Daily Financial News - Australia

Investor focus is firmly on life sciences companies in 2020. FNArena highlights six ASX-listed entities that have been viewed positively by analysts recently

Everything needs to fall into place for Bank of Queensland to achieve an acceleration in credit growth in FY21, despite a strong balance sheet.

HUB24 continues to sustain significant momentum, enabling the wealth management business to withstand the pressures on the industry.

Bravura Solutions continues to broaden its services, having acquired the UK’s Delta Financial Systems. However, given the pandemic is far from over, it is unclear how smooth the going will be.

Bapcor is racing ahead, delivering strong vehicle parts sales, and envisaging plenty of opportunity for industry consolidation.

Newcrest Mining will move to expand Cadia and upgrade recoveries at Lihir, both of which should underpin long-term production for Australia’s bellwether gold stock.

Blood plasma collections have declined globally in the face of the pandemic. Should CSL investors be concerned?

Commonwealth Bank’s retail and business divisions rank highly and, Bell Potter believes, should justify a premium to other major banks. Other brokers are not so convinced.

The infrastructure splurge in the latest federal budget augurs well for Downer EDI, Australia’s largest road construction and maintenance provider. Morgan Stanley upgrades to Overweight.

Northern Star Resources and Saracen Mineral Holdings have agreed to merge and will become a dominant player in Australia’s key gold districts.