Media

Australia’s Financial Services Inquiry; better outlook for Toll Holdings and Asciano; replacing 21st Century Fox on the ASX; and strong growth for McMillan Shakespeare and SG Fleet.

The strong growth theme prevails in online media but brokers find some variations in the outlook among key stocks.

House prices, credit growth and mortgage standards. Financial review issues, the death of TV, new consoles and recent IPOs.

Oz consumer sentiment is improving but is it enough to ensure a strong Christmas? There’s softness in life insurance, improvement in the housing market and modest advertising growth.

Analysts look at Australian household savings, TV ad budgets and housing recovery. Also in view are Chinese reform proposals and subdued US economic growth.

Michael Gable of Fairmont Equities notes heavy volume on Carsales weakness suggests lower prices and a more attractive entry point.

Brokers have combed Australian equities to find where opportunity may be lurking.

Competition heats up in Oz insurance, Oz health care players in the US market, the advertising story continues and the outlook for slot machines in the US.

Macquarie previews upcoming AGMs, online ads gain on print, electricity market looks less intense and mobile drags on telco earnings.

Brokers are cautious as to the extent non-political advertising will fill the gap left by the election.