End of Day Report – Thursday 1 May: ASX 200 closes up 19 | Resources stumble, banks solid

The ASX 200 kicked off May with a 19-point gain to 8146. Some Asian markets closed today as are some European markets. US futures showing a very positive session, given the results from Meta and Microsoft. Banks held firm with CBA up 0.4% and the Big Bank Basket flat at $265.81 (0.2%). Other financials did ok too, PTM rose 11.4% as Kerr Neilsen sold out to LSF. Merger talks are on. HUB rose 2.3% and PNI up 0.9%. MQG continue to miss out closing down 0.3%. REITs were positive, with a focus on data centres, given the Azure results from Microsoft. GMG up 3.4% and DGT up 6.3%. Industrials also in favour, WTC rallied 6.6% and XRO up 3.2% as tech found big buyers. REA up 0.4% and retail stocks continuing to find buyers. JBH up 0.8% and BAP up 2.4% with travel stocks better too. WOW and COL better too as results cheer.  Resources were in a world of pain. LYC fell 3.4% on possible moves from China, iron ore stocks dropped, BHP down 0.9% and PLS under pressure. Gold miners were mixed, NST fell another 0.8% with EVN off 1.3% as copper rallied after a sobering day yesterday. OBM bounced 3.0% and SPR rose 2.0%. Uranium stocks back in demand after a day’s rest. DYL up % with BOE up % and PDN up %. Oil and gas stocks fell, WDS down 2.6%. In corporate news, PTM was a focus with JDO chopped down to size on an update. DXB rose 41.9% on a good licensing deal. In economic news, the BoJ kept rates unchanged. Asian markets were disrupted by holidays in China. Japan up 1.1%. 10-year yields at 4.19%.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.