The ASX 200 eased back 34 points today to 8658 (0.4%) in a quiet session, with US and UK markets closed last night. The banking sector was modestly lower, with NAB falling 0.8% and some more profit taking in MQG down1.6%. The Big Bank Basket $274.56 (-0.3%). Financials generally were under pressure as ASX revealed a further blowout in capex, and the shares fell hard, down 13.2%. Elsewhere, industrials were generally weaker across the board: TLS fell 0.9%, REA down 0.7%, and in the health care sector, CSL continued to push lower. REITs also eased back with an update from GMG, disappointing slightly. WES rose slightly, but generally the markets were on hold ahead of more news coming out of the Gulf. Tech stocks were barely changed with XRO down 0.1%, WTC off 2.6% and the All-Tech Index off 0.4%. Resources were mixed. Iron ore miners pushed higher, and S32 had a good day, up 4.8%, with a little interest in lithium stocks, but gold miners eased back as bullion prices fell on a lack of progress in the peace negotiations. NEM off 2.2% Coal stocks gave up some of the gains from yesterday and STO fell 0.9% despite encouraging news from an investor day. Uranium stocks were also easier, with PDN down 3.4%. In corporate news, KGN ran hard on a positive trading update, and MIN also had a good day. In other news, IFM has rejected the independent valuation of ALX, with directors urging shareholders to reject the takeover bid. In economic news, the ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence index remained near its historic low last week, slipping 0.3 points to 66.1, as households remained under pressure from weak financial conditions and elevated inflation expectations. Asian markets were mixed with Japan down 0.2%, Hong Kong up 0.3%, China up 0.2%, and the Kospi up again to a new record. US futures were better, with the Dow up 327 and the Nasdaq up 255. European futures are opening slightly lower. Brent crude up around 2%. The US and UK reopen today. — 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.
