End of Day Report – Wednesday 1 April: ASX 200 pumps 190 points higher | Banks surge 2%

The ASX 200 jumped 190 points to 8672 (2.2%) on US/Iranian news and a spectacularly strong US bounce. End of month and short covering helping lead us in. Confidence built throughout the day. Resources roared back to life as the USD fell slightly, and oil prices steadied. BHP up 4.3% and RIO up 3.5% with FMG joining in up 3.8%. Lithium stocks raced ahead, PLS up 3.5% and MIN rising 5.2% with the gold sector rebounding hard. NEM up 4.5% and EVN jumping 8.2% on gold and copper rises. S32 jumped on aluminium exposure, rare earths also doing well, ARU up 8.9%. Uranium stocks rallied hard, PDN up 6.9% and NXG jumped 6.7%. Oil and gas stocks took a pause, STO up 0.1%. Coal stocks steady.In the banks, a decent rise with the Big Bank Basket at $290.26 (+2.0%).MQG soared 3.3% and other financials also did well, ZIP up 10.7%. REITs mixed, GMG rising 2.3%. Tech stocks gained, XRO up 2.5% and REA up 2.5%. Retail better, JBH up 1.4% and travel stocks jumped, FLT up 4.8% and QAN taking off. The All-Tech Index up 3.3%.In corporate news, APE rose after entering into agreements to acquire two Audi dealers in Melbourne. PRN rose 4.1% on a new CEO. SGR blipped 8.7% higher after Chow Tai Fook Enterprises and Far East Consortium took full control of Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf precinct.In economic news, dwelling approvals rose 29.7% in February to 19,022, driven by a surge in private apartments.Asian markets eased, Japan rose 4.5%, HK up 2.0%, and China up 1.4%.10 -year yields fell to 4.91% on peace hopes.US futures: Dow up 76, Nasdaq up 113—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.