ASX 200 finished slightly higher by 7 points to 7666 (0.1%) in a quiet day. Results once again dominated as US market closed tonight for Presidents' Day. Resources were the steadying influence today on hopes of Chinese stimulus and better economic news post the LNY. BHP up 0.9%, RIO up 1.6% and FMG flat. Selected lithium stocks showed promise; PLS dropped 2.4% after a volatile session, LTR up 7.2%, S32 gained 2.1%, and MIN up 0.6%, IGO fell 3.2% despite nickel moves, gold miners eased back slightly and oil and gas stocks drifted lower. Banks were firm as WBC results cheered, positive comments from CEO helping, CBA up 0.7% and the Big Bank Basket up to $204.04 (0.8%). MQG eased back again as fund managers and ASX fell. REITs also in the doghouse as bond yields rose again, 4.18%. GMG dropped 1.9% and VCX off 1.0%. Healthcare too fell as CSL slid 1.1% and RMD down 0.9%. Tech also slid with XRO down 2.3% and the All-Tech Index down 0.4%. TLS found some friends up 1.0% and industrials were flat.. WES a standout again up 1.7%. In corporate news. APM revealed a private equity approach, A2M surged higher after a solid first half, BLD saw a bid by SVW to tidy things up, NXL and LLC disappointed, RWC couldn’t make up its mind post results finishing up 6.6% and BSL announced plans to take Colorbond to US. Asian market back online, but China struggled to find a footing up only 0.7%, HK fell 1.0% and Japan up 0.5%. US markets closed for President’s Day.

Why not sign up for a free trial? Get access to expert insights and research and become a better investor.

Make life simple. Invest with Marcus Today.