Agria's partial takeover bid for PGG Wrightson has been endorsed by directors, but shareholder have been told to wait before accepting it - in case a rival bid emerges.

Just 6 per cent of investors think shares offer the best rate of return, while rental property is still a popular investment, according to a survey by ASB.

Tower, the insurer controlled by Guinness Peat Group, may return capital to shareholders, chairman Tony Gibbs told the annual meeting.