End of Day Report – Monday 20 October: ASX 200 up 37 points | Banks charge, gold miners lacklustre

The ASX 200 rallied 37 points after a weaker start to 9032 (0.4%) as banks broke on through. With CBA up 2.6% and NAB rising 1.4% and the Big Bank Basket up to $292.49 (+1.9%). Insurers bounced back from Friday’s heavy losses, QBE up 3.7% and IAG rising 2.2% with financials also doing well, CGF up 1.1% and ZIP up 4.3% on quarterly numbers. REITS back in favour, GMG up 0.7% and SCG rising 1.5%. Industrials too were back in demand, BXB rallied 2.0% with REA up 1.2% and WES rising 1.0%. Tech stocks a little better for a change, WTC up 0.9% and XRO putting on 0.3%. Resources were generally weaker, gold miners under pressure again on profit taking, NST down 3.6% and EVN falling 4.9%. Iron ore miners eased, but rare earths were back in vogue. LYC up 6.6% and ARU leading, UP 18.5%. PLS rose 2.2% with DTR up 7.5% on Colosseum news. A better day for oil and gas, STO up 2.6% and WDS gaining 0.7%. Uranium stocks slipped, PDN down 4.9% and DYL in deep red, off 18.8% as the CEO quit!In corporate news, DRO lost 2.6% as quarterly showed a big revenue jump as expected, ZIP were better than forecast and extended the buyback, BAP crashed 17.7% on operational issues and impairments and a downgrade. On the economic front, NZ inflation rose to 3%, Chinese GDP came in a 4.8% as expected. Asian markets bouncing back hard, Japan up 2.9% on political resolution perhaps, China up 0.7% and HK up 2.2%.10-year yields rise to 4.14%.European markets opening around 0.3% higher. Results in focus this week.Want to invest with Marcus Today? Our MT20 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.