End of Day Report – Monday 17 February: ASX 200 drops 19 points | WBC results, BEN falls hard

ASX 200 fell 19 points to 8537 well off the lows for the day. Results dominated as the Banking sector had two to contend with WBC underwhelmed falling 4.1%, and BEN crashed 15.3% on higher costs and lower margins. The Big Bank Basket fell to $269.95 (-0.9%). Financials were missed with MQG up 0.7% and GQG putting on another 3.3% but insurers slipped on Dutton’s comments and IAG downgrades. SUN down 7.2%. REITs are in demand on rate cut hopes, GMG down 1.1% but SGP up 3.2% and GPT up 4.5% on better-than-expected rates. Industrials mixed, AD8 smashed the bears on a decent outlook, rising 26.5%, tech fell as WTC back on the front page again. The All-Tech Index up 0.2%. Utilities firmed with ORG up 2.7% and retail mixed, JBH up 0.3%, and PMV off 0.9%. Resources were very mixed, gold miners saw profit takers move in following bullion falls, GMD down 3.3% and NEM off 2.8%. Iron ore stocks eased, FMG down 0.6% with energy under pressure, WDS off 2.9% on reserve statement and dividend concerns, STO down 0.9%. Uranium did better than expected, NXG off 4.2% though. In corporate news, WBC disappointed, BEN really disappointed. A2M +19.7% saw good traction in China, BSL rose 13.0% on a positive outlook statement and SGR rose 12.5% on an offer from Oaktree to refinance $650m of debt. Nothing on the economic front. Japanese GDP was better than expected. Asian markets slightly better, Japan up 0.1%, China up 0.1% and HK up 0.2%. 10-year yields rose to 4.45%.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.