We conducted a cross-asset scenario analysis on potential outcomes from the upcoming midterm elections in the United States. Using both a macro and a bottom-up approach, our base case was for a Democratic House of Representatives and a Republican Senate, but we also considered the possibility of a sweep in... Show More
Volatile times can create opportunities for patient investors, and there’s been no shortage of volatility for emerging markets investors lately. Alex Duffy, Portfolio Manager at Fidelity, says that volatility like this will separate the bad business models from the good. He sees two key areas of opportunity today: Show More
Despite political tension and underperformance of the European Financials sector in the June quarter, results in 2017 and the first quarter were solid. We saw upgrades for the European banking sector through 2017 on the back of improving loan losses and continued uptick in lending growth. The banks are also... Show More
When you look at the ASX 300 Industrial Index, over 50% is dominated by financials and real estate so investors need to be cautious. The financials can be quite leveraged companies, where earnings quality can often be an issue, and a lot of those companies are tied to the property... Show More
Dividend lovers: we’re witnessing a bit of a changing of the guard when it comes to the performance of ASX listed companies. Financials and in particular banks – where investors have traditionally looked for their sustainable dividend growth – are beginning to be threatened for the mantle of sustainable dividend... Show More
CommSec Advisory’s Justin Wynne speaks with Tom Piotrowski about the upcoming February reporting season, including the factors to focus on in the results of the banks & miners. Show More
When we asked you to suggest a stock tip in our 2018 Livewire reader survey, there were a few names that came up regularly. Drawing from the database of 2617 responses, here are the 10 stocks that readers tipped the most, with exclusive insights from our contributors for each one.... Show More
Asia is the fastest growing region in the world, with average GDP growth of 2 to 3 times that of Australia and other developed countries. Despite compelling growth and valuations, it is difficult for Australian investors to access Asian markets directly. Ellerston Asian Investments (ASX:EAI) offers an easy and efficient... Show More
Will a ‘growth’ or ‘value’ regime dominate in equity markets from here? After ten years of ‘growth’ leadership, the debate around style timing is intense. Following the financial crisis, ‘growth’ stocks have clearly been a better option than ‘value’ stocks. The main explanations offered for this is lacklustre global economic... Show More
Where is the US Equity Market headed? Can Opportunities still be found? Show More
Regional lender, Bendigo & Adelaide Bank (BEN) posted a slightly below consensus 4.2% rise in annual cash profit to $418.3m. The result was boosted by above industry average lending growth and a recent lift in some mortgage rates. Its bottom line was held back by APRA’s lending caps which were... Show More
Westpac has posted a 3% rise in first-half cash profit to $4.02bn, in-line with market expectations. The result was boosted by its increased mortgage lending and performance of its institutional banking business. Show More
Macquarie Group has reported a full-year profit of $2.22 billion - ahead of Bloomberg consensus forecasts of $2.13 billion. The result was boosted by its trading and capital markets divisions. Show More
The National Australia Bank has reported a 2.3% rise in first-half cash profit to $3.29 billion and held its interim dividend at $0.99 per share. Show More
ANZ has unveiled a first-half cash profit of about $3.4 billion, just below analyst expectations of a $3.5 billion profit. Show More
U.S. banks have recently rallied strongly and it’s worth considering if European banks can follow given relatively attractive valuations and an improving outlook. In this context I recently travelled to meet the senior management from all the major listed banks in the Nordic region. The trip increased my conviction around... Show More
Tom Piotrowski speaks with Commonwealth Bank (CBA) CEO & Managing Director, Ian Narev about the bank’s first half results, delivering on its strategy and its dividend policy: Show More
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank (BEN) posted first half statutory profit after tax of $209 million. Cash earnings came in just ahead of market expectations of $224.7 million For more Reporting Season coverage, please visit https://www.commsec.com.au/reportingseason Show More
Yesterday’s intra-day strength in the local market surprised many investors including ourselves . The simple explanation for the ASX to gain over 70-points by lunchtime is money flowing into equities, which we believe is for two primary reasons - importantly not perceived value in the market. The almost impossible task... Show More
In the third and final interview with Giselle Roux, CIO of Escala Partners, we explore which sectors are positioned to do well from the great rotation underway. On the financials, she says: “These are more interesting in that as interest rates rise, banks do better. That's simply because they borrow... Show More