End of Day Report - Thu 18 Nov

• The ASX 200 finished up 9 to 7379 in a topsy turvy day. Banks once again the swing vote with the Big Bank Basket down to $175.80 (-1.3%) as CBA fell another 1.6% and NAB down 0.7%. Insurers and financials bucked the downdraft with MQG up 1.1% and IAG putting in a strong day, up 3.4%. Elsewhere industrials fared better with TLS up 2.0% TCL up 0.7% and WOW rising 1.1%. Healthcare too taking its medicine and feeling better, CSL up 1.1% and SHL rising 3.0%. 
• Tech mixed with the All Tech Index inching higher by 0.2% despite APT down 1.1%. REITs firmed led as usual by GMG up 1.8%. Miners were firm despite commodity prices with BHP up 0.2% and RIO putting on 0.7%. Gold miners were well sought as EVN bought out remaining Ernest Henry stake with brokers liking the deal and the stock up 9.7%. Energy stocks on the wane as oil prices slipped on a coordinated approach from US and China to release some of their strategic stockpiles. 
• In corporate news, ALL down 3.6% on results and the extended timeline for the popular Playtech takeover. EVN helping the sector higher on its acquisition, a few AGMs around again with AAC easing back 7.0% after comments, MNS saw some board room reshuffling after ASIC inquiries, down 5.6%. TWE doubled down on the US with its $314m acquisition of Frank Family Wines, rising 2.6%. 10-year yields slid back slightly to 1.80% .

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