A quieter day as the ASX 200 rose 12 points to close at 8537 (0.1%). Banks were in the doldrums, entering official correction territory as BEN AML issues sunk the sector, CBA dropped 1.2% and NAB off 0.1% with the Big Bank Basket down to $266.70 (0.7%).  Other financials fell, Insurers eased, QBE off 1.5% and IAG falling 1.7%. REITs drifted lower, GMG down 0.7% and VCX off 1.6%. Industrials were a little weaker, WES fell 0.8% with WOW and COL easing back, tech slid, WTC off 1.5% and TNE showing a modest 1.6% gain. The All-Tech Index up 0.8%. Resources were generally positive. BHP rose 1.0% with RIO doing well, up 2.3% and FMG gaining 2.7%. Gold miners enjoying a big jump in AUD bullion, NST up 2.0% and EVN up 3.5% with the uranium sector slightly better and lithium fighting back to square. 

In corporate news, DRO rose 14.6% on a ‘new’ EU order, RHC jumped 12.7% after reported revenue and earnings better than expected. WEB took flight after a 72% jump in TTV and SRG romped 6.4% higher on some new contracts. VAU rose 2.2% as it unwound most of its gold hedges. BEN dropped 7.4% on AML issues.

In economic news, ANZ-Roy Morgan Consumer Confidence rose slightly. Highest reading since early September.

Asian markets: Japan steady China up 1.3% and HK up 0.6%. European markets set to open higher again.

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