Market Updates

The ASX 200 jumped out of the blocks, but was well off highs of 8804, closing up 149 points at 8729 (1.7%). A serious bout of optimism as the Trump deadline approaches. Banks firmed with the Big Bank Basket up to $297.88 (2.3%). CBA up 2.4% and MQG charging 3.2% ahead. Other financials were mixed, HUB up 3.3% and ZIP gaining 6.0%. REITs mixed too, GMG up 0.7% with industrials firming, WES up 1.3% and ALL rising 1.3% with tech doing better, WTC up 3.4% and XRO rallying 1.7%. Healthcare mixed, CSL up 1.0% and retail flat. GYG had a good day as shorts covered on a trading update, TLS fell 0.4% and supermarkets mixed. In resources, BHP, RIO and FMG all did well, the big Australian leading the charge, up 3.3%. Gold miners pushed ahead, NST up 2.0% and GGP rising 4.0%. Rare earths did better, LYC up 4.6% and lithium stocks also pushing ahead. Uranium stocks mixed, LOT fell 2.2% on production issues and PDN squeezed 0.8% higher. Oil and gas stocks generally better, WDS up 2.5%.
In corporate news, CSL said most of its products would be exempt from the 100% tariffs, RCE appointed Tim Ford (Ex-TWE CEO) to the board.
On the economic front, household spending rose 0.3% month-on-month on a current price, seasonally adjusted basis.
Asian markets steadied, Japan unchanged, HK down 0.7% and China down 0.2%. 10-year yields 4.99%.
US Futures ease ahead of deadline, Nasdaq down 139, Dow down 122. Europe opening slightly better.
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Markets are at something of a standstill again. We know why. We have another potential deal/timeline on the table from President Trump. The deadline is 8pm Tuesday night, US time. That would be Wednesday morning for us here in Australia. If Tehran doesn't accept a deal, the US could “rain hell” on the country. Iran rejected a ceasefire and proposed 10 clauses they want to see. Trump rejected those too. It's unlikely we will see much happen while this looms over the world.
Overnight, seven out of the 10 sectors were positive for the S&P 500. Energy led the way, followed by Financials and Industrials. Defensive components Healthcare and Utilities were slightly weaker.
Most Material stocks were flat to down. Gold was slightly lower, so gold stocks drifted lower. Copper and uranium were neither here nor there. You could say the same about Big Tech. The Chip stocks showed more life. Latest figures suggest the semiconductor sector is well-positioned to reach US$1 trillion in annual revenue this year. US financials continue to show resilience.
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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.
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Disclaimer
This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

The S&P 500 advanced 0.72% and closed at 6,575.32, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.16% and settled at 21,840.95. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 224.23 points, or 0.48%, to end at 46,565.74.
President Donald Trump said in a post on Truth Social Wednesday morning that Iran’s president has asked the U.S. for a ceasefire. However, the U.S. will consider the offer when the Strait of Hormuz is “open, free, and clear,” Trump added, writing that “until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!”
This comes after the president told reporters at the White House late Tuesday that he expects the U.S. military forces will leave Iran in “two or three weeks.”
Oil prices eased following that comment. West Texas Intermediate futures settled down 1.24% to close at $100.12 per barrel and Brent crude futures lost 2.7% to settle at $101.16 a barrel.
SPI up 19 - Gold higher - POTUS Speech at Noon.
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The ASX 200 jumped 190 points to 8672 (2.2%) on US/Iranian news and a spectacularly strong US bounce. End of month and short covering helping lead us in. Confidence built throughout the day. Resources roared back to life as the USD fell slightly, and oil prices steadied. BHP up 4.3% and RIO up 3.5% with FMG joining in up 3.8%. Lithium stocks raced ahead, PLS up 3.5% and MIN rising 5.2% with the gold sector rebounding hard. NEM up 4.5% and EVN jumping 8.2% on gold and copper rises. S32 jumped on aluminium exposure, rare earths also doing well, ARU up 8.9%. Uranium stocks rallied hard, PDN up 6.9% and NXG jumped 6.7%. Oil and gas stocks took a pause, STO up 0.1%. Coal stocks steady.
In the banks, a decent rise with the Big Bank Basket at $290.26 (+2.0%).MQG soared 3.3% and other financials also did well, ZIP up 10.7%. REITs mixed, GMG rising 2.3%. Tech stocks gained, XRO up 2.5% and REA up 2.5%. Retail better, JBH up 1.4% and travel stocks jumped, FLT up 4.8% and QAN taking off. The All-Tech Index up 3.3%.
In corporate news, APE rose after entering into agreements to acquire two Audi dealers in Melbourne. PRN rose 4.1% on a new CEO. SGR blipped 8.7% higher after Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium took full control of Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf precinct.
In economic news, dwelling approvals rose 29.7% in February to 19,022, driven by a surge in private apartments.
Asian markets eased, Japan rose 4.5%, HK up 2.0%, and China up 1.4%.
10 -year yields fell to 4.91% on peace hopes.
US futures: Dow up 76, Nasdaq up 113
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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.
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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
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Disclaimer
This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.