Daily FNArena News - Australia

The profit result from insurance broker Austbrokers was high quality according to analysts and with more of the same expected in coming years it scores a perfect four-for-four in Buy ratings.

Economists are lifting their estimates for next week’s Q2 GDP growth data, while noting the RBA must be paying attention.

Six out of ten brokers see growth potential in the dull but safe Transurban toll road trade.

Goodman Fielder’s profit was a little better than the market had expected and with costs and margins trending in the right direction the outlook continues to improve.

The market had been expecting a decline of around 3% but Australian construction activity for the June quarter fell just 0.1%.

The worst appears behind paint products group Wattyl and brokers have revised up earnings forecasts but most remain cautious given an uncertain outlook for the Australian housing market.

Its new Sydney-Guam cable offers Pipe Network continued upside potential.

Spending by Australian businesses fell heavily in the global economic downturn but as conditions and confidence improves repaired balance sheets mean they are well placed for an upturn.

AWB has confessed exiting Brazil will cost more than expected, leaving the market largely neutral on the outlook for the stock.

Spark Infrastructure posted a better than expected interim result but capex requirements mean equity will need to be raised in coming years and this is creating a divergence in broker views on the stock.