End of Day Report – Friday 7 August: ASX 200 down 8 - Closed up 3.2% for the week - US futures mixed - Europe on holidays - NFP tonight.

The ASX 200 clawed back early losses to close down 8 on the day at 9,264 points (0.1%). Up 3.2% for the week. It was a mixed picture across the market as investors waited for the US non-farm payrolls (NFP) report tonight and watched for further developments in the Middle East.The banks slipped back, with CBA down 1.0% and WBC down 1.6%, while MQG also eased after recently hitting record highs, falling 1.1%. The Big Bank Basket fell 1.1% to $295.90. Financials were generally softer, with the sector under pressure and ZIP also slipping 3.4% following XYZ's results. REITs were mixed, with GMG down 1.0%, but CHC up 0.76%. Industrials were largely flat, with SGH down 1.25% and QAN down 1.12%, while the retail sector barely moved. Healthcare stocks took a breather, with RMD falling 8.3% on concerns around margins and inflation pressures. Technology stocks had a better session, with WTC up 4.3% and XRO up 1.5%, possibly receiving support from the 32% climb in Atlassian after its results were released after hours.Resources were once again the place to be, although the iron ore names were mixed. RIO gained 0.8%, while FMG slipped 2.3%. Lithium stocks, which have been heavily sold off for some time, finally found some buyers, with PLS rallying 6.5% and LTR also pushing higher by 9.3%. Gold miners were slightly firmer, with NST up 2.3% and NEM up 2.7%, while oil and gas stocks continued to perform well. Coal stocks also improved, alongside uranium names. PDN rose 3.3%, while NXG also enjoyed a better session, gaining 2.2%.In corporate news, JHX added 5.8% following an increase in quarterly income, while NCK slipped 0.7% despite UK operations helping support its results. AQZ returned from a trading halt and rose 6.1% after providing clarification around the Qantas transaction. There was little locally on the economic front, although investors digested the latest Chinese export and import data.Asian markets were mixed, with the Nikkei 225 down 0.2%, Hong Kong up 0.4%, China up 1.3%, and Korea off 0.6%. US futures were mixed with the Dow down 67 points and the Nasdaq up 72. US non-farm payrolls in focus.Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus 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-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – 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-podcast Principles – 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.