The ASX 200 fell 27 points to 8,804 (0.3%) as resources came under significant pressure following renewed kinetic action in the Gulf. Gold miners eased and the broader resources sector was weak. The big miners struggled, with BHP down1.9% and RIO falling 1.8%. Lithium stocks were well and truly under pressure, with PLS down 5.5%, MIN off 5.6% and even LYC slipping 6.4%. Gold miners also lost ground as the bullion price eased back, with NST down 5.1% and EVN falling 5.3%. The nascent gold rally appears to have been snuffed out before it really got going. Elsewhere in resources, oil and gas stocks weakened, with WDS down 0.5% and STO off 1.5%, while coal stocks also drifted lower. Uranium names were under pressure too, with PDN down 4.1% and DYL off 6.9%. The banking sector was firmer, with CBA up 1.2%, while NAB and the other major banks also edged higher. The Big Bank Basket rose to $277.49 (1.4%) Financials generally performed well, with MQG up 1.0%, and insurers back in the green. REITs, however, lost ground, with SGP down 2.8% and GMG falling 0.7%. Healthcare continued to outperform, with SHL up 1.5% and RMD extending its recent rally. Technology was the standout sector today after WTC announced board changes, sending the shares up 5.7%. XRO followed suit, while REA and CAR also posted gains. The All-Tech Index rose 1.2%. In corporate news, NEC signed a new NRL contract. NWL enjoyed a strong session after upgrading forecasts for funds under administration, while LYC announced a $50minvestment in a Malaysian permanent magnet facility. On the economic front, ANZ Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence numbers fell again by 1.2pts to 74.7pts. Across Asia, all eyes were on Samsung after the shares fell heavily despite reporting a strong set of numbers. Although profits surged nineteen-fold, the result only narrowly beat analyst expectations. Asian markets were weaker. The Nikkei 225 fell 1.8%, Hong Kong fell 0.5%, China fell 0.8%, while the Kospi dropped 6.0% on Samsung results. European futures slightly negative. US futures were mixed, with the Dow up 28 and Nasdaq down 246. SpaceX joins the Nasdaq today. Oil up 1.2%. 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.
