End of Day Report – Wednesday 19 March: ASX 200 down 32 | BoJ keeps rates on hold, FOMC tonight

The ASX 200 fell 32 points to 7828 (0.4%) after a failed rally attempt petered out. Losses across the board with the banks under pressure again, the Big Bank Basket slipping to $234.26(-0.7%). MQG down again off 0.9% with other financials sliding lower, PNI down 5.4% and MFG off 1.8%. REITs down led by GMG off 1.6% and SCG down 1.5%. Industrials also under pressure, ALL off 1.6%, QAN falling 2.7% with tech stocks falling, WTC down 2.3% on the governance update. Utilities also gave up some recent gains, ORG down 1.9% and AGL off 2.0%. Retail was mixed, LOV down 3.3% but JBH found friends on a broker note, up 3.6%. Travel stocks dropped, WEB down 2.9% and CTD off 2.8%.Resources fared slightly better in places, BHP unchanged, RIO off 0.7% and FMG falling 1.0%. Gold miners were mixed despite a push above $3000, EVN off 0.9% and GOR off 4.0%, falling again. SPR fell 1.4% and GMD off 1.1%. NEM up 1.0%. Lithium stocks bid higher but lost momentum, LTR up 2.1% and MIN smashed 3.9% on another accident on its haul road. Well off its lows. Uranium stocks doing well today as shorts continue to cover, DYL up 4.5% and BOE up 3.3%. In corporate news, MYR dropped 1.3% on flat sales. DDR dropped down 1.4% as David Dicker sold down his holding, CMM off 4.2% as it unwound its hedge book.Nothing locally on the economic front, the BoJ kept rates unchanged. Fed to come. Asian markets firm but uninspiring, Japan up 0.6%, China down 0.1%, HK up 0.2%. 10-year yields steady at 4.41%.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.