Banks

A weak US dollar sent commodity prices higher once more, encouraging buying in stocks. Dow up 51.

Positive manufacturing data failed to stem the September jitters last night. Dow down 185. (Locked for subscribers until 10:00 AEST)

Investors paused after an 8-day winning streak, with a weak consumer sentiment report weighing on otherwise positive quarterly results.

The profit result from insurance broker Austbrokers was high quality according to analysts and with more of the same expected in coming years it scores a perfect four-for-four in Buy ratings.

It was another recovery from an early sell-off on Wall Street last night. Dow up 37.

Wall Street pulled back from its early rally on bank fears to close square. Dow up 3.

Westpac’s bad debt concerns sparked a big profit-taking session on Friday in the market, providing debate about whether recent confidence has been overplayed.

Market expectations had been for Mortgage Choice to deliver lower earnings in FY10 but guidance from management indicates some growth.

Upbeat comments from Fed Treasurer Ben Bernanke and a big jump in existing home sales see stocks and commodities run.

Wall Street was up but metals down in a night of mixed data. Dow up 70. (Locked for subscribers until 10:00 AEST.)