** Shares of Australian Finance Group AFG.AX rise 3.7% to A$1.5975, their highest since Dec. 9
** Stock on track for best day since Dec. 5, if current gains hold
** Macquarie hikes target price on mortgage broker to A$1.64 from A$1.61, maintains "neutral" rating
** Brokerage attributes adjustment to reflect strength in settlement of loan application submissions
** Two analysts including Macquarie rate the stock "hold"; their median PT is A$1.65 – LSEG data
** Australian Finance Group fell 3.2% in 2024
(Reporting by Nichiket Sunil in Bengaluru)
((Nichiket.Sunil@thomsonreuters.com;))