The ASX 200 traded up 51 points today to 7049 (0.7%) in volatile trade ahead of events unfolding in Ukraine. Late 20-point surge helped. US futures having a serious wobble took the wind out of the sails from Saturday as weekend events unfolded. Bank stocks under pressure with the Big Bank Basket down to $171.22 (0.3%), Insurers fell as QLD floods get worse, QBE down 2.5% and IAG off 4.0%. Healthcare mixed with CSL down 0.5%, RMD up 1.8%. Industrials better, DXS up 2.6%, TLS up 0.5%, BXB up 0.9% and EDV rising 1.7%. Oil stocks bounced on oil moving higher with STO up 1.5% and WPL rallying 2.1%. Iron ore miners and gold were firm, BHP up 4.4% and RIO up 3.2%. FMG ex dividend today. Gold miners firmed as bullion pushed above US$1900. NCM up 3.4% and NST up 3.1%. Tech hanging in, WTC up 0.2% and SQ2 rising 1.0%. The All-Tech Index fell 0.6%.
In corporate news, Last day of results with Z1P tapping shareholders for another $200m and announcing it is buying SZL for shares. CVN up 17.8% on drilling news. Economic news today with retail trade up 1.8% slightly below estimates. 
Asian markets weaker and volatile. Oil above US$100.    

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