End of Day Report – Friday 21 February: ASX 200 down 26 points | Banks drop, Results dominate

The ASX 200 fell another 27 points to 8296 (-0.3%) after an early rise, hitting a one- month low. Banks once again led us down, CBA dropping 2.6% and ANZ off 1.4% with the Big Bank Basket at $246.63 (-1.8%). MQG dropped 1.5% and ASX down 3.3% with QBE doing well on results and rose 3.0%. GMG put on another 1.0% and REITs were slightly mixed. Industrials suffered, WES down 1.9% and ALL continuing to slide down 1.2%. Retail still struggling, JBH off 0.4% and LOV down 2.8%. GYG dropped 14.3% on slower US growth. Apparently, they already have Mexican food there. LNW down 2,6% and JIN fell 8.8% on lack of big payouts. Tech fell, XRO down 1.3% with the All-Tech Index off 1.7%. Resources were generally better, iron ore miners rose on Chinese steel demand, BHP up 2.8% and RIO up 2.8%. PLS gave back some gains, MIN copped a rare upgrade from Barrenjoey, up 5.0% and gold miners were mixed. NEM rose then fell 2.4%, GMD bounced back 4.1% and SPR up 2.8%. DYL bounced back 5.1% with the sector becalmed. WDS and STO flat. YAL delivered good results and rose 3.0%. Om corporate news, The Americans are coming. CoStar bid for DHG and Cosette bid for MYX. SPK fell 19.2% on a guidance downgrade. AX1 rose 1.4% despite slashing dividends. TLX delivered yet again and EOL soared 29.7% on great numbers. In economic news, Japan’s inflation rate climbed to 4% up from 3.6% in December. Asian markets pushed higher again on Alibaba results, HK up 2.9%, China up 1.2%. 10-year yields steady at 4.51% Michelle Bullock’s comments in focus.Want to invest with Marcus Today? The Managed Strategy Portfolio is designed for investors seeking exposure to our strategy while we do the hard work for you.If you’re looking for personal financial advice, our friends at Clime Investment Management can help. Their team of licensed advisers operates across most states, offering tailored financial planning services.Why not sign up for a free trial? Gain access to expert insights, research, and analysis to become a better investor.