Highlights from the ASX 200’s best ever December quarter

Although the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) recorded a decline of 1.4% in 2020, it couldn’t stop the benchmark index from having the best quarter in its history.

Over the final three months of the year, the ASX 200 put on a stunning gain of 13.3%.

While a good number of shares had a strong final quarter, listed below are a few highlights from the period:

Big four bank shares surge higher.

One of the key drivers of the ASX 200’s impressive quarter was the banking sector. A sharp reduction in COVID-19 related loans deferrals, vaccine optimism, the easing of responsible lending rules, and APRA’s decision to remove dividend restrictions underpinned strong gains by the big four banks. Over the three months the Australia and New…