The S&P/ASX 200 ended Friday on a strong note, advancing 118.20 points or 1.37% to close at 8,757.20 — its highest level in 100 days. Leading the charge were Mesoblast Limited and Clarity Pharmaceuticals Ltd, which rose 34.64% and 11.78% respectively. Across the week, the benchmark index climbed 2.06% and now sits just 0.22% below its 52-week peak.
The S&P/ASX Small Ordinaries Index also posted solid gains, up 41.60 points or 1.26% on the day to 3,352.80, bringing its five-day rise to 3.18% or 103.40 points. There was some strong news from small cap companies today. Read more below.