The ASX 200 gave up its strong start to close up 70 points to 8607 as the higher-than-expected CPI number took the top off things. It was a monthly number, so can be more volatile, but 3.8% was above RBA and economist’s expectations. Banks were mixed with CBA steady as NAB and WBC dipped down. The Big Bank Basket rose to $266.89 (+0.1%). MQG had a good day, up 2.8% and wealth managers also pushed ahead, HUB up 1.9% and NWL up 1.3%. Insurers mildly positive, SUN up 0.8% with REITs mixed, GMG up 1.3% but elsewhere losses as bond yields pushed higher. SCG off 0.5% and CHC down 0.4%. Industrials were firm, WES up 1.9% with retail surprisingly strong, JBH up 1.0% and APE rising 1.4% with TPW crashing 32.3% on a trading update. Fast food also better, GYG and DMP doing well, Travel stocks also better, WEB up 3.4% and FLT gaining 2.3%. Tech stocks continue to stumble around, WTC down 1.2% and XRO off 0.1% with TNE falling 2.8%.  The All-Tech Index steady.

In resources, iron ore stocks pushed higher, BHP up 2.0% and FMG up 2.4% with gold miners shrugging off early weakness to push higher, VAUDA did well, up 6.5% after the hedge book news, lithium stocks exploded, PLS up 7.2%and MIN up 3.0% with oil and gas better and small gains in uranium.

In corporate news, Brookfield lobbed a bid for NSR at 286c. That is three bids this week. Debutante SEA rose 12.5% after a $20m IPO. EOS jumped 3.6% after a court penalty and DRO was up 8.5% again after its recent order.

On the economic front, as above, the CPI was higher than expected at 3.8%. Chalmers and Bullock not happy.

Asian markets were firm, although Taiwan in focus on fears of further Chinese aggression.

10-year yields rose to 4.53% on CPI. AUD rose too.

UK Budget today. European markets opening higher.

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