THE WEEK REVIEWED.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 279, 24 November 1928, Page 4

THE WEEK REVIEWED.

A BUSY PERIOD

GILT EDGE STILL POPULAR.

BREWERIES IN DEMAND

Buoyancy is the prevailing note on the local Stock Exchange for there has been a t-teadv inquiry through the Kick with values generally well maintained. There is obviously a considerable amount of money available for investment, and stocks which catch the eye are readily snapped

As has been the case for some time, gilt edges continue to attract most attention, though there is a growing disposition to abandon the conservatism thus implied and to venture amongst the more promising industrials. Banks and insurance shares have, now appreciated to such a point that if an investor expects what is generally considered a reasonable rate ot interest he must look elsewhere. A feature of the demand for banking shares, of which several sales are recorded, is the comprehensive nature of the demand. There are buyers for practically every line that is listed and a weak holder has no difficulty in placing his stock. Bank of N.Z. has finned up 3d a share. Insurance shares are firmly held, and here again there is a steady inquiry with South British receiving most attention at the moment and recording sales at the advanced price of £3 4/ for the £1 share. For Australian Provincial buyers have raised their limits from 3/9 to 5/: In mercantile shares N.Z. loan and Mercantile, which has just announced a record profit for its last year, are still in demand at the increased price ruling of late. The Farmers' Auctioneering Co. has received more attention siuce its last balance sheet was issued and a sale of A preference shares at 17/6 was recorded. Ordinary are still enquired for with buyers now at £2 19/. Gas shares remain steady and the only change in shipping lines is a slight weakness in Northern Steamship which are now offering at 14/ for tho 14/0 paid. N.Z. Brewery shares are still in keen demand and the inquiry appears to have spread to other kindred lines such as Staples, Innes and Co., and Grey and Menzies, all of which have been in greater request. In the miscellaneous section Electrolytic Zinc has shown an advance. Sales of the ordinary shares have taken place at £1 15/ and buyers are still offering £1 14/9 and £1 16/3 for the preferred. Government loans and municipal- debentures have had steady inquiry, and for these lines a considerable amount has been paid during the week. The attention given to the issues, not only of city institutions but also of suburban bodies, shows how popular this form of investment is. Mining shares with few exceptions have been quite neglected. Waihi, however, is in keen demand. There has been a daily inquiry, and buyers have increased their limits to obtain the scrip. Up to 15/ had been given. Jit. Lyell, too, is in steady request, with buyers offering £1 IS/.