Did you miss the major news from the ASX this week?

A run-down of this week's key stories.

a woman

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The week began with further falls on China's stock market and further attempts by the Chinese government to curtail them. What is causing the ongoing instability and what are the wider implications?

Mike King looks at the independence of financial advisors in Australia in this enlightening article, or as it turns out, the incredible lack thereof.

Andrew Page lays down a few key psychological factors that make us naturally poor investors in this brief but insightful piece. I wish I had read it earlier as I was guilty of making one of the mistakes he warns against just earlier this week.

Blue-chip healthcare stock CSL Limited (ASX: CSL) announced on Tuesday that the US Food and Drug Administration has accepted for review its recombinant factor VIII single-chain for the treatment of haemophilia A. People with haemophilia A have a shortage of factor VIII and can suffer from random heavy internal bleeding.

Then on Friday, CSL announced that it has secured final approvals to acquire Novartis' influenza vaccines business. The US$275 million deal is likely to complete in the next few days and will result in CSL owning the second largest influenza vaccines business in the world. During the week, Ryan Newman wrote two articles examining the buy case for CSL which can be found here and here.

National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB) took the decision to lift rates on interest-only loans by 0.29 of a percent from 10 August. Brendan Lau examines what the change means for the bank's shareholders in this article.

Medical device company ResMed Inc. (CHESS) (ASX: RMD) released its fourth quarter results showing revenue growth of 9% but no growth in net income. The reduced profitability is partly explained by the presence of two non-recurring cost items in the latest quarter.

On Monday, iiNet Limited (ASX: IIN) shareholders voted overwhelmingly to accept the takeover offer by TPG Telecom Ltd (ASX: TPM). The combined entity will be one of the largest home broadband providers in Australia.

Navitas Limited (ASX: NVT) announced its 2015 financial results on Monday including reported earnings per share of $71.8 million, up 39% on last year. Excluding impairment charges, the result represents an 11% improvement. Why were its shares sold off on the news and is it now a buy?

On Wednesday aged care provider Regis Healthcare Ltd (ASX: REG) revealed that the Supreme Court of Victoria upheld its appeal against the State Revenue Office Victoria, relating to a stamp duty assessment from a merger transaction in 2007. As Regis had already paid the original assessment, it will recognise a profit uplift of $19.5 million this year.

Another aged care provider, Estia Health Ltd (ASX: EHE), disclosed that it has acquired a further four aged care facilities in Victoria for $181.1 million, taking the total in the group to 53 facilities. What do the latest acquisitions mean for investors and is the stock a buy?

Stories from the smaller end of the market

Consumer products company, GUD Holdings Limited (ASX: GUD), reported a 19% improvement in underlying profit after tax to $36.9 million in its 2015 financial reports released on Thursday.

Ten Network Holdings Limited (ASX: TEN) has replaced its chief executive and chairman, Hamish McLennan, with David Gordon as chairman and Paul Anderson as chief executive. Will the changes make any difference?

IT consultancy, UXC Limited (ASX: UXC), announced a number of significant contract wins during the week. The contracts are service based and so will provide valuable recurring revenues for the company and include a three-year $15 million deal with Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy.

Payday lender Cash Converters International Ltd (ASX: CCV) went into a trading halt on Thursday after media reports said it was facing a class action. Should shareholders be concerned?

On Monday, diagnostic imaging company Capital Health Ltd (ASX: CAJ) advised that its underlying net profit before tax (NPBT) would be up by 58% to $16.1 million. However, reported NPBT is just $7.8 million with one-off costs related to acquisitions making up the difference.

On Tuesday, eye surgery company Vision Eye Institute Ltd (ASX: VEI) said that it expects earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation to be $27 million for this year, an improvement on its previous guidance of between $25 million and $26 million. Then, on Friday it was announced that major shareholder Primary Health Care Limited (ASX: PRY) has sold its 19.9% stake in the company for 94 cents per share. This is a higher price than what is being proposed by Pulse Health Limited (ASX: PHG), who have already made an approach to buy Vision Eye.

Junior biotechnology company, Admedus Ltd (ASX: AHZ) reported revenue of $2.9 million for the June quarter, up 36% from the previous quarter and 16% from the corresponding period. However, operating cash outflows were $5.8 million for the quarter and $21.5 million for the year. Are things still moving in the right direction?

Perth-based property developer Finbar Group Limited (ASX: FRI) gave profit guidance of $25.5 million for 2015 on Monday and then announced on Friday that it has been granted approval for a $72 million project in Dianella. Is the company a good option for income investors?

Motley Fool contributor Matt Brazier has no position in any stocks mentioned. You can find Matt on Twitter @MatthewBrazier1. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on ⏸️ Investing

Close up of baby looking puzzled
Retail Shares

What has happened to the Baby Bunting (ASX:BBN) share price this year?

It's been a volatile year so far for the Aussie nursery retailer. We take a closer look

Read more »

woman holds sign saying 'we need change' at climate change protest
ETFs

3 ASX ETFs that invest in companies fighting climate change

If you want to shift some of your investments into more ethical companies, exchange-traded funds can offer a good option

Read more »

a jewellery store attendant stands at a cabinet displaying opulent necklaces and earrings featuring diamonds and precious stones.
⏸️ Investing

The Michael Hill (ASX: MHJ) share price poised for growth

Investors will be keeping an eye on the Michael Hill International Limited (ASX: MHJ) share price today. The keen interest…

Read more »

ASX shares buy unstoppable asx share price represented by man in superman cape pointing skyward
⏸️ Investing

The Atomos (ASX:AMS) share price is up 15% in a week

The Atomos (ASX: AMS) share price has surged 15% this week. Let's look at what's ahead as the company build…

Read more »

Two people in suits arm wrestle on a black and white chess board.
Retail Shares

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX:TPW) share price stack up against Nick Scali (ASX:NCK)?

How does the Temple & Webster (ASX: TPW) share price stack up against rival furniture retailer Nick Scali Limited (ASX:…

Read more »

A medical researcher works on a bichip, indicating share price movement in ASX tech companies
Healthcare Shares

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since its IPO

The Aroa (ASX:ARX) share price has surged 60% since the Polynovo (ASX: PNV) competitor listed on the ASX in July.…

Read more »

asx investor daydreaming about US shares
⏸️ How to Invest

How to buy US shares from Australia right now

If you have been wondering how to buy US shares from Australia to gain exposure from the highly topical market,…

Read more »

⏸️ Investing

Why Fox (NASDAQ:FOX) might hurt News Corp (ASX:NWS) shareholders

News Corporation (ASX: NWS) might be facing some existential threats from its American cousins over the riots on 6 January

Read more »