End of Day Report – Wednesday 7 October: ASX 200 drift 8 pts lower - Banks ease - ARF rallies hard - Gold miners better - Uranium in focus

The ASX 200 slipped a modest 8 points today to 8,728 in quiet trade. Banking stocks were generally easier, with CBA down 1.3% and WBC down 1.2%, and the Big Bank Basket falling slightly to $260.96. Insurers had a better day again, with QBE up 1.3% and IAG also doing well, up 0.9%. REITs were better too, with SCG up 0.9% and VCX up 1.3%. Healthcare once again a positive sector, with CSL up 1.9% and FPH up 1.0%. Meanwhile, in industrials, retail stocks gained, with WES up 0.6% and JBH up 0.1%. ...