End of Day Report – Wednesday 30 July: ASX up 52, banks lead | CPI comes in better than expected

The ASX 200 rose 52 points to near record highs of 8756 (0.6%) after a benign CPI ensured we should get a rate cut in August. Familiar story, Banks firm with CBA up 1.6% and the Big Bank Basket up to $279.88 (+1.4%). MQG rose0.8 % with financials firm, as insurers rose surprisingly as yields slipped. QBE up 0.8% and SUN up 0.8%. GQG still feeling unloved. REIT boosted by lower rates with SGP up 2.2% and VCX rising 1.7%. Industrials too firm, BXB up 1.9% with JBH doing well as retail firmed, WOW and COL also better by around 2%. Tech mixed. In resources, gold miners were a mixed bag, EVN up 1.4% with PNR rising 1.9% and GMD up 0.8%. Iron ore stocks mixed, FMG better. RIO results after hours, down 1%. Lithium mixed as PLS had a good quarterly up 3.0% but IGO punished on a negative update, down 7.2%. Oil and gas stocks eased, uranium stocks mixed, BOE recovering 3.6%. In corporate news today, plenty of quarterlies, APX crushed on AI uncertainty, MIN rose 2.3% as it met its FY guidance. PNV rose 7.8% after earnings report.In economic news, CPI came in benign at 2.7% for core, hopes rose for a rate cut on 12th August. Asian markets mixed, Japan down 0.1%, China up 0.4% and HK down 0.6%. European market opening slightly higher. Waiting for Fed, tariff news and tech results. US futures slightly higher. 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.