The ASX 200 rose 59 points today to close at 8823 (0.7%), with the banks solid. CBA rose 1.0% and NAB gained 1.0%, with the Big Bank Basket up to $271.94 (0.8%). Other financials also had a good session, with NWL rising 3.1% and ZIP enjoying a strong day, up 8.7%, along with XYZ, up 4.9%. Industrials were also firm, with the retail sector performing well. JBH rose 2.2% and ALL also pushed higher. Plenty of Ex Dividends today in REITs and utilities. Technology finally appears to be finding its feet, with WTC up 7.2%, XRO gaining 4.5%, and the old-school platforms REA, CAR, and SEK all rising around 4% or more. Utilities were weaker, with ORG down 1.0%, while APA traded ex-dividend and also drifted lower. Healthcare stocks were better across the board, with CSL up 0.5%, RMD gaining 2.0% and TLX rising 5.5%. Resources painted a mixed picture, with BHP up 1.4%, RIO up 0.3%, and FMG the best of the iron ore majors, up 2.4%. Gold miners were mixed as bullion drifted lower, with NST down 2.3% while GMD gained 1.9%. Lithium stocks were once again under early pressure but recovered to see PLS finish up 0.8%. In the oil and gas sector, WDS edged slightly higher, while some of the uranium stocks also posted modest gains. In corporate news, NEU had a stunning day following progress on European approval for Daybue. RMS rallied 2.3% after agreeing to sell its Edna May gold mine for $300m, while KAR rose 9.1% after restoring production at the SPS-92 well and announcing a new on-market share buyback. There was nothing of note on the economic front today. Nikkei 225 down 0.4%, South Korea up 1.1%, HK up 2% and Shanghai up 0.4%. US futures firm DJ up 191, Nasdaq up 215. European futures slightly higher. 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.
