End of Day Report – Monday 24 March: ASX 200 fights off early losses | JHX crashes on merger

The ASX 200 rose 6 points to 7937 (0.1%) in quiet trade ahead of the Budget. Banks were firm with the Big Bank Basket at $242.34 (+1.5%). Tariff proof fenced perhaps. CBA up 1.4% and insurers better too, QBE up 0.3%. REITs were a little mixed, GMG down 0.6% and SCG rising 0.6%. RPL was smashed 14.8% on news from OPT that it had missed Phase III end point. RPL owns 32% of the biotech. In the industrials, WOW and COL both giving back some of the optimism from Friday’s ACCC report. Tech stocks also under pressure, WTC down 2.9% and 360 falling 4.4%. The All-Tech Index down 0.5%. Retail weaker, PMV down 2.9% with NCK off 2.0% and MYR down 2.1%. WES rose as did JBH.Resources were a mixed bag of lollies. BHP fell 0.6% with FMG up 3.2% on some broker upgrades. Gold miners were mixed, VAU down 3.2% with NST off 1.3% and BGL dropping 12.8% on change in substantial holding. MIN bounced 6.9% as the haul road reopened. Oil and gas flat, coal eased, NHC down 4.4% and WHC off with uranium sellers back. BOE down 3.5% and DYL falling 1.8%. In corporate news, JHX announced a huge US merger and dropped 14.5% on the news. HLI fell 25.6% as CBA said it may not renew its contract. SM1 curdled 12.0% on unimpressive results.Nothing on the economic front. Asian markets flat. 10-year yields back up to 4.42%.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.