The ASX 200 closed up a mere 8 points to 8979 (0.1%) after an enthusiastic start petered out. Banks went all soggy on some broker doubts, WBC dropped another % and the Big Bank Basket fell to $306.62 (%). Other financials fared ok, MQG continued higher, up 1.4% and insurers better too, IAG up 1.5%. REITs were solid with GMG up 1.3% and GPT up 0.7%. Industrials a mixed bag, WES fell yet again, down 0.9% with BXB off 0.8%, not so palatable, and WOW and COL were not such super markets. Utilities also under pressure. Tech modestly higher but not running away. Questions till remain. WTC up 3.6% and XRO gaining 2.6% with the All-Tech Index up 1.8%.

Resources were a mixed box of chocolates, gold miners firmed, EVN soared 9.6% on a positive quarterly, NEM was shaken, but not stirred at Cadia up 0.5% and GMD rose 5.0%. Rare earth stocks slid as too did lithium plays, PLS down 0.2% and LTR off 0.3%. In oil and gas stocks, more easing back but off lows. WDS down 2.4% and STO falling 2.9%. Uranium stocks mixed as BOE rained on the sector falling 9.3%. PDN kept moving higher by 4.5% and coal stocks fell slightly.

In corporate news, VGN talked fuel hedges and reaffirmed guidance, up 7.2%. NUF jumped 11.3% after it forecast a 17% increase in first-half underlying EBITDA amid plans to cut a further $50m in costs. MSB firmed on a CAR licence acquisition.

Nothing on the economic front. Asian markets saw modest gains - Japan up 0.4%, HK up 0.5% and China down 0.1%. 10-year yields fall to 4.93%.

US Futures jump, Nasdaq down 20, Dow down 30. Europe is opening unchanged.

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