Day traders' after-market lounge December 20

Thanks afternoon crew.

End-of-day summary:

The share market logged its second highest close of 2023 as investors continued to bet on global interest rate cuts next year.

The ASX 200 rallied 49 points or 0.656% to 7538, the index's strongest finish since this year's closing top of 7558 on February 3. The rally also brought the benchmark within touching distance of its 2021 all-time high of 7633.

Gold miners, telcos and property investment trusts set the pace as 10 of 11 sectors advanced. The tech sector sat out the rally. Telstra, Newmont and CSL were the pick of the heavyweights.

The Dow continued to lead in the US, rising 0.68% overnight to a fifth straight all-time high. The broader S&P 500 gained 0.59%