The ASX 200 dropped 56 points today to close at 8,723 (0.6%), with the banks suffering steep losses. CBA dropped 2.4%, and ANZ fell 2.5%, with the Big Bank Basket declining to $266.89 (-2.3%). Other financials were mixed, with MQG falling 1.2%, although HUB had a good day, rising 5.4%. REITs were again a little on the nose as distributions and higher bond yields continued to weigh on the sector. SCG fell 0.3%, and CHC dropped 2.7%. Industrials painted another mixed picture, with ALL falling 2.1%. Retail was also mixed, with JBH down 2.8% and WOW falling 1.8%. COL was hit hard following reports it was interested in acquiring the Green Cross veterinary business. TLS fell 1.0%. Healthcare was again mixed, with CSL continuing to add to recent gains, rising 3.2%, while RMD fell 1.6%. In technology, XRO dropped 2.8%, while WTC fell 0.4%. The All-Tech Index slipping 1.0%, helped by another strong performance from CPU, which gained 1.0%. In resources, a mixed picture as S32 sold its aluminium business to AAI, jumping 9.7%. BHP up 0.9% and FMG managing a 0.5% gain. Gold miners continue to push lower, NST down 0.8% and NEM falling 1.9%. Lithium stocks improved, PLS up 1.8% and LTR roaring 2.4% ahead. Oil and gas flat, uranium stocks slightly better, PDN up 6.8%. In corporate news, IPX jumped 5.9% after it secured up to $US6.6m from the US DoD to expand domestic production. ORI rose 1.6% after it agreed to proceed with its Hunter Valley Hydrogen Hub in NSW, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026 and first production targeted for early 2029. ASX reached an agreement with the corporate regulator and the Reserve Bank to reset its risk review program. WDS has assumed the role of operator of the Gippsland Basin oil and gas venture from 50% partner ExxonMobil. PPT jumped 16.8% before a trading halt as EQT look to have made a NBIO. On the economic front, building approvals fell slightly. Nikkei 225 up 0.8%, Kospi down1.2% HK closed and Shanghai unchanged. US futures drifting DJ down 163, Nasdaq down 81. 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.
