The ASX 200 fell 43 points to 9012 (0.5%) as resources were sold off heavily. Two blue chip casualties today too in CSL on a downgrade and delays to its demerger plans and WTC on ASIC raid on offices. Both falling heavily, CSL off 15.9% and WTC down 15.9% too. The All-Tech Index fell 1.1%. Gold miners under serious [pressure again today with NEM down 4.1% and NST falling 3.1% as bullion fell below US$4000. The Iron ore majors fared better with small losses, but rare earths dropped in a brutal sell down, LYC fell 13.9% and ILU down 5.2% with lithium stocks back on the chopping board as LTR dropped 12.8% and PLS fell 6.1%. Oil and gas stocks eased, WDS down 1.7% and uranium stocks fell, PDN down 4.4% and DYL off 2.5%. Banks though and other defensives were in demand. CBA up 1.4% and NAB rising 2.5% with the Big Bank Basket back up to $295.24 (+1.4%). Insurers gained too. QBE up1.5 % and SUN up 2.2%. Broker AUB got a NBIO from Swedish private equity, up 5.9% and SDF rose in sympathy. Industrials firmed, WES pushing ahead again, up 2.8% TLS up1.0 % and COL gaining 1.6%. In healthcare CSL weighed and tech stocks fell, WTC being responsible. 

In corporate news, media speculation on Bain Capital bidding for all or some of DMP saw the stock rocket before denial and profit taking killed it, still up 7.2%. FLT fell 0.9% as it sold its Cross Hotels business. 

On the economic front, Trump was in Japan meeting new PM Takaichi as the Fed kicks off its meeting tonight.

Asian markets mixed ahead of framework trade deal, Japan down 0.8%, with HK and China mildly positive.

Want to invest with Marcus Today? Our MT20 portfolio is designed for investors seeking exposure to our strategy while we do the hard work for you.

If you’re looking for personal financial advice, our friends at Clime Investment Management can help. Their team of licensed advisers operates across most states, offering tailored financial planning services.
 
 Why not sign up for a free trial? Gain access to expert insights, research, and analysis to become a better investor.