End of Day Report – Friday 20 February: ASX 200 loses 5 points in narrow range trading | TLX soars

The ASX 200 lost 5 points to 9081 for its first down day this week. No Freaky Friday drop! For the week, the index is up 1.8%. Banks leading the way again, the Big Bank Basket up to $311.23 (+0.9%). MQG fell 1.6% with other financials slipping again, ZIP eased 3.8% after an early rally. Insurers though firmed on a better set of numbers from QBE, up 7.1% and SUN up 1.8%.  REITs were slightly firmer, industrials slipped lower, ALL down 4.6%, WOW and COL slid, TLS off 0.6% and REA dropping 0.6%. Retail also fell led by JBH off 1.2% and GYG crashing 13.9% on results and US update. Healthcare eased back, CSL off 0.6% and COH continuing lower. PME dropped 2.1% and RMD fell 0.6%. Tech was once again back on the noise, WTC off 3.8% and XRO falling 3.7% with the All-Tech Index off %.Resources were mixed, RIO fell 3.1% on results whilst BHP held firm. Gold miners were mixed with results falling, NEM down 4.9% on numbers, GMD off 3.1% on its numbers. Lithium stocks fell, PLS down 4.6% on results, and LTR off 6.4% with results from MIN failing 5.3% to help sentiment. In the oil and gas space STO dropped 0.9% and uranium stocks were ok, PDN up 5.4% on Canadian approvals.In corporate news, ING dropped as it cut its poultry forecast. NEM off 4.9% on its results, ASB awarded a $4bn contract from the ADF and TLX jumped 14.5% as it guided higher revenues.On the economic front, nothing today, in the US, we may get the tariff ruling and we have Core PCE.In Asia, HK back from holidays, down 0.6% and Japan down 1.3%.US Futures up. DJ up 62 Nasdaq up 42—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.