Insights

Drought in Queensland and northern New South Wales, combined with recent frosts in Victoria and southern NSW, will put pressure on the earnings of the country's largest grain handler, GrainCorp, which is the subject of a $3.4 billion agreed takeover bid from Archer Daniel Midlands of the US.

The sharemarket closed higher as blue-chip stocks such as the big four banks, BHP Billiton and Telstra rallied after selling down the previous day.

As workers scurry around in yellow fluoro vests putting the final touches on Costco's newest discount warehouse in Melbourne's outer east, a giant teddy bear throws a vacant gaze across countless rows of food, clothing, diamond rings and a 10-kilogram block of Cadbury chocolate.

James Hardie shares have soared to a record high after the company doubled its first-half profit amid long-awaited signs of improvements in the US housing market.

The private equity firm's proceeds from the IPO exceed the planned $344.5 million share sale, which gives the retailer a market value of $520.3 million.

Local market lifts as investors take heart from Yellen's dovish comments.

Bank price-earnings ratios are looking stretched as investors pay a hefty premium despite a muted outlook, lured by an attractive dividend yield.

The surge in value of Bega's stake in Warrnambool Cheese and Butter has helped it make a higher scrip bid. If Bega wins, it may itself become a takeover target.

Bega's higher offer for Warrnambool today doesn't match the competing bid for Murray Goulburn, but there are ways it could still come out on top.

Greencross has turned to the $7 billion pet-supplies sector with a $330 million scrip deal that more than doubles the size of the entity.

Australia's increasingly two-tiered programming will make rebuilding Ten's fortunes even harder for Hamish McLennan. And anyone expecting a breakfast show to turn around a network is fooling themselves.

Perpetual's rival bidder for The Trust Company is trying to persuade shareholders not to give a required 75 per cent acceptance at a meeting in two weeks.

Westpac unit Ascalon sold the 45 per cent stake in undisclosed terms.

McLennan reportedly sets 10% target for latest cost-cutting drive.

Greencross's market cap is set to swell as the veterinary services group pursues a merger with privately-owned pet products retailer Mammoth Pet Holdings.

Our market is outperforming regional peers, featuring a rise of more than 14 per cent in James Hardie shares on good news on the US housing front.