End of Day Report – Monday 17 August: ASX 200 drops 42 - Banks slide - Resources in favour - Results dominate - JBH - AZJ - IRE all disappoint.

The ASX 200 dropped 42 points to 9073 (-0.5%) as once again, the banking sector disappointed, with NAB's results pointing to challenges ahead. The stock fell 4.6%, while ANZ gave back some of last week's gains, falling 2.6%. The Big Bank Basket was down to $277.41 (-1.8%). Financials were generally weaker, with SOL down 1.9%, MQG down 0.5%, and ASX giving back some recent gains. Insurers also slipped, with QBE down1.8% and SUN down 5.1%. REITs came under pressure as bond yields rose, with SCG down 0.8% and SGP down 3.0%.Industrials were generally weaker, with the retail sector leading the market lower. JBH fell 12.3% following underwhelming results, while WES lost 4.4% and HVN also fell 4.6%. Technology stocks were mixed, with WTC down 2.6%, while XRO managed to rise 0.8%. We also saw some profit-taking in healthcare, with CSL down 1.4% and RMD falling 1.3%.Holding the market together was the resource sector, with BHP rallying 1.4% ahead of tomorrow's results. The gold sector also performed well as bullion held onto its recent gains, with EVN up 5.2% and NST gaining 3.0%. BSL slipped slightly following its results, while the lithium sector was better again, with PLS the standout, up 4.5%.Oil and gas stocks also edged higher, while buyers returned once again to the uranium sector, with PDN up 4.2%.In corporate news, IRE failed to impress despite a lift to profits. Falling 11.6%. AD8 had a great day, up 11.0%, after revealing an underlying loss, with LLC falling 11.2% as it swung to a net loss of $749m in 2026. In economic news, Japanese second-quarter GDP grew 1.1% on an annualised basis.  Asian markets were mixed, with Japan up 0.5%, Hong Kong up 1.8%, China up 1.2%, and Korea closed US futures were narrowly mixed, with the Dow down 28 points and the Nasdaq up 129. European markets poised to open higher. UK jobs and inflation ahead.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.