Daily FNArena News - Australia

Asciano has signed a new ports contract with Maersk and brokers see this as supportive for what remains an attractive valuation and earnings outlook.

Westpac’s leading index is showing the lowest growth rate expectation since Sptember 2009.

Further reviews of the Australian REIT sector see value identified among some residential and retail names.

At its July meeting the RBA decided developing events suggested caution, but that the next CPI result would be the dominant factor for policy.

Flight Centre has lifted full year earnings guidance and expressed confidence in FY12, the result being upgrades in ratings as recent share price weakness improves the value on offer.

Fayetteville was one thing, but with its Petrohawk acquisition BHP has signalled its intentions to be a major shale gas player. Is there any real value to shareholders?

While conditions for Australian retailers are very tough, retail landlords are likely to see only a limited earnings impact.

The market is anticipating big things for Beach Energy’s shale gas resource in the Cooper, but analysts struggle to see a commercial project ever eventuating.

JP Morgan has revised its order of preference among residential REITs, while conditions appear to be improving in the office and retail sectors.

Recent outperformance sees JP Morgan unwind a positive bias on Australian office REITs, while brokers have updated on Commonwealth Property Office on news of asset sales.