Marcus Today End of Day Report Friday 20th August

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ASX 200 falls 4 points to 7461 as early gains evaporate in the face of increasing lock downs and CV19 cases. Resources tried hard to hold up despite iron ore falls but succumbed in the end with BHP falling 0.7% and MIN off 2.4%. Rare earths took a battering as LYC fell 6.9%, Malaysian political issues not helping, lithium stocks were depressed, PLS down 5.6%, ORE now merged dropped 5.7%. Energy stocks also on the nose. Banks turned slightly negative with the Big Bank Basket down to $180.75 and MQG off 0.9%. Healthcare and defensives were slightly better, WOW, COL and GMG standouts. Results and reactions again in focus, TWE did well following good broker commentary, good results from ING up 4.6% though COH fell 7.4% despite good numbers.

European markets opening flat.