Bostock's faves are ASX Ltd (ASX, $35.28); BHP Billiton (BHP,...

Bostock's faves are ASX Ltd (ASX, $35.28); BHP Billiton (BHP, $44.95); ConnectEast Group (CEU, $1.32); Leighton Holdings (LEI, $48.5); QBE Insurances (QBE, $25.45); Wesfarmers (WES, $38.63); Woolworths (WOW, $28.47) and Worley Parsons (WOR, $38.80).

On average, these stocks are 23 per cent off their highs and trade on a circa 5 per cent yield.

In the case of the ASX, the stock is trading 36 per cent below its highs and on a forecast 2008-09 yield of 5.8 per cent. Bostock says efforts by brokers to create a rival exchange are not a "credible threat".

BHP speaks for itself as a one-stop resources shop ready to surf the prosperity wave as Chinese and Indian demand moves from iron ore to base metals and energy. As for fellow miner Rio Tinto: nice if they can get it.

ConnectEast is scheduled to open its 39km toll road in southeast Melbourne six months ahead of schedule. While debt-heavy as per other roadway operators, the borrowings are fully hedged out to 2010 and 80 per cent by 2014.