
Hosted by Marcus Today · EN
A twice-daily podcast from the Marcus Today team for self-directed investors.
Published every weekday before the ASX open and after the close (AEST), these short updates cover what's moving markets, key developments overnight, and the themes shaping the trading day.
Clear. Practical. No noise.

The ASX 200 rallied hard off lows to close down 5 pts at 8724 (0.1%). CBA turned around, recovering well, the Big Bank Basket closed at $269.61 (- 0.8%). Insurers slipped, led by QBE off 1.3% and IAG down 2.2%. REITs too were under pressure, GMG off 0.4% and CHC falling 1.0%. Healthcare remains in the kennel, CSL falling another 1.7% with RMD off 2.1% and COH down 4.3%. Industrials slipped a little, BXB down 1.6% and ALQ falling 1.1%. Retail stocks were also on the nose following the minimum pay award update. JBH crumbled 5.4%, NCK down 3.1%. DMP dropped 5.9% on the wage news. Tech stocks were the stars of the show again today, WTC up 7.9% and XRO jumping 7.5%, with the All-Tech Index up 3.9%. REA had a good day, as did CAR.BHP and RIO once again pushed higher on copper exposure, the Big Australian hitting new records, up 1.4%. Gold miners recovered, with NST shooting the lights out as activist shareholder Elliott took a big position and called for change. Uranium stocks eased back again, PDN down 5.9% and DYL falling 5.3%.In corporate news, SRG jumped 16.6% on $1.85bn in new contracts. TEA soared 16.2% on an acquisition, DRO up 3.6% on a new $24.1m contract, and 4DX had a bad day on CT news. NST jumped on calls for change. On the economic front, consumer sentiment rose and the BoP fell as exports eased back. Asian markets mixed. Japan down 0.5%, Hong Kong up 1.8%, and China up 1.3%. US futures: Dow down 172 and Nasdaq down 83. Oil up 1.2%.Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

The S&P 500 rose on Monday, even as oil prices advanced, with Nvidia leading technology higher following the launch of a new chip for PCs.The broad market index advanced 0.26% to close at 7,599.96, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 0.42% to close at 27,086.81. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 46.42 points, or 0.09%, and ended at 51,078.88. All three indexes reached new all-time intraday highs and closed at records. SPI down 38 - Oil up - Gold down - NST moves - Software stocks jump.Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

The ASX 200 consolidated Friday’s gains with a loss of 2 point to 8729. Tech stocks were the star attraction, with REA up 1.5%, WTC up 8.7% and XRO rising 7.6%. The All-Tech Index rose 3.8%. Healthcare remains on the nose, with CSL dropping another 2.5% and RMD pummeled down 7.6%. REITs also slid, with CHC off % and SCG falling %. Banks were mixed, with CBA down 1.0% and WBC up 0.4%, leaving the Big Bank Basket down to $271.87 (-0.6%). Financials were mostly better, with ZIP rallying 5.2% as tech took off. Industrials were a mixed bag. TCL fell 1.8% and LNW dropped 1.0%, while BXB rallied 1.4% and CPU rose 0.9%.In resources, BHP was slightly firmer, RIO rose 1.6% and FMG improved. Gold miners were generally better, with EVN up 2.4% and CMM rallying 1.3%. Lithium stocks were on a charge, with PLS up 4.3% after huge rebalancing volumes last week, LTR up 3.3% and MIN up 1.2%. WDS and STO both made modest gains, as did uranium and coal stocks.In corporate news, LLC lost 5.5% after agreeing to sell the development rights in the Milano Santa Giulia mixed-use project in Milan. SYR soared 16.2% after its offtake dispute with Tesla was resolved, with the electric vehicle maker accepting that the alleged default conditions had been cured. MYX fell 2.9% as it expanded its US commercial footprint. CTT rose 25.5% as it moved to expand its presence in China through the launch of a flagship store on Tmall Global.On the economic front, ANZ-Indeed Australian job ads lifted 1.8%. Asian markets eased. Japan up 0.9%, HK up 0.8% and China down 0.6%. Korea up 4.1%.US futures up slightly, Dow up 49 and Nasdaq up 175. European markets set to open flat. Oil up 2.5%.Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

