End of Day Report – Wednesday 29 April: ASX 200 falls 24 points | CPI slightly better than expected

The ASX 200 slipped another 24 pts to 8687 (0.3%) as CPI beat expectations. Banks eased back again, the Big Bank Basket fell to $286.25 (-1.1%) with CBA off 1.4% and WBC falling 1.0%. Financials mixed, CGF 1.0% better, MFG finding friends and ZIP up 0.8%. Insurers firmed on bond yields, QBE up 0.5% and MPL up 1.5%. Industrials mixed again, CSL falling around 2.4% and COH dropping 3.2%. TLS fell 0.4%, WOW and COL eased back and SEK dropped 3.0%. Tech stocks were mixed, 360 up 0.9% and WTC falling 2.2%. The All-Tech Index down 0.2%.In resources, BHP and RIO eased back, rare earths and lithium stocks remain in demand, LYC jumped 5.2% with LTR roaring ahead, up 2.5%. Plenty f quarterlies around too, gold miners mixed, VAU up 1.5% and NEM down 3.2%. Oil and gas stocks better, WDS up 2.0% and STO up 0.4%. Coal stocks pushed back up, NHC up 3.4% but uranium stocks decayed, PDN off 1.2% and DYL down 2.2%.In corporate news, CDA soared 15.5% on a better-than-expected update, GEM was smashed 31.3% after it suspended operations at around 40 centres. OML jumped 33.0% on a Private Equity NBIO at 140c. On the economic front, headline inflation picked up to 1.1% in March from a steady reading in February, pushing the consumer price index to 4.6% on an annual basis. RBA meeting next week.Asian markets firmed, Japan closed for another holiday. China up 0.6% and HK up 1.4%. US Futures better, Nasdaq up 118. Dow up 75. Europe expected to open slightly higher. Fed meeting in focus. 4 Mag Seven stocks report.—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.