Westpac

Economists agree the outlook for house prices in 2023 is largely dependent on upcoming interest rate decisions by the Reserve Bank of Australia, and signs of weakness are already appearing. Complicating matters further, borrowers face an impending fixed-rate cliff.

Combined cash profits from Australia’s big four banks increased 6.5 per cent to $28.5 billion in FY22, delivering a bumper year ahead of a looming deterioration in economic conditions.

With inflation, interest rate hikes and other economic stress weighing heavily on Australian households, key recent data show consumer sentiment approaching new lows while overall spending continues to climb.

Higher interest rates, a slowing property market and the promise of loan defaults is curbing the enthusiasm of analysts on future bank earnings.

If there was one word to summarise the relationship between the big four banks and interest rates, it would be volatile. In March, the banks rallied after the Reserve Bank of Australia shifted its dovish rhetoric and signalled imminent rate rises to combat inflation. Now with the RBA acting on those increases by most recently passing a 50 basis point increase, big four shares are tumbling over themselves.

Market falls, BHP merges with Woodside, CBA’s correction It was another rough day for the ASX200 (ASX: XJO) with the selling pressure continuing to grow as reporting season picks up steam. The financial sector was the biggest contributor to the markets 0.9% fall, dragged down 1.7% by Magellan Financial Group (ASX: MFG) and the Commonwealth Bank (ASX: CBA) which is nearing a technical…

Around 20% of Australians are providing false information to banks when applying for loans. That’s according to a report from Experian, the world’s largest credit reporting business. Why are they doing it? According to reporting by the Australian Financial Review it’s because they don’t want to be rejected for a loan by the bank. The stats revealed…

Company dividends have been on a quick and steady path to recovery from pandemic lows, with the potential for further “upside surprise” in certain sectors and stocks, according to Ausbil Investment Management. Portfolio manager for the Ausbil Active Dividend Income Fund, Michael Price, said “The outlook for dividends is now showing a rebound towards previous…

Buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) Zip Co Ltd (ASX: Z1P) shares have been the most traded on the ASX in recent weeks (again) according to Commsec data. After reaching highs of close to $15, the current Zip share price represents a discount of nearly 50 per cent. Could now be a good time to pick some Zip shares? Why optionality…

ASX down as Victoria braces, materials weaker, ALS profit jumps The ASX200 (ASX: XJO) finished 0.3% lower on Wednesday, with the materials and e-commerce sectors leading the fall.  BHP Group (ASX: BHP) and Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) remain under pressure, falling over 2% each as the hot commodity sector is cooled by increasing supply. The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:…