End of Day Report – Wednesday 26 August: ASX drops 37 - CPI kills rally - Banks ease - Gold Shines - Tech wrecked

The ASX 200 closed 37 points lower at 9,128 (0.4%) after a strong start was ambushed by a higher-than-expected CPI number this morning. What looked like a good day all round turned into a negative one, with results also weighing on the market and some high-profile companies disappointing.Banks continue to wallow, with CBA down 1.0% and the Big Bank Basket falling to $264.50 (0.4%). MQG was a standout, up 0.3%, but insurers gave back some of yesterday's gains, with QBE down 1.1% and IAG down 1.2%. GQG fell 7.0% as it went ex-dividend today.Industrials slid, with some of the healthcare stocks giving back some of the gains of recent times. CSL was down 0.7%, while PME also fell 3.2%. Tech stocks were also on the nose today, led lower by WTC, which fell 10.1% on disappointing results, while XRO also fell more than 5.6%. DTL gave back some of its recent gains, falling 5.4%, and the All-Tech Index was also lower. TLS eased back 2.6%, while retail was mixed after good results from LOV, with WES rising 0.7%. WOW also had a good day after promising results, up 3.4%, while COL kicked again on broker upgrades.In resources, BHP eased slightly, while RIO was up a little. Gold miners continued to enjoy the gains, with PRU one of the best performers, up 9.5%. We also saw a rise in SFR, up 6.0%, while PLS managed a good rise today after yesterday's falls.Oil and gas stocks eased back, with WDS down 3.3%, while uranium stocks were better, with PDN up 5.1%.In corporate news, CTT rallied 16.7% on its results, NEU is paying its first dividend, DMP was sold down again after further writedowns, CBA agreed to a $249m settlement of a class action, and LOV delivered a strong result. There were plenty of casualties on results today, including DRO, which fell 11.0% on lower margins, while FLT dropped 7.4% and INA also fell hard on a takeover of PPC.Asian markets were mixed, with Japan up 0.7%, Hong Kong up 0.6%, China up 0.8%, Kopsi up 0.4%, and US futures were drifting lower ahead of Nvidia and PCE data., with the Dow up 4 points and the Nasdaq down 68. PCE data tonight. European futures pushing slightly ahead. 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.