Daily FNArena News

If India’s Ranbaxy can increase its presence through the sale of Merck’s operations in Australia the news may not be so positive for Sigma and Genepharm Australasia, ABN Amro Morgans believes.

BIS Shrapnel has completed its annual study of road construction and maintenance activity, concluding the sector has peaked and a decline is likely in coming years.

ABN Amro continues to target $6.00 for MFS, suggesting any weakness is a buying opportunity given the company’s strong growth profile and attractive yield.

Commonwealth Bank suggests favourable demographics should continue to support the housing market in Australia, while fears of increased household debt levels have been overblown.

With brokers starting to look forward into the February results season, questions are being asked who is likely to surprise but also who will be re-rated?

The Wheat Export Authority has released its annual grower’s report that suggests the AWB is doing a reasonable job in many areas. Despite this, the market remains unconvinced of the stock’s outlook.

Macquarie suggests Asia is entering a reflationary cycle, so those nations with more policy options should be best able to benefit from the expected strength in currencies throughout the region.

The Bank of Japan might surprise with a hike this week while economic data in Australia, New Zealand and the US will be closely watched for further indications. Resources regain attention in the corporate field.

Morgan Stanley has identified some trends in global foreign exchange reserve holdings, the broker showing how they may impact on currency market movements.

The uranium spot price hasn’t moved in three weeks now.