End of Day Report – Monday 22 December: ASX 200 up 79 to 8700 | Resources flying, banks drift higher

The ASX 200 kicked off the short week in fine style up 79 points (0.9%) to 8699 as gold and copper headed for records in Asia. Resource stocks kicked again, BHP up 1.6% with FMG up 1.7%. Gold miners in demand, NST up 4.1% and NEM up 5.2%. BGL was the only loser in the gold sector. Lithium stocks also ran, MIN up 6.2% and LTR pushed 5.5% better as it starts underground mining. Rare earths also doing ok. MEI jumped 32.1% om environmental approvals, LYC up 2.4%. Even uranium stocks glowed today, PDN up 7.0%. Banks were better with CBA up 0.3% and ANZ up 0.7%. The Big Bank Basket up to $275.41 (+0.2%). Healthcare firmed, CSL up 0.7% and PME rallied 2.3%. REITs modestly higher. Industrials mixed, WTC fell 4.2%, XRO flat. REA and CAR slightly better, retail was boosted by NCK up 9.9% on a trading update. APE also rallied hard up 6.3%.In corporate news, DRO soared 7.9% on new director guidelines on shareholdings. IGO jumped 2.6% on commissioning a new chemical plant at Greenbushes. NXT soared 6.6% on further contract wins.Nothing on the economic dance card.Asian markets were firm. Japan's Nikkei up 1.9%, China up 0.8% and HK up 0.2%.US futures – DJ up 33 Nasdaq up 9510-year yields steady at 4.80%.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.