Daily FNArena News - Australia

Debate around James Hardie in the US market centres on whether market share and product penetration will provide the necessary step-up in growth.

Weekly update on recommendation, target price, and earnings forecast changes.

Sims Metal continues to revamp its business. The stumbling blocks remain a weak global steel market and profitability issues in the central regions of the US, although capitla management is possible.

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

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

Brokers suggest picking carefully among engineers & contractors in order to seek out those least exposed to the mining downturn.

Woodside Petroleum has made a bid for Oil Search, confounding brokers as they attempt to unravel the implications.

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

Westpac will focus on customer service and productivity going forward. Brokers welcome the extra clarity on the outlook but suspect some of the goals may be tough to achieve.

Gold projects remain hotly contested in Australia, whether it be via takeover, joint venture or further exploration. Two companies at different stages of growth provoke broker interest.