Daily FNArena News - Australia

Interim earnings from nickel play Western Areas fell short of stockbroker expectations.

While JB Hi-Fi met revised earnings guidance with its interim result the retail trading environment remains very tough, leaving brokers with differing opinions on the company.

Transfield Services has reaffirmed full year earnings guidance and while some brokers suggest short-term risk has now been removed, others remain wary of further downgrades.

James Hardie has finally won its long-running dispute with the ATO and should receive more than $310m in compensation. Stockbrokers are expecting additional capital management initiatives.

Interim earnings from Telstra were broadly as the market had expected. Broker opinions remain divided on how much value is on offer at current levels.

While interim earnings were somewhat mixed, brokers continue to see longer-term upside for Bradken.

Economists were surprised today when the RBA decided not to make a third consecutive rate cut, leaving the cash rate at 4.25%.

The RBA today decided to keep its cash rate steady at 4.25%.

NRW Holdings already enjoyed three Buy ratings from brokers in the FNArena database. Today, Citi has added to the positive views.

In the wake of initial processing approval for Lynas, analysts are in disagreement as to whether rare earth prices have seen their peak or not.