Day traders' after-market lounge February 22

Thanks afternoon crew.

End-of-day summary:

Aussie shares overcame early weakness as US stock futures surged on positive earnings from Nvidia and Japan's stock market finally eclipsed its 1989 record high.

Utilities, energy producers and healthcare companies outperformed as the ASX 200 flipped a 24-point morning loss into a three-point or 0.04% closing gain. Coles, Fortescue Metals and Transurban were the best of the heavyweights. Among companies reporting earnings, Bega Cheese, Insignia Financial and Lovisa were the standouts from the busiest day of the season.

Japan's 34-year wait for a stock market record ended this afternoon as the Nikkei 225 index set a new peak. The benchmark was up 1.98% as the Australian market closed.

Buyers across the region were encouraged by an explosion in US stock futures after AI chip-maker Nvidia impressed the market with this morning's after-hours trading update. Nasdaq futures surged 1.48% as the chip-maker rallied 7.33% in extended trade. S&P 500 futures firmed 0.74%.