Daily FNArena News - Australia

Management at Alesco has lowered guidance for FY10 earnings but stockbrokers remain broadly positive on the stock.

Westpac economists report Australian consumers’ expectations for unemployment rose slightly in December.

A little more than a month after floating on the ASX, brokers are starting to pick up Myer and with high expectations.

The Westpac-Melbourne Institute Index of Consmer Sentiment fell modestly in December.

The National Australia Bank Monthly Business Survey for November showed a further small gain in business confidence, supporting an upward revision in the bank’s growth forecasts for the economy.

The ANZ Job Ads series rose 5.2% in November, reversing the fall recorded in October and supporting the view the recovery in the Australian economy remains on track.

After the RBA’s latest rate hike, economists from ANZ have revisited their expectations and now expect a slower pace from the RBA.

Australian retail sales for October were up slightly, reversing the weaker September figure.

Perpetual held a strategy day yesterday and the market has reacted positively, with brokers upgrading ratings and the shares climbing today.

Caltex’s bid to acquire Mobil’s 302 service stations in Australia is knocked back by the ACCC seeing brokers move to downgrade forecasts.