• The ASX 200 closed up 27 points at 7244 (0.4). Good result considering US moves on Friday. Gold was the place to be today as the bullion price broke higher on Ukraine concerns. EVN rose 7.9%, NCM up 4.3% and NST up 5.9%. Lithium stocks tumbled as the white powder is losing its allure for now. PLS down 5.6% and MIN off 3.8%. Iron ore stocks also easier with BHP down 1.1% with results due tomorrow. Dalian futures slid hurting the sector. Energy stocks also in demand as oil pushing towards US$100. STO up 4.0%, WPL up 3.6% and BPT up 9.4% on results. Banks were the other winners today as CBA rose 1.5% and WBC the star up 4.8%. The Big Bank Basket rose to $182.55 (2%). Healthcare in ICU as CSL fell 2.0% on US collection issues. FPH down 3.3% and COH down 0.7%. 
• Industrials firm but unspectacular, TLS up 1.0%, WES up 2.0% with COL up 1.1%. Tech mixed, WTC up 1.2% and XRO down 1.5%. 
• In corporate news, plenty of results, JBH up 5.4% on good online sales, CAR flat on its results and CWN up 2.0% as the board agrees to Blackstone bid. Nothing on the economic front today. Big week of results beckon. Asian markets ease on HK woes. Japan down 2.2%, China down 0.7% and HK off 1.3%.

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