Daily FNArena News - Australia

Cochlear may be at the top of its market but, after a lukewarm half year, brokers see some potential for the leader to be challenged.

With reporting season for Australian insurance companies approaching, analysts discuss whether or not (or perhaps weather or not) the recent positive run can be maintained.

A wrap of the day’s activity on the Australian stock market.

Earnings outlook is mixed but generally positive and there’s plenty of catalysts for gaming this year, according to brokers.

It’s a gloomy view for improving profit margins in the latest Dunn & Bradstreet survey, as Australian business hunkers down for a soft June quarter.

Transport needs more economic recovery to drive future growth but port and rail providers are the pick for outlook, thanks to coal. Transport stocks reviewed.

A wrap of the day’s activity on the Australian stock market.

Nickel miner Independence Group is improving profitability against the odds on better than expected production, grades and cost control, leading brokers to upgrade their recommendations.

Analysts forecast advertising spending will improve in 2013, but the relentless shift to online means some Australian media stocks will benefit an others will suffer.

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