End of Day Report – Monday 3 November: Banks lead ASX 200 higher | Lithium slips and copper falls

The ASX 200 started badly down some 40 points but rallied to close up 13 at 8892 (0.2%). Once again it was the banks that led the turnaround with WBC numbers pleasing and the sale of the RAMS Home Loan book also a positive. The bank closed up 2.8% with the Big Bank Basket at $297.33 (+2%). CBA kicked up 2.3% and other financials were mixed. REITs slid with GMG down 0.2% and SGP off 0.8% and insurers also fell, QBE down 1.2%. Industrials ended up mixed, after a sluggish start, WES up 0.3% and REA bouncing 1.1%. Tech stocks did better, WTC up 0.6% and XRO rallying 2.3%. In the healthcare space, RMD fell 4.3% on its results, CSL continued to drag the sector down, off another 1.7%.Resources were weaker on Chinese data, BHP down 0.2% and rare earths spluttered lower, LYC off 8.1% and lithium depressed, PLS down 5.2% and LTR off 0.4%. Gold miners eased back as bullion tested $4000, NST down 2.0% and EVN off 2.5%. Oil and gas stocks rose as crude pushed ahead, WDS up 1.3% and STO up 1.1%, uranium drifted lower, PDN down 2.0%.In corporate news, DRO steady on a Latin American order, DMP rose 0.2% after selling its printing business.Asian markets mixed, HK up 0.1%, China up 0.2% and Japan up 0.9%.10-year yields 4.35%. US futures slightly higher.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.