ASX breaches 7000 points level as pandemic memories fade Share Australia’s blue-chip index surpassed the milestone 7000 points level briefly on Thursday, sending the market within striking distance of its record high and putting local stocks on course to reclaim all of the losses from the pandemic if the momentum holds. The S&P/ASX 200 Index jumped above 7000 points shortly before midday in Sydney before ending the day 1 per cent higher, adding 70.8 points, to close at 6998.8. The benchmark reached its highest point for the year on an intraday basis, taking it within 2.1 per cent of its closing peak achieved in February last year, just prior to the swift sell-off triggered by COVID-19.