Half-time wrap:
The share market retreated as declines in the heavily-weighted high-flying banking sector overwhelmed a sharp rebound in lithium miners.
The ASX 200 eased 16 points or 0.2% by mid-session. The big four banks lost between 1.05% and 1.59% a day after CBA and Macquarie Group hit record levels and the others tested multi-year heights. Today's setback followed pressure on US counterparts after several lenders warned of headwinds building in the market.
The morning brought welcome relief for investors in battered lithium stocks following reports that Chinese giant CATL has suspended production at two mines. The halt could remove up to 8% of China's monthly lithium carbonate output, according to Reuters.
The index's best performers included Mineral Resources +18.85, Pilbara Minerals +14.62% and Liontown Resources +16.8%. Nickel miners also rose.
US stock futures fell during this morning's presidential debate as the odds on a Harris presidency came in from $2.14 to $1.97 and Trump drifted out to $2.04 from $1.93, according to BetFair. S&P 500 futures eased 0.3% as the debate went on.
US stocks finished mixed overnight as bank stocks weighed on the Dow, while strength in tech helped lift the Nasdaq and S&P 500.
Personal trading: Well, it rained soup today and I was out there with a fork. Couldn't catch a feed to save myself. Beer money trade in EZZ and that's it so far.
