End of Day Report – Tuesday 25 March: ASX wilts to close up 6 points | US Futures weaken

The ASX 200 gave up strong gains to finish up 6 points at 7943 (0.1%) as US futures turned slightly negative. Banks were mixed with ANZ sold off by 3.2% and CBA up 0.7%. The Big Bank Basket down to $242.05 (-0.1%). MQG had a good day, up 2.6% as financials generally did well. RPL came clean with its exposure to OPT. VG1 rose 0.6% with RF1 down 2.4%. REITs did well, SGP up 0.8% with SCG up 0.9%. Healthcare too in demand, CSL up 1.4% and RMD up 1.5%. Industrials generally firmed, JBH up 1.0% and WTC bouncing 3.8% with the All-Tech Index up 1.1%. REA and CAR bouncing back on tech enthusiasm.Resources mixed again, BHP off 0.7% with FMG sliding 1.3%. Gold miners were slightly better with news of a bid for GOR dominating the sector. GOR rose 13.9% with GMD up 0.6% and SPR up 1.2%. Lithium stocks under some pressure, LTR down 3.9% and MIN back 1.0%. JHX continued to slide, 5% down. Oil and gas stocks firmed with uranium buyers getting a note from their parents to avoid buying. PDN fell another 2.4% with NXG running hot on drill results, up 5.8%. In corporate news, NHC fell 3.6% after downgrading its convertible bond conversion price.Nothing on the economic front ahead of the Budget tonight. Asian markets saw sellers hit HK down 2.2%, China down 0.2% and Japan up 0.2%. 10-year yields steady at 4.43%.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.