Strong signs of economic turnaround from the latest half-year results

Energy company Contact, courier company Freightways and dairy producer a2 Milk have all announced results this morning.

Contact's recorded a 44-percent rise in net profit - and has gone into a trading halt while it begins a major capital raise to fund more renewable energy projects.

a2 Milk's profits are up over 9 percent - above expectations.

And Freightways is up 17-percent, as it benefits from the improving economy.