Dispatches: ANZ boosts profits

ANZ said today third-quarter underlying profit was about $1.3bn, a 37 per cent improvement on a year ago, as troubled loans fell. In a trading update, the group said the result takes its underlying profit for the nine months to June 30 to about $3.6bn, a 26 per cent improvement on year. (The Australian)

AMP chief executive Craig Dunn has declared that linking with AXA Asia Pacific would best position him to mount a competitive challenge to the big banks' grip on the superannuation market. (Sydney Morning Herald)

QBE Insurance boss Frank O'Halloran has foreshadowed a $US500m ($557m) release of funds for more acquisitions. This plan hinges on the financial services regulator introduces its planned, higher capital charge on equity holdings. (The Australian)

Australian financial planners are becoming increasingly gloomy about the outlook for the industry, according to the latest research released by Wealth Insights. (Money Management)