Market Updates

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
—
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.

US stocks rose on Tuesday following new reports that gave investors hope that the Iran war could soon come to an end. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1,125.37 points, or 2.49%, and closed at 46,341.51. The move came after an unconfirmed report said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is open to ending the war with guarantees. The S&P 500 gained 2.91% to end at 6,528.52, and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 3.83% to 21,590.63. Each of the three indexes posted their best day since May.
It was end of month and quarter too.
SPI jumped 130 pts – Gold up – Resources to do well.
—
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.

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.
—
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.

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.
—
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.

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.
—
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.