• s ASX 200 rallied another 41 points to 7105 (0.6%) as BHP release a cracker result and a record dividend of US1.75c. BHP accounted for 24 index points with a gain of 4.1% on the results. FMG joined in up 1.6% but RIO stuck in the slow lane. Base metals slipped and lithium came off the boil, MIN down 0.4%, BSL down 2.6% and CXO down 7.7% with PLS down 1.9%. Oil and gas stocks slipped on crude falls. WDS fell 1.8%, STO down 0.3% and BPT falling another 3.3% with Macquarie downgrading. Gold miners under pressure despite AUD bullion rising on a falling AUD. NCM down 0.7% and NST off 1.0%. Banks and defensives were in demand as yields fell to 3.22%. The Big Bank Basket rose to 178.64% (0.5%) with CBA the stand-out, up 1%. MQG rose 1.0% and insurers were mixed after CGF dropped 10.1% on disappointing results. Healthcare stocks rallied led by CSL up 1.1% and RMD up 1.5% with RHC rallying 2.0%. Staples were better, WES up 0.3%, EDV up 2.3% and WOW higher by 1.1%. ‘Old Skool’ platforms fell, SEK off 5.1%, REA down 1.5% and CAR down 2.7% after results yesterday. Tech slipped with the index down 0.5% and WTC off 0.3%.  TPW soared 29.8% as shorts ran for cover on better than expected numbers. ZIP dropped 7.1% and ELD fell 4.0% on foot and mouth concerns. 
• In corporate news, BHP was the highlight. CGF fell 10.1% on results, TGR rose 5.1% on a takeover at 523c in cash, 4DS crashed 68.1% as the technology stumbled with numerous problems. 360 up 5.5% as it heads for profit, SWM fell 3.9% despite CEO saying ad concerns are overblown. SGM down 3.3% looking at ways to cut costs as scrap metal prices sag.
•  In economic news, ANZ Consumer confidence rose slightly, and RBA minutes were released with no surprises. Asian markets: mixed, Japan flat, China unchanged on rate cut and HK down 0.4%. 10-year yields at 3.22%. 

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