Daily FNArena News - Australia

Bapcor is cementing its position in car parts and brokers are upbeat about the stock, despite the likelihood growth rates will now be less stellar.

Brokers assess the merits of a new entity, Endeavour Group, that will be formed from Woolworths’ hotels and liquor businesses.

Is the party over for Australia’s insurance sector? Catastrophe budgets need to rise, amid elevated compliance costs, and the question is whether price increases can continue to mitigate the downside.

Headwinds galore are buffeting SpeedCast International, as the company endures a substantial downgrade to earnings guidance. Brokers have taken shelter on the sidelines.

Yesterday’s RBA rate cut has prompted more brokers to reassess their recommendations on listed independent funds management platforms.

Brokers acknowledge the effort made by South32 to turn around the Illawarra Coal operations. Nevertheless, a return to three longwalls requires a substantial lift in development rates.

In the fallout from the Royal Commission, investment platforms are suffering major funds outflows. Not all, however, are losers.

Margins continue to be squeezed, as banks compete to retain deposits and borrowers struggle to afford loans. Traditional banks are also being confronted by new digital entrants.

Sandfire Resources’ copper project acquisition in Botswana looks very promising to brokers but it is not without inherent risk.

Collins Foods has driven a solid earnings result supported by KFC Australia. Brokers are keen on growth opportunities ahead and the defensive attributes of the stock.