1The ASX 200 soared another 85 points to 8878 as US markets hit records. The Japanese market breached 62,000 for the first time ever, and resources rebounded hard on the back of falling oil prices. The banking sector was firm, with the Big Bank Basket rising to $295.43 (+0.5%), despite NAB going ex-dividend today, which wiped around 12 to 14 index points off. Other financials also had a good day, with the likes of HUB doing well, MQG up 0.5% and NWL also doing well. The Macquarie Conference continues, and ZIP rose 4.8% following an update which was pretty well known, given the results have only just come out. Industrials, though, were a little wishy-washy across the board, with healthcare once again under some pressure, as CSL fell another 2.1%, SIG also falling perhaps on its UK expansion plans, and utilities also under some pressure, as ORG fell 2.6% as well. Retail sector was better, with WES rising 1.4%, together with JBH up 2.0% as well. One that did disappoint was SUL, down 2.9%, as it updated the market on disappointing trading conditions. Over in the gaming space, ALL fell slightly, but the big fall of the day was TAH, which was smashed 23.5% after news that AUSTRAC was investigating the bookie. LNW also fell 8.3% on the back of their results today. Technology shares were once again under pressure, with WTC down 0.9% and XRO falling 2.0% and the All -Tech Index down 0.1%. The stars of the show today, though, were the iron ore majors in the resource sector, together with the gold miners as bullion rallied hard as the oil price has fallen. NST up 4.4%, EVN up 6.3%, and NEM up 2.8%, helping the index. BHP had a great day, up 3.8%, as it looks to rise towards $60. Uranium shares were also flying today, as their international counterparts rallied hard, PDN up 8.5%. In the coal sector, not such a merry old place to be. NHC fell 4.3%. WDS and STO both hit hard today, as the crude price fell. In corporate news today, BFG bounced hard on better profit numbers, A1N dropped and entered a trading halt as the fallout from the Kyle and Jackie ‘O’ show continues. FPR had a strong first half, but SUL struggled on the sales front. In economic news today, we had the international trade in goods numbers, which decreased by $6.867bn in March. Asian markets saw big gains as they returned from Golden Week holidays and played catch-up. Japan soared 6% on the Nikkei, HK up 1.4% and China up 0.3%. US futures slightly higher. 10-year yields drifted to 4.93% — Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise. If you'd like to go further: Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcast Principles – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast — Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.
