Market Updates

The ASX 200 rose just 15 points to 8,680 (0.2%) today in listless trade ahead of the RBA and a big week for US Fed chiefs. The banking sector was firm, with CBA up 0.5% and MQG also having a good day, up 2.3%, with the insurers better on higher bond yields. Financials generally were slightly firmer, although PNI fell 2.0% after news from one of its funds on private credit exposure. A slight upward bias to the industrial space, with TLS up 0.6%, WOW up 1.0%, and COL up 0.8%. Tech was mixed, as WTC rose 1.7%, with TNE down 0.4%. Utilities were also in demand on defensive buying, with ORG up 1.0% and APA up 1.3%.
The healthcare sector was once again firm, with CSL continuing to push ever higher and COH also doing well, up 2.0%. REITs were also slightly firmer despite yields increasing, with SGP up 1.7% and SCG up 0.9%.
In the resource space, we saw BHP, RIO and FMG all under pressure on fears of lower iron ore prices, and gold miners also falling on the back of higher yields and inflation concerns. EVN fell 3.0%, and NEM fell 2.4%. We also saw selling in the rare earths space, with LYC down X%, while lithium stocks drifted lower.
In the energy space, WDS rose slightly, as did STO, up 0.2%, but KAR had a nasty day on the back of production guidance being cut due to electrical issues at Baúna. Uranium stocks also slipped slightly, with PDN down 2.0%.
In corporate news, NST rejected a takeover offer from Gold Fields, with a mixture of scrip and cash proving not generous enough. We also saw three ASX-listed private credit funds suspended on valuation concerns.
Nothing locally on the economic front as we await the decision from the RBA, which looks like a laydown for another 25-basis-point rise tomorrow afternoon.
Asian markets drifted lower with Japan down 0.2%, HK up 0.6% and China down 2.4%.
10-year yields at 5.4%. US Futures lower. Nasdaq down 260 and Dow off 190.
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Wall St finished higher on Friday and closed near the day's highs. The Dow was up 484 points (up 0.94%), the S&P 500 was up 39 points (up 0.51%) and the NASDAQ was up 129 points (up 0.48%). The Russell 2000 was up 0.07%. The indexes were briefly in the red early after University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment fell to a four-month low of 48.1. Most of the gains came after the New York Times reported that Iran had given the US terms for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran quickly denied it. Semis, tech hardware, airlines, banks, builders and autos did best. Energy, cable, food, cybersecurity, software and REITs lagged. For the week the Nasdaq was up 2.06%, the S&P 500 was up 1.21% and the Russell 2000 was down 0.80%. The VIX was unchanged.
SPI up 3 - Gold slightly better - Oil eases - RBA in focus tomorrow.
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A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips.
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This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

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.
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.

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: 
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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.

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: 
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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.