End of Day Report – Thursday 6 March: ASX 200 falls 46 points | Plenty of stocks ex-div weighing

The ASX 200 continued to struggle down 46 points at 8095 (0.6%) as stocks going ex -dividend weighed. Banks eased yet again with CBA off 1.8% and WBC down 0.9% as the Big Bank Basket fell to $248.82 (-1.1%). MQG off another 0.4% as one broker downgraded. Insurers also in the eye of the cyclone, SUN down 1.0% and QBE dropping 1.3%. REITs eased back, GMG down 0.2% and SCG off 0.9%. Industrials also lost ground, WES fell 1.6% with WOW and COL slipping, QAN down 2.0% from heady highs and TLS slid 1.0%. REA was a positive today up 4.3%. Tech mixed again, WTC up 4.7%. In resources, RIO Ex dividend knocked 2.2% off, BHP down 0.8% after it went Ex, gold miners better, NEM up 1.4% and EVN up 2.7% on copper exposure too. SFR ran 4.8% on its copper exposure, MIN bounced 2.6% and WAF jumped 11.9% on production upgrades. Oil and gas stocks on the nose as crude hits 3-year lows, WDS down 4.7% (XD) and STO off 1.9%. Uranium stocks feeling slightly perkier, BOE up 1.3% and PDN up 1.1% on some broker upgrades. On the corporate front, AMC dropped1.6 % on plans to reorganise it business. AUD has had its best week since 2023. LTM now delisted. SGR looks to HK for a bail out as Brisbane casino set to be sold. On the economic front, Building approvals rose 6.3%. Asian markets remain firm, Alibaba helping Japan up 0.9%, HK up 2.6% and China up 1.3%. 10-year yields back up to 4.48%.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.