SPI Futures down 13 points. ASX set to open slightly lower.The S&P 500 and Nasdaq both closed at fresh record highs. The S&P 500 was up 0.22%, its ninth straight weekly gain - the longest winning streak since December 2023. The Dow Jones was up 363 points (+0.72%). The NASDAQ was up 0.21%. The Russell 2000 was down 0.59%. VIX lower again at 15.32 - getting very comfortable.DELL was up 32.8% on results - a 750%+ year-on-year jump in AI server revenue, $24.4bn in AI orders and a backlog close to $51bn. Tech finished up 1.87%. HPE was up 12.6% and SMCI was up 11.6% in sympathy. MSFT was up 5.4%.Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

The ASX 200 jumped 139 points to close the week at 8732 (+1.6%) on a very firm note as hopes built that there will be some resolution, or at least an extension of the ceasefire in the Middle East. There seemed to be a lot of short covering around today after the 125-point fall yesterday. We reversed that today, with the banking sector bouncing back hard, with CBA up 2.2%, NAB up 0.6%, and the Big Bank Basket up to $273.55 (+1.6%). Financials across the board bounced, with MQG up 1.1%, and even ASX rallying slightly, but it was resources that were really carrying the day today, as copper stocks advanced with BHP up 2.9%, RIO up 1.2%, and FMG also doing well, up 2.4%.The gold miners had a good day yesterday after falling around 7%, with NST up 3.4% and EVN up 4.2%. Copper stocks and lithium pushed higher, with S32 also up 3.0%, although we saw some obvious selling in the oil and gas plays, with WDS unchanged and STO down 0.5%. Uranium stocks firmed slightly in this heady environment. Tech stocks saw some modest buying, with NXT up 1.7%, CAR doing very well, and TNE up 2.0%. Industrials and retail rose slightly. We also saw good buying with JBH up 1.2%, BXB up 0.1%, and QAN doing well on the back of lower crude prices.In corporate news today, JDO had a great day after expanding its securitisation deal. IEL was trashed 16.2% after Macquarie slashed its target price, and THL soared 26.1% after a non-binding indicative offer from BGH Capital. Nothing on the economic front today. All eyes are on whether Donald Trump signs off on the latest proposal.Asian markets eased. Japan up 1.4%, HK up 0.7% and China down 1%. US futures up slightly, Dow up 42 and Nasdaq up 29. European markets set to open around 0.2% higher.—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closed at records on Thursday as tech resumed its leadership, and traders weighed a reported agreement between U.S. and Iranian negotiators to extend the ceasefire. The broader index gained 0.58% to 7,563.63, while the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.91% to 26,917.47. Both indexes also hit intraday all-time highs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was higher by 0.05% at 50,668.97.Tech stocks rallied Thursday, after a strong earnings outlook from Snowflake revived enthusiasm around the AI trade. Shares soared 36.5%, posting its best day ever after the cloud-based data platform provider issued rosy fiscal second quarter guidance.Core PCE slightly better than expected - GDP revised down - SPI up 52 - Gold higher—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

The ASX 200 took a dive today, down another 125pts at 8593 (1.4%), as the peace deal in the Gulf is starting to slide away. Banks and gold bore the brunt of the selling, with CBA off 2.1% and WBC down 1.3%, with the Big Bank Basket at $269.32 (-1.9%). Insurers also fell hard, QBE down 2.8% and IAG off 1.6%, with financials generally easier, while ASX continues lower.REITs also fell as bond yields rose, GMG off 1.2% and SCG down 0.8%. Old-school platforms remained under pressure, SEK down 3.9% and REA off 1.1%. Tech fell hard too, XRO off 2.6% and WTC falling 1.6%. The All-Tech Index dropped 1.1%. Healthcare was also under pressure, CSL fell 1.7% and RMD down 1.4%. Supermarkets held up. Industrials slid, BXB down 2.5% and QAN falling 1.5% as oil prices rose.Resources were sold down as bullion fell heavily and gold stocks turned nasty, NEM down 7.5% and EVN off 7.7%. Lithium stocks held up, PLS up 0.3%, while rare earths fell, LYC off 2.5%. Uranium stocks drifted lower, PDN down 1.7%. The big iron ore miners were also under pressure, BHP down 1.2% and RIO falling 2.5%.In corporate news, SDR rallied 8.6% after a new partnership deal. CSL dropped again despite the new CEO topping up his holding. VUL rose 2.3% as its financing package closed. And EOS had a good day, up 4.2% on some new director signings.On the economic front, April household spending collapsed much more sharply than expected, down 1.1% over the month.Asian markets eased. Japan off 0.5%, HK down 1.4% and China off 0.1%.US futures down slightly, Dow down 12 and Nasdaq off 141. European markets set to open around 0.7% lower. Oil up 3% on renewed hostilities.—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose to a new record on Wednesday as oil prices retreated, while the S&P 500 eked out a tiny gain, with chip stocks keeping the index’s gains in check.The 30-stock Dow gained 182.60 points, or 0.36%, for a record close of 50,644.28. The blue-chip index also hit an intraday all-time high. The broad market S&P 500 ticked 0.02% higher to 7,520.36, another closing record. The Nasdaq Composite also edged up 0.07% to end at 26,674.73.A decline in oil prices lent the Dow some support. U.S. crude oil fell 5.55% to settle at $88.68 a barrel after Iranian state media said the country is committed to restoring commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels within one month.Oil down 5% Gold falls - SPI down 38—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

