The ASX 200 closed down 38 points at 8793, well off the lows, as the banks continued to offer stability, whilst mining stocks were generally easier, with comments from FMG on Chinese iron ore negotiations hurting the big boys and falling 4.5%. BHP lost 2.4%. Gold miners were also slipping after a slightly positive start, but bullion prices eased in Asia. The oil and gas sector was also easier, with WDS down 3.5% and STO down 1.3%. The banks held steady, with ANZ up 1.2% and the Big Bank Basket up to $272.55. MQG eased back, whereas the insurers pushed ahead slightly, with QBE up 1.4% and SUN up 2.5%. REITs were also better today, led by GMG up 1.2% and VCX up 0.9%. It was the industrials' chance to shine today, with a positive update from BXB rising 3.2%, QAN rising 1.2%, and SGH rising 1.9%. TLS also had a good day today, along with REA in the corner, up 1.9%. Technology stocks were somewhat mixed, and we saw a bounce back in NXT today, rising X% after the drubbing yesterday on that significant earnings downgrade. WTC continued its rally up 3.1%. Those XRO slipped away again. CDA saw some profit-taking down 8.1%. A solid rally, too, in MAQ and MP1, helping the sector, with the All-Tech index rising 0.9%.
In Corporate news today, NCK was down 15.3% following an earnings downgrade at the AGM. CSL will defend its class action over its earnings forecast disclosure. STO trimmed its output guidance on Alaskan oil delays. FPH was also hit with a cyberattack, whilst BXB said guidance remains intact despite repair costs. MFG also under pressure after AGM.
Nothing substantial locally in economic news. Asian markets dropped, Japan down 2%, HK down 2.9% and China off 1.3% again.
US futures falling DJ down 0.4% Nasdaq down 1.4% 10-year yields relatively stable at 5.25%.
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