End of Day Report – Tuesday 18 March: ASX closes up only 6 points as enthusiasm fades | NAB down 2%

ASX 200 finished up only 6 points to 7860 (0.1%) as enthusiasm waned ahead of the Fed.US futures negative again. Banks slid with NAB and MQG under pressure, the Big Bank Basket down to $235.85 (-0.1%). REITs were solid with GMG up 1.1% and GPT up 0.9%. Industrials were mixed, ALL fell 2.8% with JBH off another 2.2% but WOW rose 1.2% with TLS quietly creeping higher. QAN jumped 2.5% with tech going nowhere. The All-Tech Index flat, XRO down 0.8%. Resources too were mixed, gold hit its 12th record this year, NEM up 2.5%. GOR fell 4.9% on production downgrades, GMD up again, 2.0% with VAU finding friends too. Lithium stocks still seeing shorts cover, LTR roared up 5.1% and PLS up 1.3%. MIN added to yesterday’s gains up 1.5% with iron ore stocks down slightly. Oil and gas stocks a little better, Uranium seeing small gains, and coal dominated by good results from NHC up 8.9%. In corporate news, ASB rose 7.6% as Hanwha raided the register. Nothing on the economic front, Asian markets stronger again, Japan up 1.4%, HK up 1.8% and China up 0.2%. 10-year yields 4.39%, little changed.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.