Daily Financial News - Australia

While risks on several fronts confront Australia’s retail sector, Deloitte Access Economics looks at where benefits can be obtained from online disruption.

Supply constraints in urban locations are triggering demand for multi-storey assets and this is supporting Goodman Group’s development portfolio.

Challenger is reducing property and increasing fixed income exposure, which will deliver a negative impact on margins and earnings in the near term.

Caltex has issued profit guidance for the first half that is slightly ahead of expectations and brokers are largely confident in the company’s outlook.

Adelaide Brighton remains constructive regarding demand for both Australian residential and infrastructure materials, maintaining a strong outlook.

Fortescue Metals has amassed a 19.9% stake in Atlas Iron and does not intend to support the current deal with Mineral Resources, unleashing speculation as to its true intentions.

Wesfarmers is taking on more disciplined approach to future capital deployment and brokers believe management is signalling a preference for a smaller, better-returning base.

Brokers suggest A-REITs are likely to continue finding support amongst the global investment community, given an increasing need for annuity income and scarcity of investment-grade real estate.

Momentum continues for Domino’s Pizza, whose technology stands to benefit from continued growth in digital sales and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Are the risks for Australia’s major banks increasing? Several brokers believe so while others consider the outlook more benign.