Market Wrap / catalyst season ahead

The S&P/ASX 200 bounced back from earlier losses and finished Tuesday 0.2% higher at 8,899.4 points. The mining sector was firmly in the green, pushed by a fresh record for gold and a rush to rare earths, with investors looking for alternatives outside of China. Lynas Rare Earths extended its rally, up 5.6%. Meanwhile, Rio Tinto gained 1.6% as it also delivered a production update. Iron ore is expected to come in at the lower end of guidance for 2025, while copper and bauxite productions are expected to deliver strongly. The uranium producers also supported market gains. Deep Yellow rose 12.6% as it said recent drilling at its S-Bend prospect in Namibia confirmed high-grade uranium.Elsewhere, the banks extended their losses, whilst ANZ gained 0.2%, continuing  Monday’s gains where the bank unveiled a new strategy.Major US banks such as JP Morgan, Goldman Sachs and Wells Fargo are reporting overnight. And Fed Chair Jerome Powell is due to address an economic forum.