End of Day Report – Monday 6 July: ASX 200 down 13 - Banks ease - Tech rallies slightly - VAU bid - US Futures up.

The ASX 200 closed down 13 points at 8,831 (0.2%) after drifting from positive to negative throughout the day. The banks were a little sloppy, with WBC down 1.1% and the Big Bank Basket falling to $273.60 (-0.3%). The insurance sector also eased, while the rest of the financials were mixed.REITs also had a mixed session, with CHC down 0.7%, while GMG edged slightly higher. Industrials lacked direction. Healthcare was the standout sector, with CSL up 2.0%, RMD rising 1.3% and SIG adding 1.1%. Technology stocks also found support, with solid gains in WTC and XRO, both up 7.3% and 1.8% respectively, while REA and CAR also finished higher.Resources were mixed, with BHP down 0.8%, while FMG rebounded 0.9% from Friday's losses. The gold sector was in focus after GMD launched a rival bid for VAU, joining RRL in the takeover battle. Despite the M&A activity, NST fell 1.8% and EVN eased 1.6%. Lithium stocks were also slightly weaker, with PLS down 1.7% and LTR falling 2.9%.In the oil and gas sector, despite little movement in crude oil futures, positive broker commentary helped WDS rise 0.8% and STO gain 1.4%. Coal stocks drifted lower, while uranium stocks were little changed.In corporate news, it was all about the new VAU bid from GMD. We also saw a solid quarterly from GGP, while WOR firmed 0.2% after securing a new consultancy agreement. In the tech space, IFT edged 1.4% higher following an independent valuation of its holding in CDC.There was nothing of note on the economic front today.Asian markets mixed, Nikkei 225 down 0.5%, HK up 1%, China up 0.2%. Kospi down 1.5%.US futures: Dow up 8 pts, Nasdaq up 223.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.