ASX 200 claws its way up 29 points to close at 6995 (+0.4%). Some mid-morning jitters before Asian markets opened and steadied the ship. Modest gains across the board, Banks better with CBA up 1.1% and NAB gaining 1.5% with the Big Bank Basket up to $168.78 (+1.0%). Insurers better with QBE up 2.1% and SUN up 0.8%. Fund managers are better too, MFG up 3.7% and PTM rallying 6.7%. Industrials firmed, TLS up 0.5% with WOW up 1.2% and WES up 0.5%. Nothing spectacular but solid. Healthcare eased slightly as CSL drifted 0.7% lower. REITS off slightly as 10-year yields rose and retailers doing better, HVN up 0.3% and LOV gaining 1.7%. In resources, lithium stocks rebounded nicely, PLS up 2.8% and AKEup 1.5% with LTR strong, up 8.2%. Gold miners slid, no surprise there as bullion fell a little. Iron ore stocks better led by FMG up 1.8% and oil and gas stocks did well as crude rebounded. WDS up 2.7% and STO rallying 1.6%. Coal stocks, slightly merry, NHC up 1.4%. In corporate news, IHR got another bid, KCN announced it had reopened Chatree after 6 years of legal battles. KLS returned to trade following the placement and acquisition. Nothing on the economic front ahead of Fed next week. Asian markets better, Japan up 1.1%, China up 1.6% and HK up 1.9%. 10-year yields up to 3.40%. Dow futures up 1 point. NASDAQ futures up 19 points.
Why not sign up for a free trial? Get access to expert insights and research and become a better investor.