End of Day Report – Friday 17 April: ASX 200 down 8 points | Lithium and tech up

The ASX 200 limped lower by 8 points to 8937 (0.1%) for a flat week. Banks continued to be weaker, NAB falling another 2.0% and WBC off 0.7%. The Big Bank Basket fell to $298.43 (-0.3%). Financials mixed, HUB rose 2.8% and PNI rose 3.8%. ZIP had a great day up 13.7%. REITs slipped slightly with CHC down 0.6% and GMG falling 0.5%. Healthcare under pressure still, RMD down 1.6% and CSL off 0.3% with SIG 2.2% better on broker research. Tech managed small gains, WTC up 2.9% and XRO rising 0.2% with REA better. Resources were mixed, BHP unchanged with RIO and FMG doing slightly better. Gold miners mixed despite bullion drifting higher. EVN down 2.0% and GGP off 1.5%. Lithium stocks soared, LTR up 6.3% and MIN rising 7.1%. Oil and gas eased, coal stocks fell and uranium firmed, PDN up 2.8% and BOE up another 4.6%.In corporate news, ZIP soared 13.7% on better numbers on bad debts, PDN rose on production numbers and AAI fell % after results fell short of expectations. NEM also flagged no production issues following the earthquake this week.Asian markets saw modest gains - Japan down 0.9%, HK down 1.3% and China off 0.3%. 10-year yields rise to 5.0%.US Futures jump, Nasdaq down 38, Dow up 77. Europe is opening flat and quiet.—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus 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-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – 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-podcastPrinciples – 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.