Westpac’s third-quarter cash profit rose 27 per cent to $1.4bn, helped by a sharp fall away in the level of bad debts, but the total fell shy of analysts’ targets. (The Age)

The uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the weekend’s federal election looks like having a depressing effect on the share and money markets in Australia on Monday. With company earnings reporting season entering its final full week, the uncertainty is expected to leave traders even more nervous than usual. (Sky News)

Challenger Financial Services Group has swung back to a full-year profit on the back of a surge in sales of guaranteed investment products. (The Australian)

National Australia Bank was forced to bring forward its secret plan to launch a $13bn takeover offer for AXA Asia Pacific by at least six months after AMP swooped first on the wealth management group. (Business Day)