Afternoon trading March 28

Thanks @shovel40, @mirren, @Fiji1 and morning crew.

ASX 200 up 1.05% at the halfway mark. Nice to see the index putting in a "higher high" today following Friday's "higher low". Trend change developing as the bank scare dies down?

It's not often you see double-digit gains for six ASX 200 companies. Lithium miners on the charge after Albemarle's bid for Liontown. Could be the circuit-breaker that corner of the market needed. United Malt is also in play, suggesting the recent market weakness has created opportunities for value investors. Meanwhile, Origin Energy has agreed to a takeover. It's all happening in M&A.

Economic data: February retail sales bang on target at +0.2%. ABS says: “On average, retail spending has been flat through the end of 2022 and to begin the new year.” Factor in population growth and "real" spending is falling. Not a lot, but enough for the RBA to pay attention.

Personal trading: Exited DXB for brokerage from yesterday. Hoped BEZ and IPD would retrace a little more for a safer entry. Missed the chance.