Daily FNArena News - Australia

Dunn & Bradstreet’s latest survey suggests improvement for Australian businesses through the December quarter, albeit the numbers not as buoyant as they were a year ago.

Bendigo & Adelaide Bank will acquire the Keystart home loan portfolio but brokers are lukewarm, given the increased risk this Western Australian book entails.

FNArena provides a weekly update of Australian listed corporate bond issues, current pricing and yield data.

FNArena’s weekly update on short positions in the Australian share market.

AGL Energy has announced capital management initiatives, welcomed by brokers, and its near-term outlook looks considerably brighter.

Weekly Update on ASX-listed companies buying in their own stock.

The outlook for Qube Holdings is gaining complexity, with the recent contract loss for its Patrick division, while substantial, not considered significant in the longer term.

Retail network Premier Investments continues to perform well although brokers note some tough comparables will be cycled in the current half year.

Brickworks has raised expectations for its investment portfolio and expanded margins in building products but several brokers note that beyond FY17, the cycle is turning.

Herbicide and pesticide producer Nufarm has a strong outlook for FY17, supported by cost savings and a better upcoming cropping season in Australia.