ASX 200 rises 0.7% on Wednesday 16 December 2020

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) went up by approximately 0.7% to 6679 points.

Here are some of the highlights from the ASX today:

Aussie Home Loans to merge with Lendi

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) announced today it has agreed to merge mortgage broker Aussie Home Loans with Lendi, an online home loan portfolio.

CBA said that the complementary capabilities of Aussie and Lendi are expected to support the growth of the existing businesses and to deliver a range of additional benefits over time for customers and brokers, including enhanced digital capabilities and improved operational efficiencies.

Upon the deal’s completion, CBA will hold a 45% shareholding in the combined business, with existing Lendi shareholders…