The ASX 200 marched another 38 points higher to 8845 (0.4%) led by the banks and resources. CBA up % leading the charge and the Big Bank Basket to $282.97 (+1.2%). WBC up 1.9% with MQG down 0.3% and insurers still suffering from post QBE fall out. Financials a little lacklustre, PNI down 2.8% and XYZ giving back Friday’s gains. ZIP down 2.7%. AMP smacked 7.2% lower on broker downgrades. REITs firmed, DGT up 9.1% on certification news, with CMW up 2.3%. Industrials becalmed, ALL down 1.1%, WES fell 1.8% and retail under pressure following JBH off 8.4%. Slightly disappointing numbers and CEO to retire. WEB fell 4.3% and LNW bounced 3.6%. Tech mixed, XRO continue to drift lower, off 1.3% and WTC up 0.7%. The All-Tech Index down 0.6%.

In resources, it was all about a lithium renaissance following news that CATL is closing a large mine for three months, LTR rallied 18.3% despite recent cap raise, PLS boomed up 19.7% and MIN up 12.2% as shorts were forced to cover. Gold miners under a little pressure on the switch to lithium, NST down 1.8% and NEM off 1.1%. Uranium stocks showing little interest and WDS up 0.7% with STO extending DD to ADNOC and fell 0.1%.

In corporate news, CAR held steady after in line results. Not even a special dividend could save JBH as valuations look toppy, IRE disappointed on results, falling 7.2%, iron ore futures in Asia jumped 1.4% as several steel mills in China will be forced to close next month on pollution concerns. BHP up 1.2% and FMG up 3.0%.

Nothing on the economic front as we await the RBA tomorrow and US CPI this week.

Asian markets better, Japan up 1.9%, HK up 0.1% and China up 0.6%.

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