Good morning,

The reluctance of key food and grocery workers to return to the office has Coles concerned about its ability to efficiently operate its supply chain and properly stock stores.

Mercer’s coveted survey of investment performance shows growth funds powered up over the past year, with the best delivering returns in excess of 30 per cent.

The emergence of activist fund manager Elliott Management on Anglo American’s share register is a potential complication for BHP, but may also play in its favour.

Five things to know this morning

1. The local sharemarket is poised for a solid lift at the start of trade on Monday, boosted by rebounding global optimism.
2. Super Retail offered to settle a claim from at least two rogue executives over an alleged ­affair between its CEO and HR manager, but was rejected after the offer fell short of a $50m payday they expected.
3. Activist shareholder Tanarra Capital has stepped up the pressure on property major Lendlease ahead of a critical briefing, demanding ’fresh thinking and leadership’.
4. A new CSIRO report highlights an urgent need for directors to better grasp the threats and opportunities of artificial intelligence.
5. Two of the nation’s biggest building products companies have demanded the government make the thermal upgrade of homes a central part of the Future Made in Australia Act.