The ASX 200 started slowly with early losses, but after a benign and better-than-expected CPI read, the bulls were back. The ASX 200 closed up 60 points at 8718 (0.7%). Banks fought back from bigger early losses, with CBA up modestly and WBC down 0.6X%. The Big Bank Basket unchanged at $275.52, whilst other financials improved, with MQG up 1.0%. IFT was having a good day on some broker upgrades, up 5.8%, and HUB was doing well too, up 2.0%. A horror run continued for ASX as it fell another 9.7% on the news yesterday of a further capex blowout and broker commentary today. The industrial space was mainly better, with WES gaining 1.4%, ALL up 3.2%, and GMG also having a good day after the results yesterday. Healthcare perked up slightly, with a good run from CSL up 2.4% and FPH also having another good day, up 4.1%. The tech space was mixed, with TLS down 1.0%, WTC up 1.4%, and TNE up as well. The All -Tech Index rose 2% today.In resources, it was a mixed session, with lithium stocks a little under pressure. PLS fell 1.9%, and MIN also down slightly, but BHP up 1.5% and FMG also doing well. Gold miners were mixed, with a bias to the upside, as NEM rose 1.3%, and coal stocks again were firm, with YAL up 2.1% and WHC up 2.2%. Uranium stocks were also slightly firmer, with PDN up 2.4%.In corporate news today, WEB rose slightly following results, with guidance maintained. EDV fell 4.9% after it flagged a major restructure of its wine operations. SXL was up strongly after Gina Rinehart emerged as a major shareholder. KMD was also doing well on a strategic review, up 17.3%. NUF also had a good day, up 13.7%, as profits jumped on higher margins.In economic news, the monthly consumer price index showed inflation slowed slightly to 4.2%, below the 4.4% forecast. The dollar slid slightly on this news and hopes that the RBA is on hold firmed.Asian markets were once again gripped by chip fever in South Korea and Taiwan. Records and new trillion-dollar valuations. Japan up 0.4%, HK down 1.1% and China off 0.6%. Kopsi up 3.6%. Taiwan up 2.4%.US futures slightly better. Brent crude down 1.6%No news on peace deal. US Cabinet meeting today.—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

The S&P 500 gained 0.6% on Tuesday and the Nasdaq climbed 1.2% to fresh record highs while the Dow Jones finished 118 points lower as investors returned from the long weekend with continued focus on developments in the Middle East. Markets remained cautiously optimistic that the US and Iran could still reach an agreement, with traders viewing the two sides as closer than ever to a deal despite mixed signals and further strikes. Technology, industrials, and materials led the market higher, while energy and consumer staples stocks posted the steepest declines. Among individual movers, Micron Technology surged 19.3%, pushing its market capitalisation above $1 trillion for the first time after UBS raised its price target and said the stock could more than double. Alphabet rose 1.4%, Broadcom advanced 1.9%, and Tesla gained 1.8%. On the downside, Nvidia slipped 0.2%, while Microsoft and Amazon fell 0.6% and 0.4%, respectively. Exxon Mobil also declined 3.3% and Walmart was down 1.4%.SPI down 3 - Oil up - Gold down - Inflation numbers to come.—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Today http://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus Today Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF Portfolio A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing. http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About Investing A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips. http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—Disclaimer This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.