End of Day – Wed 16 Feb

• The ASX 200 rallied 78 points to 7285 (+1.1%) on better sentiment from the US. It was once again all about results, as CSL and TWE set the scene as good numbers dropped with beats to guidance, CSL up 8.5% and TWE up 11.7% and talking raising prices for premium brands. Iron ore stocks continued to be in the doghouse as Dalian futures remained weak ahead of a crucial meeting tomorrow between authorities and the iron ore players in China. BHP fell 1.8% and FMG with results today fell 2.0% on a cut to dividends. RIO steady. Lithium had a revival after LTR announced a deal with Tesla rising 18.0% and a good lead-in from Albemarle. PLS up 3.7% and MIN bouncing back 1.8%. Gold miners slipped slightly with EVN numbers out today, rising 1.8%. 
• Energy stocks under a smidge of pressure after oil falls, STO fell 2.8% on full-year results, WPL down 0.4%. In the banks, another positive day with CBA ex-dividend today accounting for 9 points.  NAB up 0.7% and ANZ bouncing 1.1%. MQG rallying 1.6% with wealth platforms being whacked hard, NWL down 9.8% and PPS down 11.1%. Industrials firmed ALL up 2.1% and BXB eased on denial of rumours of barbarians at the gate. Healthcare was better led by CSL with COH up 2.3%, RMD up 2.2% bouncing back. 
• In corporate news, plenty around NEA rising 8.6% on good numbers. SGF up 14.1% on a record number, AVZ up 10.3% on a US$240m investment with CATH. GMA rose 6.4% as Ares Management took a near 15% stake. Nothing on the economic front with Chinese PPI easing the highlight. Asian markets firm with Japan up 1.7% and China up 0.7%.

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