End of Day Report – Wednesday 7 October: ASX 200 drift 8 pts lower - Banks ease - ARF rallies hard - Gold miners better - Uranium in focus

The ASX 200 slipped a modest 8 points today to 8,728 in quiet trade. Banking stocks were generally easier, with **CBA** down 1.3% and **WBC** down 1.2%, and the **Big Bank Basket** falling slightly to $260.96. Insurers had a better day again, with **QBE** up 1.3% and **IAG** also doing well, up 0.9%. REITs were better too, with **SCG** up 0.9% and **VCX** up 1.3%. Healthcare once again a positive sector, with **CSL** up 1.9% and **FPH** up 1.0%. Meanwhile, in industrials, retail stocks gained, with **WES** up 0.6% and **JBH** up 0.1%. Tech stocks had a small positive day today, with **WTC** rising 0.6% and **TNE** also up slightly. The All-Tech index up 0.1% today. Resources were mixed, with the big iron ore miners easing back, **FMG** down 2.4%, but gold miners perked up slightly, with **NST** up 1.9% and **EVN** up 2.5%. We also saw gains in lithium and rare earth stocks, with **PLS** up 1.8% and **LYC** up 1.6%. Not much happening in the oil and gas space, with **WDS** up 0.8%, but uranium stocks were better after the deal in the U.S. with Constellation Energy, with **PDN** up 2.5% and **NXG** up 4.3%. In corporate news today, **ARF** had a good day following a deal for the Edge Early Learning business with GoodStart to acquire the centres. **TWE** is cutting 7% of its **workforce**, and **CYC** had a good day on reports that 7 Chinese medical bodies had published a recommendation on its lung imaging technology. **TLX** is also rising today after it said its first U.S. patients have been dosed with Pixclara. Nothing locally on the economic front, and we do get Fed minutes tonight in the U.S. 10-year yields steady at 5.40%. US Futures drifting lower.  **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.