The ASX 200 slipped 13 points to 8816 (0.1%) in a quiet day of trade, oscillating between small gains and small losses. Banks remained solid, with CBA the star of the show, up 0.6%. MQG, though, fell 0.8%, while insurers were better, with QBE rising 1.5% and IAG up 3.0%. There was not much action in the REIT sector, with SCG up 1.1% and GMG largely unchanged. Elsewhere, it was a mixed picture across industrials and technology stocks. SGH rose 3.0% following the announcement of a $500 million buyback. However, we once again saw selling pressure in the tech sector, with REA down 3.1%, CAR off 3.3%, and XRO falling 4.5%, dragging the All - Tech Index down 2.6%. The biggest loser in the sector today was WTC, which crashed 18.4% after media reports revealed founder Richard White is under AFP investigation over alleged trafficking offences. And yet nothing from the company! In healthcare, CSL gave back some of last week's gains, off 3%, while PME rose 1.1%. Resources were also mixed, with BHP down 1.7% and RIO lower. Gold stocks perked up on the back of higher bullion prices, with EVN rising 3.4% and NST rallying 1.6%. Lithium stocks, however, came under pressure, with PLS down 6.0% and MIN falling 3.6%. Oil and gas stocks were modestly weaker, while uranium stocks followed a similar path. In corporate news, ING fell early before recovering to close down X% after imposing a full lockdown due to avian influenza concerns in Western Australia. MTS was also 1.9% weaker following an update on supermarket sales. A2M edged 0.9% higher after confirming it would proceed with its $300 million special dividend, while CCP withdrew its bid for HUM. There was nothing on the economic front locally, Nikkei 225 up 1.7% South Korea up 0.6%, HK down 0.5% and Shanghai up 1%. -0.5 US Futures - Dow Jones down 82, Nasdaq down 42. After fair value, small gains. 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.
