End of Day Report – Monday 11 August: ASX 200 up 38 points | Lithium boom, banks push ahead

The ASX 200 marched another 38 points higher to 8845 (0.4%) led by the banks and resources. CBA up % leading the charge and the Big Bank Basket to $282.97 (+1.2%). WBC up 1.9% with MQG down 0.3% and insurers still suffering from post QBE fall out. Financials a little lacklustre, PNI down 2.8% and XYZ giving back Friday’s gains. ZIP down 2.7%. AMP smacked 7.2% lower on broker downgrades. REITs firmed, DGT up 9.1% on certification news, with CMW up 2.3%. Industrials becalmed, ALL down 1.1%, WES fell 1.8% and retail under pressure following JBH off 8.4%. Slightly disappointing numbers and CEO to retire. WEB fell 4.3% and LNW bounced 3.6%. Tech mixed, XRO continue to drift lower, off 1.3% and WTC up 0.7%. The All-Tech Index down 0.6%.In resources, it was all about a lithium renaissance following news that CATL is closing a large mine for three months, LTR rallied 18.3% despite recent cap raise, PLS boomed up 19.7% and MIN up 12.2% as shorts were forced to cover. Gold miners under a little pressure on the switch to lithium, NST down 1.8% and NEM off 1.1%. Uranium stocks showing little interest and WDS up 0.7% with STO extending DD to ADNOC and fell 0.1%.In corporate news, CAR held steady after in line results. Not even a special dividend could save JBH as valuations look toppy, IRE disappointed on results, falling 7.2%, iron ore futures in Asia jumped 1.4% as several steel mills in China will be forced to close next month on pollution concerns. BHP up 1.2% and FMG up 3.0%.Nothing on the economic front as we await the RBA tomorrow and US CPI this week.Asian markets better, Japan up 1.9%, HK up 0.1% and China up 0.6%.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.