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Why Has Westpac Banking Corp Been Maintaining A 52-Week High?

Jordan Baird

Jordan Baird is the head ASR Wealth Advisers client services desk and has been with the organisation since 2017. He first started investing in his early years. While he believes that investors should leave no stone unturned he has a particular interest in trading based on broad macroeconomic trends along with specific analysis of innovative up-and-coming companies.

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) opened the trading day today firmly holding a higher position as it maintains it’s 52-week high on the ASX, growing 0.6% at $30.04 per share. Rebounding strongly since the Banking Royal Commission findings in early February of this year, this outlook comes as the banking sector rallies off positive market conditions across the broader ASX, and investor confidence returns in light of optimistic sentiments towards the household lending sector.

WESTPAC -- REPORT
Westpac launches new, invitation-only American Express credit cards (Credit: Executive Traveler)

Westpac Banking Corp, is one of Australia’s leading ‘Big Four’ banks and financial-service providers and the oldest banking institution in Australia. In recent years, it has also endeavored to become Australia’s largest lender for personal and business needs with respect to short term credit and home loan mortgages. In a bid to restore confidence in light of the Royal Commission scrutiny, and to deliver long-term shareholder growth, Westpac Banking Corp currently yields a 6.3% per annum dividend.

Recent announcements from Westpac Banking Corp to reduce its mortgage serviceability buffer from 5.75% to 5.35% on 30 September, has created a new floor amongst its peers for serviceability rates, in what investors have speculated as an undercutting strategy. The possible implications from this announcement suggests that Westpac Banking Corp may be seeking to boost it’s market share in the lucrative lending market.

The serviceability buffer is intended to assess whether potential borrowers could afford to service the aforementioned loan, given their assessible income and expenses at the time of the borrowing, the lowering of this buffer infers that a bank could potentially take on more lending than its peers. In which case, Westpac Banking Corp would be looking to turn greater profits in the coming year by increasing their net interest (profit) spread, at the trade-off of increasing its risk portfolio.

This is the second cut to serviceability rates since mid this year, where rates were slashed from 7.25% to 5.75%. This announcement, in conjunction with the lowering of the official cash rate from the Reserve Bank of Australia, and the subsequent flow on to borrowers, has renewed investor interest in the banking sector.

 


 

Disclaimer:

This article has been prepared by the Australian Stock Report Pty Ltd (AFSL: 301 682. ABN: 94 106 863 978)

(“ASR”). ASR is part of Amalgamated Australian Investment Group Limited (AAIG) (ABN: 81 140 208 288 Level 13, 130 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000).

This article is provided for informational purpose only and does not purport to contain all matters relevant to any particular investment or financial instrument. Any market commentary in this communication is not intended to constitute “research” as defined by applicable regulations. Whilst information published on or accessed via this website is believed to be reliable, as far as permitted by law we make no representations as to its ongoing availability, accuracy or completeness. Any quotes or prices used herein are current at the time of preparation. This document and its contents are proprietary information and products of our firm and may not be reproduced or otherwise disseminated in whole or in part without our written consent unless required to by judicial or administrative proceeding. The ultimate decision to proceed with any transaction rests solely with you. We are not acting as your advisor in relation to any information contained herein. Any projections are estimates only and may not be realised in the future.

ASR has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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