Building Material & Const

Brokers update their views on Australian banks while it appears the local housing bubble might be peaking.

Given a weaker Aussie, Credit Suisse has reviewed the basic materials sector to determine winners and losers.

Housing starts are up and investors are returning to the local residential market while REITs with US exposure are again riding the fortunes of the exchange rate.

BIS Shrapnel’s “Building In Australia 2010” report suggests Australia’s population growth is set to slow in coming years, with some flow through impact for the economy overall.

The RBA may have to change the way it approaches interest rates given the dominance of the booming resource states over the sluggish southern states.

Economist responses to the latest data releases and anticipated monetary policy impact. Housing finance demand in Australia falls again.

RMB revaluation rumours, Greece and increased growth expectations are keeping global financial markets in a positive mood.

In the ongoing process of post-GFC regulatory changes, ASIC is looking to formalise stock broker recommendations in the wake of investor complaints.

GSJB Were adds Pacific Brands to its Conviction List while Credit Suisse looks at mid-cap resource companies and JP Morgan looks at the WA housing market.

We are now in grind-up phase in the stock market while Asciano comes into favour, more media upgrades are occurring and the home builder survey continues.