End of Day Report – Wednesday 18 February: ASX 200 jumps 48 points to 9007 | NAB soars

The ASX 200 kicked higher again. Three days in a row, up 48 to 9007 (0.5%) despite CBA going ex-dividend. Record high back in sight. NAB was the standout today on Q1 results beating expectations, up 4.1%. The Big Bank Basket up to $304.05 (0.2%), financials kicked higher too, MQG up 0.6% and private health insurers roared ahead on government price changes. MPL up 6.0% and NHF up 5.0%. ZIP jumped 8.0% ahead of results, CGF also ran hard on results, up 8.3%. REITs firmed, GMG up 0.9% and SCG rising 1.3%. Industrials were firm too, QAN up 1.0%, TCL up 1.2% and ALL doing well up 2.3%. JBH fell back a little, healthcare still mixed, SIG down 1.0% and COH off 1.0%. In the tech space, some wins starting to hit the screens, TNE up 8.2% on guidance, XRO up 1.8% and HSN soared 16.4% on better-than-expected results.In resource land, BHP slid 0.9% as copper drifted lower, RIO up 1.3% and FMG up 0.5%. Gold miners eased back as bullion prices fell on Lunar New Year. GMD down 2.9% and NST dropped 0.7%. CSC had a shocker falling 14.0% on very disappointing results and guidance. Lithium stocks bubbled higher, LTR roaring ahead, up 6.2% with PLS up 2.3%. BSL rose 2.6% on an increased bid from SGH. STO fell 0.6% on another disappointment. Uranium stocks bounded ahead, PDN up 5.6% and DYL up 4.4%.In corporate news, SLC rose 18.2% on an acquisition and better than expected results. AFG rallied off lows after better numbers. Brokers are back. SUN fell 4.4% as profits fell short.In economic news, the RBNZ left rates unchanged. Locally, the wage price index rose 0.8% in the December quarter and 3.4% annually.US futures up. Dow Jones up 35 points, Nasdaq up 60.—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 Todayhttp://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus TodayUse code MTPODCAST for 10% offhttp://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF PortfolioA 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 InvestingA short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips.http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—DisclaimerThis podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.