End of Day Report – Wednesday 29 October: ASX 200 drops 86 as inflation comes in hot | Banks and REITs fall

The ASX 200 dropped 86 points to 8926 (-1.0%) as inflation came in hotter than expected and snuffed out any rate cut hopes for next week. The banks bore the brunt, CBA down 2.1% and WBC falling 3.1% with the Big Bank Basket falling to $289.08 (-2.1%). Insurers fell, QBE down 1.6% and SUN off 2.0%. Other interest rate stocks fell, TCL down 1.9% and REITs under pressure, GMG down 1.4% and SGP off 3.9%. Industrials eased back, WES dropped 1.7% and ALL off 1.6% with WOW up 2.4% as COL fell 1.9%. CSL continued to decline down 4.0% and XRO falling 2.0% with the All-Tech Index off 1.4%. In resources, iron ore rallied, BHP up 1.3% and FMG up 1.0% and the gold sector doing much better, EVN up 2.4% and NST up 2.4%. Rare earths still under some pressure, ARU off 20.0% as the capital raise weighed, lithium stocks trying to push higher, PLS up 1.6% and the uranium sector soaring on a Cameco deal in the US and BOE jumped 19.8% on quarterly numbers, PDN up 11.3% and oil and gas flat.In corporate news, NCK gained 12.7% on strong Q1 ANZ sales. WOW up 2.4% on quarterly sales, SDR rose 2.5% on a trading update. On the economic front, underlying inflation came in stronger than expected at 3%. Rate cuts are off for 2025. Trimmed mean of 1% QoQ. Well above the forecast 0.6%.Asian markets generally firm, Nikkei 225 up 1.9%, HK up 0.1% and China up 0.4%. 10-year yields 4.23%. US Futures mixed. Want to invest with Marcus Today? Our MT20 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.