Market Updates

The ASX 200 rose 21 points to 8482 in a topsy-turvy day on news from the Gulf and Trump. After an easier start, markets rallied on news that Trump might not need the Strait open to declare an end to the war (See afternoon update). End of month saw a fade at the close. Gold popped higher with gold miners looking firm, NST up 4.4% and NEM up 2.2% with RIO still firing on aluminium exposure, BHP steady. Lithium stocks slipped a little on some oil price weakness. PLS down 2.9% and MIN off 3.7%. Oil and gas stocks eased back, WDS down 0.5% and STO off 1.1%. Coal stocks too under some pressure, NHC ex dividend today. Uranium steady.
Banks recovered from early losses with the Big Bank Basket falls to $284.58 (-0.1%). Other financials also finding friends, MQG up 1.2% and ASX running hot. Insurers were slightly better and a good bounce in REITs with GMG leading the charge. Healthcare improved, COH up 1.3% and SIG falling 0.4%. Retail also getting a slight boost and tech rallying hard. WTC up 4.1% and XRO rallying 6.6% with the All-Tech Index up 2.6%.
In corporate news, KMD grabbed a lifeline with a deeply discounted rights issue, KOA joined the boards, bedding down nicely, up 11.8%. CKF has rung the Taco Bell and is exiting its stores. A1N slumped another 19.0% as Jackie O commenced legal proceedings claiming $82m.
In economic news, RBA minutes, China’s PMI better than expected.
Asian markets eased, Japan fell 0.5%, HK off 0.6% and China off 0.2%.
10 -year yields fell to 4.98% on RBA minutes and Powell comments.
US futures; Dow up 307 Nasdaq up 104.
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The S&P 500 fell on Monday, weighed down by further gains in oil prices and a steep decline in tech, as traders looked past comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on inflation. The broad-based index dipped 0.39%, posting a third straight losing session and settled at 6,343.72. The S&P 500 was just over 9% off its closing high. The move lower was led by declines in the technology sector, which fell more than 1%. On the flip side, sectors such as financials and utilities saw gains. The Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.73% to 20,794.64. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 49.50 points, or 0.11%, and closed at 45,216.14.
The CBOE Volatility Index topped 30 during the session.
U.S. oil prices also rose to start the week, with West Texas Intermediate futures settling up 3.25% at $102.88 per barrel — its highest close since July 19, 2022. Brent crude futures inched up 0.19% to $112.78 a barrel and were on pace the biggest monthly surge ever with a 55% rise in the period.
SPI up 11 - RBA Minutes - Commodities slightly higher.
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The ASX 200 recovered well, closing down only 55 points at 8461 (0.7%), still looking at the worst month since Covid. Banks and industrials were hit hard with CBA down % and WBC off %. The Big Bank Basket fell to $284.96 (-2.7%). MQG dropped 1.0% and other financials were weaker, SUN finished off 1.8%. REITs too suffered with GMG down 1.4% and SCG falling 1.2%. Healthcare also weaker, RMD down 0.9% and CSL off another 1.7%. Tech smashed again, WTC down 4.8% and XRO falling 3.2%. The All-Tech Index fell 2.8%. Supermarkets closed higher and TLS held firm, although retail stocks weakened. JBH down 3.4% and ALL down 2.6%. Travel stocks also falling QAN off 2.0% and FLT falling 4.4%.
In resources, BHP held firm, RIO rallied 4.9% and FMG up 1.8% with gold miners finding support. Lithium stocks also firm on EV sales picking up, PLS up 2.3%. Oil and gas stocks better, KAR hit highs on a board reshuffle, WDS up 2.2% and coal stocks also rising strongly. Uranium stocks finding friends too. AAI soared 8.6% on news that two producers in the Middle East were hit.
In corporate news, KMD remains suspended, AMP announced a $150m buyback late Friday. WJL saw its CEO resign and DRO announced the opening of a European HQ. 
Asian markets slumped then fought back, Japan down 3.0%, HK off 0.9% and China up 0.1%.
10 -year yields fell to 5.06%
US Futures flat.
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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
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The ASX 200 fell only 9 points to 8516 (-0.1%) with a gain this week of 1%. Trump extended the deadline for hitting Iranian energy assets by ten days, helping US futures turn positive. A mixed picture today, the Big Bank Basket $292.85 (%). Other financials slid, MQG off 2.2% and HUB down 2.7% with SOL doing well up 5.0%. REITS down again as bond yields rose, GMG down 1.3% and SCG off 0.3%. Industrials too were weaker, ALL down 1.4% with QAN off 0.7% and REA and CAR both easing. Tech stocks steadied with XRO gaining 0.6% and the All-Tech Index down 1.5%. Retail was mixed, with healthcare down, CSL falling 0.8% and RMD off another 0.5%.
In resources, firm in places, BHP flat, RIO up 1.5% and FMG doing well on higher iron ore prices. Gold miners slipped slightly, NST down 1.1% and EVN off 1.4%. Lithium stocks better, PLS up 3.6% and MIN up 2.4%. Oil and gas stocks better, STO up 1.3% and coal stocks doping ok. YAL up 3.6% and uranium stocks down a tad.
In corporate news, BSL is stepping up efforts to extract value from its land portfolio. SLX announced a $143m incentive package in the US. KMD in a trading halt pending an equity raise and debt refinancing.
On the economic front, nothing locally. Chinese Industrial profits jumped 15.2%.
Asian markets steadied, Japan up 0.1%, HK up 0.8% and China up 0.9%. 
US Futures better, Nasdaq up 109, S&P500 up 37.
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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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A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing.
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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.