End of Day Report – Wednesday 12 August: ASX 200 falls 41 - CBA - SEK - PMV in focus - US CPI tonight

The ASX 200 closed down 41 points to 9,209 (-0.45%), as the banking sector came under a little pressure, despite CBA results beating forecasts ever so slightly. WBC continued lower, down 0.9%, while MQG also slipped 0.7%. The Big Bank Basket slipped to $285.41 (0.7%).  Insurers bucked the trend, with SUN better following its results, while IAG also pushed higher. Financials were generally somewhat easier, with ASX falling 2.8% and NWL down 1.3%. The REITs were also weaker, with GMG falling 0.8% and SCG down 1.8%, while industrials generally slipped lower. CPU fell 4.5% following broker downgrades, while BXB was down 1.4%. SGH also drifted on some broker negativity. Retail stocks slipped following an update from PMV, which announced the closure of some UK stores. It fell 11.0%. Both WOW and COL fell 0.9%. Meanwhile, in the technology sector, we saw some profit-taking in WTC, XRO and TNE, with the All-Tech Index falling 1.0%.Resources were mixed as the three iron ore majors gave back some ground, although we did see gains in the lithium sector, with PLS up 4.3% and MIN doing well, rising 2.1%. Gold miners were also in favour as the bullion price pushed higher, with NST up 0.7% and NEM gaining 0.9%. Oil and gas stocks eased back despite Brent crude heading towards US$90, while uranium stocks pushed slightly higher, led by PDN, up 1.3%In corporate news, CBA results were a slight beat, with the outlook appearing to stabilise. The stock fell 0.7%. SEK announced write downs and fell 14.3%. AGL beat forecasts and rose 6.0%. ASX fell following news of class actions, while GQG reported FUM, with money continuing to leak out. PMV fell after a trading update and UK store closures. On the economic front, nothing locally. US CPI tonight.Asian markets were mixed, with Japan up 0.9%, Hong Kong down 1%, China down 0.6%, and Korea up 3.7%. US futures were mixed, the Dow was up 10 points and the Nasdaq up 74. European markets in holiday mode.Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights Marcus 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-podcast Join Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer MT20 – 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-podcast Principles – 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.