End of Day Report – Monday 25 May: ASX 200 up 35 points | Gold jumps, oil and gas fall

The ASX 200 kicked off the week up 35 points to 8692 (0.4%) as optimism on a peace deal washed through. Some scepticism remains, so it was a cautious start to the week. US markets are closed tonight. Banks held firm as NAB rose 1.1% and CBA dropped 0.7%. The Big Bank Basket was steady around $275.42. Insurers slid as yields fell, QBE off 2.1% and MQG lost 1.1%. Other financials were mixed, ASX down 1.2% with HUB up 2.4%. REITs were mixed too, GMG down 0.8% but CHC doing well on an upgrade, up 6.7%. Industrials were mixed, with defensives out of favour. TLS fell 0.9% and REA off 0.3%. WOW and COL steady. Retail rose as bond yields slid, WES up 1.5% and JBH up 1.3%. Tech found its feet, WTC up 0.8% and XRO rising 1.0%, with the All-Tech Index down 0.5%.In resources, RIO and FMG were all up around 1.6% or better. BHP rose 0.6%. Gold miners bounced hard, NST up 5.7% and EVN up 4.2%, with copper stocks also trading higher, SFR up 2.2%. Lithium and rare earths were mildly positive, LYC up 0.7% and MIN rising 2.7%. Oil and gas stocks eased back, WDS down 4.2%, and coal stocks had a great day after issues at one mine in China.In corporate news, QAN announced the London-Sydney non-stop route would be delayed by a year. It rallied 5.8% on oil falls. CHC rallied on another earnings upgrade. BPT fell 1.3% after selling a 60% stake in its Otway Basin project.In economic news, nothing today.Asian markets were better, with Japan up 3.1%, Hong Kong up 0.9%, China up 0.8%, and the Kospi up modestly. US futures were better, with the Dow up 404 and the Nasdaq up 420.  Oil down 5.5% The US and UK are closed today.—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.