End of Day Report – Thursday 5 March: ASX 200 jumps 39, Korea up 11% | Banks and tech rally

The ASX 200 limped around most of the day closing up 39 points to 8940 (0.4%) with a conviction less rally. Banks found their feet with CBA up 0.4% and the Big Bank Basket up to $299.13 (+0.5%). MQG had a rare good day up 3.8% with insurers and other financials better, ZIP rose 9.9%. REITs were mixed, GMG up 2.4% and SCG off 0.5%. In industrials, WES continue to flop, down another 0.7%. Retail was flat, Healthcare better led by CSL up 2.5% and RMD up 0.8%. Tech had a good day too. WTC up 7.1% and XRO up 4.3% with the All-Tech Index up 3.4%. Resources were a hodge-podge. Gold miners slid again with small across the board losses, EVN down 2.1% and NST down 1.9%. Iron ore majors were mixed, BHP down 1.0% and RIO up 1.2%. Lithium stocks better, higher oil prices push many towards electrification. PLS up 1.5% and LTR rising 2.3%. Copper stocks not doing much. Uranium stocks were better, PDN up 2.2% and NXG rising 3.2%. Both VEA and ALD had solid days on petrol price rises. WDS eased 1.0% and STO up 1.0%. Coal stocks were bid up, WHC up 4.3% but NHC down 1.8%.In corporate news, SGR unchanged as the Court ruled that ASIC failed to prove its case. TLC down 0.7% after bringing in a new operating model. On the economic front, China held its Congress with new targets. Iron ore rose as China renewed a pledge to tackle overcapacity and locally household spending was slightly subdued. Annual growth came in at 4.6%.Asian markets bounce back. Japan up 2.1%, HK up 0.8% and China up 1.3%. Korea up close to 11%!10-year yields jump to 4.79%US Futures down DJ off 132pts and Nasdaq down 35—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.