Summary

• The ASX 200 lost 1% at the open, but has since improved, as Melbourne wakes from its first night of extended COVID-19 lockdowns
• The financial and consumer discretionary sectors suffered heavy early losses. Mining and health stocks were higher
• Victoria is expected to announce 429 new virus cases today. There are 13 new cases in NSW, and no new cases in QLD
• Spot gold touched a new all-time record high of $US1984.65 an ounce