Pre-Market Report – Wednesday 18 February: US markets flat | NAB Q1, BSL bid

Wobbly, uncertain, but they held on. That was the tale of US stocks last night. They opened down but the Nasdaq finished 0.1% higher and S&P 500 much the same. Apple recovered 3% but most of big tech and the chip stocks didn’t do all that much. US financials were positive and mining stocks were mixed. The rotation continues away from AI and tech. Gold and copper were both down, leading their sectors lower. Oil came off the boil as Iranian tensions moderated somewhat but it didn’t seem to hit energy shares as hard as their gold and copper equivalents. The uranium trade seems to have run out of puff. Again, we find the action more likely to be centred on the ASX because it’s such a big week of earnings updates. We’ve seen some big swings both ways, though mostly down it must be said.SPI Futures up 43 points. ASX set to open higher. NAB and BSL revised bid from SGH.—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 Todayhttp://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus TodayUse code MTPODCAST for 10% offhttp://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF PortfolioA 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 InvestingA short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips.http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—DisclaimerThis podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.