Banks

Michael Gable of Fairmont Equities suggests Westpac weakness ex-dividend should play out further within a longer term bullish trend.

Major bank results were considered reasonable but a question of valuation again overhangs, specifically in light of expected capital requirement increases.

In its first quarter banking update Suncorp showcased the tug-of-war between margin and earnings growth. Broker opinions are mixed on whether the banker/insurer can actually pull it off.

Premium growth rates are moderating and several brokers have taken a more conservative stance on QBE Insurance.

PayPal offers working capital loans to Oz SMEs; consolidation in US dollar strength; and investment opportunities in Australia’s gambling sector.

– Medibank IPO: Healthcare's About To Change – Not King Cole – Planet Zero – Calm Before Storm For Insurers?…

Ebola implications; too many Aust pathology centres; market correction implications; efficiency gains not sustainable; banks, developers and regulatory changes.

Bank analysts are generally expecting solid FY14 earnings performances from the Big Four but the argument continues to rage with regard regulatory risk and valuation attractiveness at these new levels.

Brokers mull Perpetual’s latest investment flows, asking when the benefits from synergies and new funds will become more meaningful.

Inflation bodes well for Oz supermarkets; GP operators undervalued; housing recovery continues; steel outlook moderating; general insurer outlook benign; and Murray Inquiry looms.