The ASX 200 put in another solid performance, rising 91 points to 9039, as iron ore results cheered the resource sector and industrials continued to push higher. The market also took comfort from the latest CPI reading, which came in below expectations and should ease some of the pressure on the RBA to raise rates on 11 August. The banks gave back some early gains, the Big Bank Basket at $295.53 up 0.1%, with ANZ up 1.37%, while other financials were mixed as ASX rallied 1.43%. AMP was showing a clean pair of heels, rising 2.34%. REITs also enjoyed a good session as bond yields fell, with CHC up 2.96% and SGP gaining 4.96%. Industrials also had a strong day, with retailers rallying on rate-cut expectations. JBH rose 4.67% and LOV also found some friends, up 7.88%. The technology sector performed well, with WTC up 2.33% and XRO rising 4.11%. REA, CAR and SEK also enjoyed solid gains, while TLX climbed 0.21%. Both WOW and COL had good sessions, while healthcare was especially firm. CSL rose 7.15% on encouraging news surrounding its Horizon 2 manufacturing technology, and RMD rallied 3.59%. Resources painted a more mixed picture. BHP rose 1.36%, while RIO rallied on the back of better-than-expected results and a stronger-than-expected dividend. FMG also pushed higher. One casualty was LTR, which fell 7.92% following a disappointing quarterly update. Gold miners were mixed, with NST up 2.22% and NEM flat. Rare earths continued to struggle, with LYC falling heavily once again. Oil and gas stocks edged higher as tensions in the Middle East escalated and the oil price firmed, with WDS up 1.39% and STO flat. Uranium stocks were mixed. In corporate news, there was no shortage of quarterly updates. CSL responded strongly to progress on Horizon 2. PPT rejected a revised takeover offer from EQT, while MIN delivered a solid June quarter. LTR ended the June quarter with $561m in cash, although production, costs and guidance disappointed the market. WDS also tightened its FY26 production guidance to 174–185mmboe. In economic news, headline inflation slowed to 0.6% in June, down from 1.4% in April, with annual inflation easing to 3.8%, below expectations and down from 4.0%. Asian markets were weaker, Nikkei 225 down 1.5%, HK up 1.56% and China down 0.84% - Korea down 5.98%. US futures weaker, Dow down 58 points Nasdaq down 137. .European markets set to open lower. Fed focus. 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.
