The ASX 200 drifted 9 points lower to 8580 (0.1%) as we wait and see what the weekend brings on tariff news. Banks eased back with CBA down 0.5% with the Big Bank Basket down to $283.17 (). MQG fell 1.5% and insurers also under pressure. REITS slipped, GMG down 1.8% with SCG off 1.3% as yields rose to 4.33%. Healthcare eased, CSL down another 0.6% with FPH falling 1.7%. Industrials also on the wane with WES down 0.7% and ALL down 1.1% with the techs under pressure too. XRO falling again by 1.5%. Retailers in trouble too, JBH down 2.1% and LOV down 2.5%. The bright spot was resources. Iron ore and rare earths. BHP up 2.8% as iron ore prices rose again, RIO up 2.3% with LYC up 16.7% and ILU flying 22.9% on US Pentagon news on MP Materials. Lithium stocks also doing well, LTR up 1.3% and PLS rising 1.6% with MIN storming 7.8% ahead. Gold miners sagged, NST continued its drop, down 2.2% and EVN off 1.5%. STO fell 0.9% on broker research on bid, coal better, WHC up 2.7% and uranium flat.

In corporate news, JLG rallied 22.6% on news that PE is bidding 400c in a scheme. VNT fell 1.9% on a new fibre upgrade contract. ASM jumped 8.4% on a scoping study for Dubbo project.

Nothing on the economic front.

Asian markets were mixed, with Japan up 0.1%, HK up 1.5% and China up 0.7%.

Want to invest with Marcus Today? The Managed Strategy Portfolio is designed for investors seeking exposure to our strategy while we do the hard work for you.

If you’re looking for personal financial advice, our friends at Clime Investment Management can help. Their team of licensed advisers operates across most states, offering tailored financial planning services.

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