End of Day Report – Friday 27 March

The ASX 200 fell only 9 points to 8516 (-0.1%) with a gain this week of 1%. Trump extended the deadline for hitting Iranian energy assets by ten days, helping US futures turn positive. A mixed picture today, the Big Bank Basket $292.85 (%). Other financials slid, MQG off 2.2% and HUB down 2.7% with SOL doing well up 5.0%. REITS down again as bond yields rose, GMG down 1.3% and SCG off 0.3%. Industrials too were weaker, ALL down 1.4% with QAN off 0.7% and REA and CAR both easing. Tech stocks steadied with XRO gaining 0.6% and the All-Tech Index down 1.5%. Retail was mixed, with healthcare down, CSL falling 0.8% and RMD off another 0.5%.In resources, firm in places, BHP flat, RIO up 1.5% and FMG doing well on higher iron ore prices. Gold miners slipped slightly, NST down 1.1% and EVN off 1.4%. Lithium stocks better, PLS up 3.6% and MIN up 2.4%. Oil and gas stocks better, STO up 1.3% and coal stocks doping ok. YAL up 3.6% and uranium stocks down a tad.In corporate news, BSL is stepping up efforts to extract value from its land portfolio. SLX announced a $143m incentive package in the US. KMD in a trading halt pending an equity raise and debt refinancing.On the economic front, nothing locally. Chinese Industrial profits jumped 15.2%.Asian markets steadied, Japan up 0.1%, HK up 0.8% and China up 0.9%. US Futures better, Nasdaq up 109, S&P500 up 37.—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.