Daily FNArena News

Ahead of the Herd’s Rick Mills points out a potential new point of global conflict as both China and the US seek to secure critical resources.

FNArena has updated Australian Broker Call Reports for the post Christmas 2017 period. All Reports can be accessed via the Broker Call Archive on the website.

The FNArena service resumes this morning with the Australian Broker Call Report.

This is it from us, folks. After the break, we’ll return on January 15.

Pilbara Minerals has negotiated the sale of run-of-mine ore from Pilgangoora and brokers welcome the deal as an opportunity to generate some cash while the project is developed.

Caltex has guided to softer than expected profit for 2017 but brokers agree the key issue for 2018 will be the reaction from BP/Woolworths to the ACCC decision.

Challenging conditions continue for Japara Healthcare, which has flagged a weak first half, and lower FY18 guidance, in the wake of a severe flu season that has affected occupancy.

The Chartist suggests the S&P500 will continue to rise, but an interim pullback may soon provide a buying opportunity.

Oracle’s bid for Aconex represents a substantial premium. Brokers suggest a counter bid, while highly unlikely, cannot be completely ruled out, but nor can the regulators be ignored.

Michael Gable of Fairmont Equities suggests the slide in Retail Food Group has further to run before a base might be found.