Aussie shares in record close, break $2.9 trillion mark

The broader all Ordinaries surged 58.9 points higher, up 0.64 per cent, to 8208, the best close for Australia's top 500 stocks now with a combined value of more than $2.9 trillion.

Eight of 11 local sectors finished higher, led by a 1.1 per cent afternoon rally in financials and strong performances from the mining and energy sectors.

The Aussie dollar was weaker against the greenback to buy 65.04 US cents, down from 65.37 US cents on Thursday at 5pm.