The ASX 200 drifted 14 points lower to 9019 (0.2%) in cautious trade ahead of the latest US CPI tonight. For the week, we are up around 24 points. Not that exciting, but plenty happening beneath the surface as usual. Banks eased back today with CBA down 0.8% and the Big Bank Basket down to $289.13 (). Other financials also drifted lower, NWL down 2.2% and HUB off 2.1 %. ZIP fell 1.0% and insurers flat too. REITS held firm generally as did industrials. BXB up 0.1% and SGH rising 0.8%. Some buying in tech stocks, WTC up 3.0% and XRO still struggling, up 0.2%. The All-Tech Index up 0.6%. In resources, BHP and RIO rose slightly, FMG down 1.5% and gold miners were generally easier again, NEM quarterly probably not helping, off 4.4%. Lithium had a day out following better than expected quarterly from PLS up 9.1% and LTR up 10.4%. Looks like some more short covering kicking in too. Oil and gas mixed, WDS up 1.0% and STO down 1.2%. Uranium firmed ever so slightly, PDN up 0.1% and DYL off 4%.

In corporate news, CTD released a positive update but still suspended due to past issues. WHC fell 0.4% on its quarterly and CCL gained 1.0% on ACCC approvals with NCK seeing its chair retiring. MGX cratered 26.6% following the recent seismic event on Koolan Island which has now brought forward the closure of the mine. CRN confirmed a roof fall but denied a collapse.

On the economic front, Japanese CPI rose, Trump terminated talks with Canada after an ad and China revealed its cunning plan to revitalise its economy.  

Asian markets better Japan up 1.4% China up 1.0% and HK up 0.7%.

10-year yields rise to 4.14%.

European markets opening around 0.1% higher. US CPI in focus.

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