The ASX 200 finished a very strong week down 13 points to 8961 as we await further Iranian negotiations. For the week, we were up over 4.4%, the best week since October 2022. Banks were steady despite some issues with mortgages on the AFR front page, the Big Bank Basket $310.35 (+0.3%). Other financials were mixed, ZIP up 2.1% and GQG up 0.9%. NWL rose 2.3% with ASX also better. REITs better, GMG up 0.5% and SGP rising 1.2%. Industrials and healthcare fell, CSL down another 0.7% with RMD off again and WOW falling 0.9%. TCL fell 1.9% on traffic numbers. Tech smashed again, WTC down 2.6% and XRO off 2.7%. The All-Tech Index fell 0.8%. Resources were a little mixed, BHP fell 1.1% on iron ore negotiations perhaps, FMG off 1.3% as it unveiled more green and renewable plans for the Pilbara. Gold miners drifted a little lower, EVN off 2.7% and NEM falling 0.6%. Lithium stocks better, LTR up 2.4% and PLS rising another 1.1%. Oil and gas stocks fell again, WDS off 0.2% and STO falling 0.6%. Coal under pressure and uranium slightly firmer, PDN up 2.0%.

In corporate news, TLX rose 7.3% on some good news from the FDA, MFG flat after shareholders vote for the merger, AMP rose 4.2% as new CEO laid out his plan.

On the economic front, nothing locally, but Chinese PPI rose. Asian markets firmed, Japan Nikkei up 1.9% but TOPIX flat, HK up 0.6% and China up 0.7%. 10-year yields rise to 4.97%.

US Futures near flat. Nasdaq down 10, Dow down 76. Europe is opening modestly better.

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Stocks extended their rally Thursday, even as oil prices gained, amid continued optimism among traders that the fragile two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran could be sustained.

The S&P 500 added 0.62% and ended at 6,824.66, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.83% to 22,822.42. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 275.88 points, or 0.58%, and settled at 48,185.80. The 30-stock index turned positive for the year, up 0.25%.

Crude prices advanced again on Thursday. West Texas Intermediate futures rose more than 3% to settle at $97.87 per barrel after earlier rising above $100. International Brent crude futures added more than 1% to close at $95.92.

SPI down 8 - Wait mode ahead - Weekend Talks Crucial - Still no Ships.

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Marcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.

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A professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing.
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Principles – How We Think About Investing
A short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips.
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Disclaimer
This podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.