Daily FNArena News - Australia

Microequities rates Clover Corporation as a Buy for upside from growth in demand for food supplements.

The euro’s break above 130 against the US dollar suggests further gains in the short-term, but Danske Bank argues US dollar strength should win out longer-term.

Multiplex has made a step towards expanding its funds under management via the acquisition of a property portfolio in Germany, but brokers see little to get excited about.

Recent research reports by brokers Credit Suisse, SB Citigroup and Macquarie have revealed some interesting differences on some Australian small caps.

While AWB – the company – appears to have come off lightly, indications are it will lose its monopoly.

Morgan Stanley has initiated coverage on Newcrest and Oxiana with Buys but has a Sell on Lihir, while Austock has downgraded Sino Gold to Hold on valuation grounds.

BIS Shrapnel believes the economy is on a “knife edge”, but that wage cost pressure has not yet been fully realised in the numbers.

Merrill Lynch analyst Vicky Binns believes investors are best to dismiss rumours that either BHP or Rio Tinto may intervene in the Phelps Dodge-Freeport merger.

Foster’s Group rose yesterday on renewed takeover rumours. Is there value to be found for a potential acquirer?

The airline leasing earnings of Allco Finance are unlikely to be affected by any move on Qantas so brokers say the stock remains a Buy with potential upside earnings surprise.