The ASX 200 built on a solid open, but as we approached a shortened week next week, the index sold back off to close only 16 points up at 8,908 (0.2%). ASX 200 up 1.3% this week. not a bad effort, all things considered, as it does appear that Australia, given its limited AI exposure, is being bought as a defensive haven currently. Once again, though, it was a ‘Dickens’ of a market, with the best of times and the worst of times. Resources certainly were experiencing the worst of times, with BHP, RIO, and FMG all losing ground, but the real damage was done in the likes of LYC and PLS as lithium and rare earths once again came under pressure. We did also see the gold miners slip again: NEM down 2.0% and EVN down 2.0%. Meanwhile, uranium stocks saw selling, with oil and gas better, as WDS and STO both rose. Banks held relatively steady, with CBA up 0.2%, but WBC slipping 1.1%. Insurers also gained, led by QBE, and the REIT sector was also back in demand, although GMG slipped 1.1%. Industrials and defensives were back in the shopping cart today, as TLS rose 0.8%, TCL rose 0.9%, and WES led retailers higher, rising 3.6%, with JBH also having a good day, up over 6%. Technology shares were once again under pressure, with XRO down 2.4% and TNE down 1.4%. The All-Tech Index slid 0.8%. Healthcare stocks were looking in rude health again, with CSL up 1.6% and RMD up 0.4% after quarterly results pleased the market. In corporate news, DXN tumbled 47.2% after a US contract was cancelled. COL slumped 7.7% on sales numbers. Nothing on the economic front. US futures lower. 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.
