The ASX 200 drove 60 points higher at a new record of 8630 (+0.7%). Banks rallied with the Big Bank Basket up to $283.45 (+0.5%). Other financials also in demand, MQG up 1.4% and ASX up 0.9% with insurers rising, QBE up 1.2% and MPL rallying 1.0%. REITs back in demand, GMG up 1.1% with SCG rising 0.5%. Healthcare too doing well, CSL leading the charge, up 3.8% with RMD up 0.7% and PME putting on 2.4%. Industrials firmed reversing yesterday’s losses, BXB up 0.9% and QAN rising 1.6%. Retail mixed, LOV up 2.0% but other slipping. Gaming stocks better, ALL up 1.2%. Tech sector a standout with WTC up 1.8% and XRO bouncing 1.1%. The All Tech Index up 1.8%.

Defence stocks continue to soar, DRO up 14.8%. In resources, a mixed picture BHP, RIO and FMG all falling around 1% on iron ore slipping. Gold miners were better with NEM up 1.1% and NST up 1.5%. Lithium stocks depressed, PLS down 4.6% and MIN falling 1.0%. Uranium stocks doing well, PDN up 7.9% on a broker upgrade. Rare earth stocks also in demand. In corporate news, HUB rose to record highs on new FUM inflows. TYR fell 2.7% on RBA moves to cancel fees for consumers.

In economic news, Chinese GDP rose to 5.2% higher than expected and local consumer confidence rose. US CPI data tonight. Asian markets mixed with Japan up 0.3%, HK up 0.5% and China down 0.2%. 10-year yields at 4.38%.

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