** Citi says most Australian insurers are likely to post strong half-year earnings, picking QBE Insurance QBE.AX and IAG IAG.AX as its preferred names

** Brokerage, however, maintains cautious stance on Suncorp SUN.AX

** Citi says it is optimistic about QBE posting strong HY results

** Rates QBE "buy"; says past volatility in QBE's results is now less likely

** Citi sees 8% growth in gross written premium for IAG in first half; rates stock "buy"

** Citi keeps "buy" rating for Steadfast SDF.AX and nib Holdings NHF.AX, sees firms hitting their FY26 targets

** Brokerage, however, says Suncorp to post "mixed" first-half results, lower interim dividend; rates stock "neutral"

(Reporting by Rajasik Mukherjee in Bengaluru)

((Rajasik.Mukherjee@thomsonreuters.com))