Building Material & Const

CSR has decided to restructure the troubled Viridian business and close two plants. Brokers welcome the capitulation but wonder at the efficacy.

Mining Investment is a crucial component of the Australian economy and analysts from NAB see it falling off a cliff.

Boral has solid plans, according to brokers, but the way forward is stilll challenging.

Royal Wolf has attracted attention with the strength and spread of its industrial and resource sector exposure.

Rallies will be hard fought this year and stock picking needs to be selective, as brokers air expectations for resources, retail, building, software and healthcare.

Brokers are not sticking their necks out too far in estimating how well home building activity will go in 2013, so modest is the key word for those stocks primed for an eventual resurgence.

For 2013 the keyword is – ordinary. Brokers see reduced volatility but few patterns emerging while the twists of retailing, building and climate change may provide some interest.

A wrap of the day’s activity on the Australian stock market.

A wrap of the day’s activity on the Australian stock market.

Resources companies are no longer supplying Australia the same level of GDP contribution; can the materials sector fill the gap? Plus insurer upside, bank provisions and Telstra threats.