald Trump claimed the election had been stolen from him.

The building has been placed on lockdown as dramatic images emerge of protestors fighting with police.

Roadblocks to recovery: Australia is through its 2020 recession with economists anticipating a strong recovery. However, there are five things standing in the way.

Bitcoin: The cryptocurrency has captured investors’ interest around the world as it continues rocketing to record heights. Here’s how one reporter invested in the coveted currency.

NSW vouchers: The state’s COVID-19 outbreak has forced the government to pause its Out and About dining vouchers, designed to get Aussies back into restaurants. Here’s what’s happening now.

Superannuation: Millions of Australians have pulled $10,000 or $20,000 from their superannuation funds, taking it to a total of $36 billion.

If you pulled yours out just before the new year, here’s when you can expect to get it.

Kind act: And an oncologist has forgiven $836,000 in medical bills, helping more than 200 people start the new year on a brighter note.

With AAP.

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