Insurance and Finance

Subdued economic indicators; Apple boosts consumer electronics; supermarket networks; insurer brand pricing; A-REITs performance; housing cycle; building materials stocks; Asian gaming junkets; Goldman Sachs initiates coverage on 3P Learning.

FNArena’s Treasure Chest reports on money making ideas from stockbrokers and other experts. Brokers do not believe Equifax’s bid for Veda Group is sufficient and Moelis sees a potential battle between two appropriate suitors.

US-listed Equifax has made a bid for Veda Group, the Australasian credit reporting agency. Brokers suggest a higher bid may be needed.

Dairy recovery; small-mid cap focus list; pathology volumes; tourism benefit from AUD; oil impact on spending; bank requirements.

Macquarie Group has upgraded earnings guidance, underscoring the largely positive market conditions which prevail.

Vehicle leasing and salary packaging have surged in interest among brokers as several newcomers to the ASX lists join McMillan Shakespeare.

Mobile sector trends; supermarket margins and non-food retail outlook; ranking general insurers and life insurance trends; foreign exchange outlook.

The Chartist suggests another chance to buy CBA may present itself.

Westpac will focus on customer service and productivity going forward. Brokers welcome the extra clarity on the outlook but suspect some of the goals may be tough to achieve.

GDP weakness; state economies diverge; bank branch closures and initiatives; new real estate listings solid; low expectations met in reporting season.