Daily FNArena News - Australia

The launch of Amazon Prime, ahead of expectations, suggests to brokers the company is serious and confident regarding delivery of its business model to Australians.

South32 has taken control of Arizona Mining, which provides a base metal opportunity and expands its geographic base.

Gold miners are facing the headwind of sharp increases in costs in the years ahead.

While risks on several fronts confront Australia’s retail sector, Deloitte Access Economics looks at where benefits can be obtained from online disruption.

Supply constraints in urban locations are triggering demand for multi-storey assets and this is supporting Goodman Group’s development portfolio.

Challenger is reducing property and increasing fixed income exposure, which will deliver a negative impact on margins and earnings in the near term.

Caltex has issued profit guidance for the first half that is slightly ahead of expectations and brokers are largely confident in the company’s outlook.

Adelaide Brighton remains constructive regarding demand for both Australian residential and infrastructure materials, maintaining a strong outlook.

Fortescue Metals has amassed a 19.9% stake in Atlas Iron and does not intend to support the current deal with Mineral Resources, unleashing speculation as to its true intentions.

Wesfarmers is taking on more disciplined approach to future capital deployment and brokers believe management is signalling a preference for a smaller, better-returning base.