End of Day Report – Thursday 21 August: ASX 200 up 101 points, record close | Results dominate

The ASX cracked the 9000 mark, up 101 points at 9019 (1.1%) as results buoyed sentiment. Some crackers today and, once again, plenty of volatility — even intraday.

Banks provided the groundwork with CBA up 0.8% and ANZ again doing very well, up 1.5%, with the Big Bank Basket rising to $288.84 (1.0%). MQG had a good day, and financials generally did well. NWL was volatile post-results, down 0.6%, with GQG spurting 4.9% higher. ZIP also did well ahead of results tomorrow, up 2.6%.

Insurers slipped a little, REITs firmed, SGP up 3.6% and SCG rising 1.3%. Industrials were firm too, TLS up 0.8% with WES running 2.5% higher. WOW and COL had good days as well, and BXB shot the lights out with results up 13.2%. CSL found bargain hunters up 2.4%. SHL smashed on results down 12.8%.

Retailers continued to find favour, SUL hit record highs, up 12.3%. NCK gained 2.5%, and MYR rallied 4.0%. BRG also had a solid post-numbers bounce, up 4.9%.

In resource land, BHP was again positive, up 0.7%, with RIO and FMG stronger too. Gold miners enjoyed a bullion rise, and results from NST, VAU, and GMD were somewhat mixed. Lithium stocks were back in favour, PLS up 5.2% with MIN higher 4.5%, and LYC also doing well, up 4.5%. JHX continued to be walloped, down 9.4%.

Oil and gas names were stronger on crude rises, WDS up 1.3% with BPT up 1.2%. Coal stocks improved, and uranium was generally firm.

In corporate news, some cracking results today: SUL, BGA, with IPH falling 19.5% as it warned on US patent impacts. GMG eased 1.4%, with results in line, while QUB fell 0.4% on a large write-down. MP1 fought back from an early drop to close only modestly lower. TLX jumped 7.0% after a wobbly start. 

Nothing much on the economic front.

Asian markets mixed again, Japan down 0.6%, China up 0.5% and HK down 0.3%

European markets opening flat. US Dow futures down 44 Nasdaq unchanged.

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.