End of Day Report – Tuesday 6 October: ASX 200 rises 49 - Banks better - Iron ore rises - Consumer sentiment falls

The ASX 200 rose 49 points to 8,736 (+0.6%) in a relatively quiet day. Broad-based gains today, with the Big Four banks pushing ahead slightly, **NAB** being the best of the bunch, and the **Big Bank Basket** hitting $263.66 (0.7%). **MQG** is continuing to push higher, and other financials are also doing better today, with the insurance sector up as **QBE** rose another 0.7% and **IAG** joined in, rising 1.3%.  **REITs** also had a better day despite bond yields remaining elevated. **SCG** rose 2.7%, and **VCX** rose 3.2%. Healthcare is once again in the green, led by **CSL**, although **COH** slipped away again. Retail stocks were better, with **WES** up 0.5% and **JBH** up 0.6%, although once again we are seeing selling pressure in the tech space, with **WTC** down 2.5% and **XRO** down 1.4%. **CDA** took a breather today, falling 4.3%, and **NXT** is also under a little pressure, perhaps because of the Firmus book build. Resources had a better day, and we saw signs of life in rare earths and lithium, with **LYC** up 2.1% and **PLS** also gaining 2.4%. **BHP, RIO**, and **FMG** also put on around 1.4% today. Gold miners were steady to mixed, with **WGX** up 0.6% and EVN down 0.9%. Oil and gas stocks were steady, and we saw a slight improvement in the coal space. Uranium stocks were also a little better, with **PDN** up 0.7%. In corporate news, **SKS** was awarded a new $38m contract for a Melbourne data centre. **DRO** has poached **RPL's** company secretary, and **GLS** was in a trading halt pending the outcome of the entitlement offer. In economic news, we saw the Westpac-Melbourne Institute consumer sentiment dropping 4.7%, showing a very sharp pullback after the RBA's decision to lift rates. Concurrently, we also saw the **ANZ-Roy Morgan** consumer sentiment falling again for much the same reason. Asian markets quiet with China closed for Golden Week. Japan up 0.7%, HK up 0.8%. China still closed. 10-year yields steady at 5.40%. US Futures drifting higher. Nasdaq up 25 and Dow up 60. **Marcus Today – Daily Market Insights**  Marcus 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-podcast  **Join Marcus Today** Use code MTPODCAST for 10% off http://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offer  **MT20 – 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-podcast  **Principles – 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.