Daily FNArena News - Australia

A snapshot of economist responses to today’s CPI. The annual headline CPI rose from 2.1% to 2.9% in March but the underlying rate dropped from 3.3% to a 30-month low of 3.0%. Where does that leave the RBA?

CSL has been slammed since the Baxter result but for Baxter it was lost market share rather than a weak industry. Should investors exploit CSL share price weakness?

National Australia Bank’s Quarterly Business Survey showed while both business confidence and conditions declined slightly in the March quarter both remain at solid levels.

Leading nickel producer Mincor likes to focus on steady shareholder returns through the cycles, frustrating analysts who expect all companies to maximise leverage, but pleasing long term shareholders.

Recent reports by industry consultant BIS Shrapnel and a survey by National Australia Bank both point to improving conditions in Australian commercial property markets.

Morgan Stanley has identified some more small cap companies where it sees value, while Macquarie has Boart Longyear on its Marquee Ideas list.

Fortescue has been a bit left behind in the recent iron ore share price rush but its quarterly production report suggests progress is pretty reasonable.

The next RBA rate hike could come as early as next month, if today’s leading index update is anything to go by.

Merrills includes Tabcorp as a “best idea” while Weres notes little interest in REITs. Citi sees strong leading indicators and likes the ad market.

The RBA is returning interest rates to normal and this month’s minutes suggest the process will no longer be gradual.