Commonwealth Bank of Australia

A higher net interest margin drove a 10 per cent increase in CBA’s net profit after tax, while Wesfarmers benefited from a strong performance by Kmart Group and the chemicals division. But with much of the upside for these companies already priced in, investors should be clear about valuations before buying in.

The regulator will look into the discrepancy between the interest rates banks charge borrowers and those they pay depositors, as the RBA’s rate-hiking campaign propels the big four banks toward record profits.

Analysts agree Australia’s big four banks are entering 2023 from a position of strength as they pass on rising interest rates to borrowers. However, headwinds remain, and the total return picture for shareholders looks more complex.

Australians are being hit hard by rising interest rates as banks seek to keep pace by lifting borrowing costs, and the RBA’s latest move will only add to the pain. Mortgage payments for employee households soared 27 per cent in the December quarter alone, and further increases are expected.

The Australian mining and energy sector drew a significant increase in investment in 2022, but a hoped-for green mining boom is currently a fantasy, with gas and coal still dominating the project pipeline, new bank research shows. A shift in focus to commodities needed for the energy transition would have to precede another super-cycle, but select opportunities exist.

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.

Fraudsters are using new and evolved tactics to target a change in consumer behaviour brought on by the pandemic. One Australian bank has taken up the challenge to catch fraudsters at their own game.

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.

ASX holds onto gains, retail pain on show at Myer (ASX:MYR), another sell off to end the week The ASX 200 (ASX:XJO) managed to stave off weakness in the afternoon, finishing 0.5%, despite a much stronger lead from the US markets. The telecommunications and materials sectors including the likes of Telstra (ASX:TLS) and BHP (ASX:BHP)…