ASX tests 10-year highs

The local market had another crack at new highs today, setting a new intraday high at 6692 before setting at 6685, a tickle below the 10-year high set about a fortnight ago at 6687. The resources were supported early – iron ore continued its rally overnight, and gold joined the party as well. Oil, and subsequently the energy names, were left behind today after Brent dropped 4% overnight on an OPEC meet which left oil traders fearing a demand slowdown with global growth stumbling.

The banks also saw selling continue after yesterday’s rates decision left investors fearing margin squeeze. Each of the banks passed on the bulk of the cut and now the discussion turns to the big fours' ability to recoup the lost income for their loan books. Consumer staples rallied on the move by Woolworths to spin off their liquor and hotels business, while REITs and Utilities were strong as investors chase yields in equities.

Economic data today was more positive than it has been. Building approvals were down 19% yoy, however this is a big recovery from last month’s -24% decline and was actually a +0.7% improvement month on month. Trade balance was also better than expected, coming in with a $5.7b surplus vs $5.2bn estimates. The beat was driven by Australia’s biggest export with the rally in iron ore prices continuing to lift the surplus.

Overall, the ASX 200 added +32 points today or +0.49% to 6685. Dow Futures are trading down -29 points / -0.11%.

ASX 200 Chart

ASX 200 Chart

CATCHING OUR EYE;

Woolworths (WOW) +2.7%: rallied following the announcement they will combine the Endeavour Drinks and ALH Group into Endeavour before separating the businesses next year. A demerger has been touted if Woolworths don’t receive a competitive offer to sell what will become Australia’s biggest hospitality business. The move has been long rumored with many in the market particularly keen on seeing the pokies business moved off the group's books, seen as a stain on the ethical standards of the company. Today’s move in the share price does show how keen investors are to have pure exposure to the hospitality side of the business, given it has revenue of $10bn at 10% EBITDA margins, it’s easy to see why. The group will run 327 hotels with over 12,000 pokie licenses, and over 1,500 liquor stores.

The end result will leave Woolies and Big W under the Woolworth’s brand with the company looking to focus its strategy while stripping costs out of the business. We aren’t looking for exposure to the Australian consumer at this stage which is still under pressure despite low unemployment and low interest rates.

Woolworths (WOW) Chart

Vocus (VOC) –2.74%; fell on a soft FY20 outlook today, with the company flagging no growth over the current financial year to target $350m-$370m next year – around 5% to midpoint below the consensus EBITDA of $378m. The company did manage to maintain guidance for this year after many in the market feared a big miss heading into the result given two potential suitors for the telco had recently walked from takeover talks without offering a formal bid. The flat guidance shows the turnaround story seems to be taking a little longer than expected, leaving investors with a sour taste given the rose-coloured outlook the CEO had previously given. The company expects the retail market to see continued pressure, while the core network and cables business is expected to grow modestly. We continue to remain wary of Vocus.

Vocus (VOC) Chart

Broker moves; despite DB launching coverage on Emeco (EHL) with a buy, the stock failed to get off the ground today, closing down -0.48%. The main thesis for the analyst's positive recommendation is some decent tailwinds out of the mining space – something MM has been banging the table on since purchasing Emeco. We like the stock, and continue to hold it into the result – the next catalyst will be the full-year result where a meet should be enough for the stock to rally after missing six out of their last seven results.

• AGL Energy Upgraded to Neutral at Credit Suisse; PT A$19.20
• Appen Upgraded to Outperform at RBC; PT A$34
• Origin Energy Upgraded to Outperform at Credit Suisse; PT A$8.50
• SpeedCast Downgraded to Hold at Baillieu Ltd; PT A$2.30
• SpeedCast Upgraded to Neutral at Macquarie; PT A$2.25
• Domain Holdings Rated New Sell at Deutsche Bank; PT A$2.70
• Seek Rated New Hold at Deutsche Bank; PT A$21.30
• Carsales.com Rated New Buy at Deutsche Bank; PT A$15.40
• REA Group Rated New Sell at Deutsche Bank; PT A$83
• Emeco Rated New Buy at Deutsche Bank; PT A$2.70

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