Dispatches: finance industry bodies give thumps up to Gillard

Australia's financial services peak bodies have responded in favour of Julia Gillard's appointment as Australia's new prime minister. (Investor Daily)

Investment bankers are optimistic of a strong second half of the year for dealmaking on the back of a promising first half. The optimism comes despite data showing a slump in merger and acquisition activity this year. (The Australian)

The US Supreme Court has ruled that foreign investors cannot proceed with a US lawsuit against National Australia Bank over Homeside. The lawsuit had alleged that NAB and a Florida subsidiary had engaged in transnational securities fraud. (The Australian)

Suncorp reckons takeover activity in the life insurance market will crack open a window for it to capture ground from "distracted" competitors. (Courier Mail)

Just days after announcing the resignation of its chief executive, David Deverall, Perpetual has provided the market with a business update reaffirming its earnings guidance but pointing to some continued uncertainty in investment markets. (Money Management)