Day traders' weekend lounge October 6 - 8

Thanks afternoon crew. Another challenging week. The struggle is real.

End-of-day summary:

Aussie shares trimmed a third straight losing week as investors held their breath ahead of US jobs data that will set the tone on financial markets next week.

The ASX 200 rallied 29 points or 0.41% to 6954. A strong session for the banks, supported by gains in the major bulk metal producers, supermarkets and CSL, handed the index a second straight gain. Wesfarmers, fund manager Magellan and lithium miners were among the heaviest drags.

Today's advance cut the index's loss for the week to 94 points or 1.3%. A two-day rebound in the second half could not make up for three straight losses through Monday to Wednesday.

US stocks steadied overnight ahead of tonight's September employment report. The S&P 500 finished 0.13% in the red after earlier trading significantly lower. A strong jobs report tonight could tip the Federal Reserve towards another rate hike. Alternatively, a weak result would bolster the case for extending the recent pause.


There's been nothing sweet about recent stock market action, so we'll have to make up for it with this weekend's Lounge Special. Anyone for a Chocolate-Mint Mudslide? This sounds like a dessert: crushed crunchy chocolate balls, melted dark chocolate, mint ice cream, whipped cream, thickened cream, vodka, Baileys and mint liqueur. Actually, it sounds like a heart attack waiting to happen. But what a way to go. Recipe here.