Shares in paint, glue and garden goods supplier DuluxGroup have risen after the company forecast modest growth for 2014.
Managing director Patrick Houlihan on Thursday told shareholders low interest rates, expansionary consumer confidence and rising house prices were helping its Australian operations.
"In addition, we have seen signs that new housing construction will improve, though of course most of our exposure to this segment of the market is late in the cycle," he said.
"Given this, we expect modest market growth in 2014 in Australia."
Rebuilding activity in the earthquake damaged city of Christchurch is expected to help in New Zealand but China and Papua New Guinea are more challenging, the company advised.
DuluxGroup shares added 18 cents, or 3.4 per cent, to $5.48.
