End of Day Report – Thursday 19 February: ASX 200 up 79 points | Banks fire, BHP up

The ASX 200 kicked higher again. Four days in a row, up 79 to 9086 (0.9%). Up nearly 2% this week. Off record highs as jobs data provides reasons for the RBA to raise rates again. Super Thursday and results dominated, some good, some terrible. Banks firmed yet again, certainty. The Big Bank Basket rose to $308.43 (+1.4%). NAB up 2.4% and WBC up 2.7%. MQG also had a good day up 1.6% with insurers better and financials generally firming, ZIP came undone on disappointing guidance and bad debts.  Down 34.4%. MPL also fell 5.6% on some misses on the numbers.  REITs slid with GMG down 4.0% on results, Industrials were patchy, WES fell 5.6% with ALL and JBH falling away. Healthcare was better, CSL up 1.0% and RMD up 1.5%. Tech was better again, WTC up 1.9% and XRO rising 0.8%. HSN kicked again on broker calls. MAQ also firmed on a new debt facility. TNE also a good bounce on broker upgrades. The All-Tech Index continued higher, up 1.1%.Resources were also firm, BHP and RIO pushing ahead, gold miners better, GMD up 1.9% on results, NEM up 1.4% and oil and gas stocks rallied hard on crude pushing up on Iran fears. STO up 5.6% and WDS up 4.5% with uranium stocks better too. PDN up 5.5% and LOT rising 4.3%.In corporate news, plenty around. HUB surged 14.2% on good numbers. LIC dropped 7.1% after profits fell, TLS gained 3.6% on better numbers and rise in dividends. SHL and NWH also rising on better numbers.On the economic front, jobs numbers came in as expected but 4.1% headline rate gives RBA reasons to raise again perhaps.In Asia, South Korean markets hitting new records. China and HK closed. Japan up 0.9%US Futures up. DJ down slightly Nasdaq up 2 pts!—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 Todayhttp://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus TodayUse code MTPODCAST for 10% offhttp://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF PortfolioA 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 InvestingA short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips.http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—DisclaimerThis podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.