End of Day Report – Monday 21 July: ASX 200 drops 89 | Banks stumble badly, BHP, RIO and FMG higher

The ASX 200 dropped 89 points to 8668 (-1.0%) giving back Friday’s gains as banks came under intense pressure.  The Big Bank Basket dropped to $279.24 (2.6%). CBA and WBC leading the sector down with other financials also in the spotlight. MQG fell 1.4% with ASX of 2.1% and IFL down 5.8% as the company updated the CC Capital bid. Insurers fell hard too, QBE down 1.9% and IAG off 1.4% with the REIT sector falling hard, GMG down 0.8% and CHC down 2.3%. Industrials also under the knife, WES off 1.0% with CPU down 1.2% and retail falling, JBH off 1.5% and APE down 3.6%. Travel stocks falling to earth, FLT down 3.0% and WEB off 2.5% with ALL down 1.4%. Tech stocks mixed, WTC up 1.9% and XRO off 0.7% on last day for SPP.Resources were better again, BHP, RIO and FMG did well as China announced a new dam and iron ore continued higher in Asian trade. Lithium stocks squeezed higher, LTR up 11.4% and PLS rising 4.1%. Graphite and rare earths also still in demand, SYR up 17.8% and LYC up 1.4%.  Gold miners saw selling, NEM up 0.5%, NST down 1.5% and EVN off 1.2%. Oil and gas slightly firmer, WDS up 1.4% with uranium stocks also doing well, PDN up 2.3% and coal up too.In corporate news, AMP jumped 9.8% on update, XYZ rose 11.2% on US Index inclusion. S32 rose 4.5% on FY production guidance. Nothing on the economic front, China left rates unchanged. Asian markets modestly higher. Japan closed for Marine Day.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.