A solid start to the week with the ASX 200 up 109 points to 8525 (1.3%). Across the board gains, with US futures pointing slightly higher too. Banks were better led by CBA up 1.2% and the Big Bank Basket up to $268.55 (1.1%). Financials were generally firm, even GQG up 0.6% and SOL rising 1.8% as it joined with Genesis to make a bid for MVF at 80c. Insurers rose, QBE up 1.4% and REITs did well, GMG up 2.1% and SGP rallying 2.3%. Industrials in the green, WES up 0.2% and ALL rising 0.5% with TCL up 2.0% and RMD up 2.2% better in healthcare. CSL too had a good day. PME rose 3.5% on new orders in America.  TLS rose1.9 % and REA up 1.9%. Resources were mostly better, BHP up 0.6% with its on/off bid for Anglo, RIO rose 1.1% and FMG up 1.9%. Lithium stocks gave back some recent gains, MIN down 3.2% and PLS down 3.6% with gold miners up, GMD up 1.3% and rare earths also doing better. Oil and gas stocks slid on crude falls, WDS down 1.3% and uranium stocks slightly better.

In corporate news, QUB were approached by Macquarie with a 520c NBIO whilst MVF rose 44.3% on a 80c bid. MYX returned to trade after the Treasurer knocked back the Cossette bid. DRO rose 1.8% after some more news on the recent share sales and a new US MD. IRE soared 8.0% before a trading halt concerning continuous disclosure.

Asian markets weaker with Japan closed for a holiday, China down 0.6% and HK up 1.4%.

European markets set to open higher again.

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