End of Day Report – Tuesday 21 April: ASX 200 drifts 4 points lower | Ceasefire deadline in focus

The ASX 200 drifted 4 points lower to 8949 as the countdown continues on the ceasefire. Banks eased back, CBA down 0.3% and ANZ off 1.7% with MQG hitting record highs up 0.7% and other financials doing well. The Big Bank Basket fell to $298.32 (-0.3%). ASX up 1.4% and ZIP continuing to push higher up 2.8%. HUB was a casualty falling 8.3% on FUA news. REITs firmed slightly, GMG up 0.7% and VCX rising 1.2%. Tech slightly firmer, WTC up 0.2% and the All-Tech Index up 0.3%. WOW and COL rallied, retail firmed, with healthcare mixed.  In resources, BHP eased 0.3% with RIO up 0.8% after good quarterly numbers, lithium stocks eased back, PLS down 2.5% and LYC fell 2.1% after solid quarterly numbers. Gold miners were mixed, EVN down 1.6% but WGX up 1.3%. Oil and gas stocks slid, WDS down 1.8% and STO falling 1.5% with coal stocks up slightly, NHC up 2.2%. Uranium stocks were mildly positive, DYL up 2.5% and NXG rising 2.0%.In corporate news, MIN priced a $1.8bn debt note, CGF unchanged after its guidance narrowed. MAF rose 3.7% after a 44% increase for YoY AUM growth.Nothing substantial on the economic front.Asian markets saw modest gains - Japan up 1.2%, HK up 0.5% and China up 0.2%. 10-year yields fall to 4.9%.US Futures ease, Nasdaq up 98, Dow up 85. Europe is opening up around 1%.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.