ASX 200 rises 1%, Zip soars, REA reports on Friday 5 February 2021

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) went up by 1.1% today to 6,841 points.

Here are some of the highlights from the ASX:

The real estate business announced its FY21 half-year result today for the period to 31 December 2020.

It said that revenue was down 2% to $430.4 million. However, operating expenses fell by 13% to $145.8 million. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose by 9% to $290.2 million, including associates. Net profit after tax (NPAT) went up 13% to $172.1 million and earnings per share (EPS) increased by 13% to 130.7 cents.

The REA Group board decided to increase the interim dividend by 7% to 59 cents.

The ASX 200 share said that the residential property market has shown continued signs…