Episode Details

The ASX 200 pushed slightly higher, up only 4 points at 8,686 after hitting a high of 8,736 earlier in the day. Volumes were very light, given it was a holiday in most of Australia. The banking sector topped out early, with only modest moves. At the final countdown, CBA down 0.2%, and ANZ up 0.8%. MQG had a good day again, up 1.0%, but the rest of the financials were wishy-washy, with insurance slightly easier, led by QBE down 1.0%.

REITs again under some pressure as bond yields stayed stubbornly high, although GMG managed to rise 1.5%, but the rest were down around 1%. Meanwhile, industrials also slipped away today, with retail stocks under some pressure. WES down 1.0%, and JBH down 1.1%. TLS fell 0.4%, and both WOW and COL fell in a similar fashion. Healthcare stocks were better, led by CSL, which put on another 0.9% following a Swiss pharma acquisition, and PME also rose 1.8%. A mixed session in the tech space, with WTC down 2.1% and XRO down 2.3%, with CDA making gains again. In resources, BHP and RIO were slightly firmer, but the gold miners came off a little as bullion wavered after the non-farm payrolls numbers in the U.S. Lithium stocks tried hard to push ahead, whilst rare earths slipped, with LYC down 2.5%.

 In corporate news today, all eyes on the book build for Firmus (AIF), as media reports that the 7 billion IPO has been covered and early backers are being rewarded with half the IPO allocation. SXE had a good day on a Macquarie research report, and MGH is also doing well with its exposure to Firmus. We also saw news out from INA allowing the private equity bidder to conduct due diligence.

Asian markets quiet with China closed for Golden Week. South Korea closed today too. Japan up strongly.

10-year yields steady at 5.34% .US Futures drifting lower. Nasdaq down 34 and Dow down 83.

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.