Banks

Aussie heading lower?; outlook for Oz banks; potential surprises for 2015; Macquarie reviews aged care providers; Credit Suisse’s top pick additions; and Goldman Sachs tweaks small-mid caps list.

Macquarie Group has firmed up guidance for FY15 earnings growth of 10-20%, on the back of increased commodity trading revenue and a lower Australian dollar.

Credit Suisse adds to top picks; TV advertising subdued while online continues to grow; Xmas trade better than expected; issues for some retail stocks; and A-REITs still attractive for Morgan Stanley.

2015 previewed for commodities and equities; the banks and the Murray Inquiry; advertising trends. Stock preferences noted.

Michael Gable of Fairmont Equities suggests Australian banks should shortly see some renewed buying.

Insurers and Brisbane’s storm; Indoor Skydive lists; Aust banks in NZ; little Christmas cheer from petrol; outlook for RBA’s cash rate; and the mid year Commonwealth budget statement.

The Commonwealth Department of Social Security has reversed a favourable tax treatment for Challenger Financial’s aged care annuities Brokers review the implications.

Term deposits are less attractive; food inflation easing; Woolworths’ Masters dilemma; business sales; and ANZ’s FX strategy.

Regardless of the likely recommendations of the Financial Services Inquiry, brokers consider Australia’s banks are well placed for future returns.

Macau casino capacity constrained; traditional retailers beset by leisure focus; consumer sentiment is soft; general insurers are flat; business airfares rise; and Pulse Health’s new hospital.