End of Day Report – Wednesday 14 October: ASX 200 drops 56 - Banks stumble - Gold miners slip - Tech steady - US futures up.

The ASX 200 finished the day down 56 points to 8,728, or 0.6% lower, off its lows for the day, but weighed down by the banking sector taking its cue from the U.S. bank results last night. The **Big Bank Basket** fell to $262.71, with **CBA** down 2.2% after its AGM and **WBC** down 1.3%. Financials generally were weaker, with **MQG** down 0.8%, and the insurers slipping away slightly too. **QBE** dropped 1.7%, and **IAG** was also falling a similar amount. The **REITs** were mixed, with **GMG** up 3.6%, although others slipped. **VCX** was down 0.4%, and **GPT** was down 0.9%. Industrials, too, were a little weaker, with **CPU** down 0.6%, **QAN** falling on higher oil prices, and the healthcare sector relatively unchanged. Retail stocks were patchy, with **WES** up 0.6%, **JBH** up 0.6%, but **APE** dropped 2.0%. Tech stocks rallied after a weaker start, with **WTC** finishing up 1.3% and **TNE** up 1.9%. **NXT** had a better day today, but the rot continued in MP1, off 1.9%.  Resources were once again on the nose, with **BHP** down 0.7% and **RIO** falling after its quarterly production update. Gold miners, too, eased off slightly, with **EVN** down 3.2% and **NEM** down 2.0%. Finally, we saw some bargain hunting appear in the lithium stocks, with **PLS** up 2.9% and **MIN** up 1.8%. The oil and gas space was better, with **WDS** and **STO** both putting on over 1%. Uranium stocks fell, led by **PDN**, with a disappointing quarterly production update. In corporate news today, **GLC** made its debut on the ASX, trading much in line with its London listing. We also saw the **GYG** chairman, Guy Russo, selling 1.4 million shares, and the **CBA** AGM leading to some cost increases through pay negotiations. On the economic front, nothing locally, but China reported a jump in September producer inflation on the crisis in Iran. 10-year yields ease to 5.31%. US Futures showing solid gains. **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.