End of Day Report – Tuesday 1 April: ASX 200 rallies 82 points | RBA on hold, gold at records

The ASX 200 rallied hard despite negative US futures with a 82-point gain to 7925 (+1.0%). The RBA left rates on hold as expected. Banks were the turn around story with CBA up % and the Big Bank Basket up to $248.66 (1.2%). REITs also in demand as GMG bounced 2.7% and SCG up 1.8%. Financials services still under some pressure, IFT down 1.4% and ASX off 3.0%. Industrials generally firmed, WES up 1.3% and WOW and COL better; Retail was back in demand, as retail sales numbers were released, JBH up 1.1% and PMV up 0.9%. Tech was better, WTC up 2.3% and XRO up 1.2% with ORG rallying 2.7% on news from Earring power station. JHX remained under pressure as the recent acquisition plan continues to spur selling, down 3.9%. Resources were back in demand, BHP bouncing % and FMG up %. Gold miners limped higher, NEM up 1.1% and RMS better by 0.8%. EVN doing well up 1.7%. PLS crumbled 5.5% again as shorts took control, MIN fell 0.8% and LTR down 6.4%.  Oil and gas positive as crude rose, WDS up 1.7% and STO up 1.7%. Uranium under pressure again. In corporate news, AVJ gained 8.3% as it agreed terms with AVID. Looks like Virgin is heading for a June listing. On the economic front, retail sales rose 0.2% slightly below forecasts. Asian markets better across the board, Japan up 0.2%, China up 0.3% and HK up 1.1%. 10-year yields steady at 4.41%.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.