The ASX 200 closed unchanged on futures expiry day at 8841, after an afternoon rally in the banks gathered pace, with CBA up 1.8% and NAB gaining 1.3%. The Big Bank Basket continued its recent run higher to $285.73. Financials were generally firmer, with SOL up 3.3% and GQG gaining 1.1%. REITs also pushed higher, led by SCG up 0.5% and SGP rising 2.0%. Industrials and technology stocks found buyers, with WES up 1.2% and ALL gaining 0.3%, while retailers edged higher as JBH rose 1.8%. Healthcare stocks also regained some poise, with CSL and RMD both moving higher. In the technology sector, buying returned to XRO and WTC, while REA had a strong session, up 6.6%, after reporting growth in listings. That helped lift CAR and SEK as well.
Resources, however, were once again out of favour. BHP's quarterly failed to excite the bulls, with the stock down 2.3%. RIO also slipped, while FMG fell 1.1%. Lithium stocks remained under pressure, with PLS falling sharply and LTR following suit. Gold miners were mixed, with NST down 0.1% while GMD gained 1.5%. Oil and gas stocks eased as crude prices slipped, with WDS down 1.5%, while coal and uranium stocks also drifted lower.
In corporate news, NWL reported record funds under administration (FUA). PPT announced it had received an improved takeover proposal from EQT, TNE maintained its FY26 guidance, and OBM warned of lower gold production in FY27 alongside higher all-in sustaining costs (AISC). On the economic front, Korean stocks were volatile again after the BoK raised rates.
Asian markets were weaker, Japan down 3%, HK up 2.1% and China flat Kospi down 6%.
US futures mixed - Dow up 45 and Nasdaq up 1. Oil off 0.5%. European markets set to rise a little.
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