CBA

Recently released wages data increases the likelihood the RBA will pause its rate hiking campaign for the near term, economists say. A soft landing for the economy is far from guaranteed, but the runway is getting clearer.

Despite continuing strong economic data for Australia, markets have forecast significant earnings downgrades, and results have been mixed so far. But a main highlight – CBA’s record $10 billion profit – may not be enough to improve investors’ outlook on the banking sector.

After a three-month run as the most-traded ASX stock on Selfwealth’s platform, Neuron Pharmaceuticals ceded its spot to CBA in June as healthcare, mining and banking stocks jostled for investors’ attention.

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.

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

ASX gains 1.2%, financials power ahead as Baby Bunting disappoints The ASX200 (ASX: XJO) finished at another record high on Friday, gaining 0.5% as the positive sentiment from reporting season carried through another week. Every sector finished higher outside of materials, with healthcare the outperformer adding 1.9% after CSL Ltd (ASX: CSL) once again near $300 per share adding 2.4% ahead…

CBA hikes dividend, announced buy back, IAG delivers another loss The ASX200 (ASX: XJO) finished at another record on Wednesday, adding 0.3% with the Commonwealth Bank (ASX: CBA) extending its dominance as Australia’s largest company. The share price rallied 1.5% almost singlehandedly pushing the market higher. Outside of the major banks it was a generally risk on day with energy and…

Small gain for ASX, CBA nears $100, Zip keeps buying  The ASX200 (ASX: XJO) managed to finished just 0.2% higher on Monday as strength in the banking sector including the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) offset weakness in materials. CBA is once again trading at an all-time high and just $1.24 short of the $100 mark. Iron oreand commodities…

Shares bounce back, Victorian budget disappoints, mixed unemployment result The ASX200 (ASX: XJO) clawed back most of Wednesday’s losses, adding 1.3% on Thursday as the risk-on environment returned. The rally was powered ahead by the tech sector, 4.3% higher, along with property trusts, up 2.6%, and consumer discretionary stocks, up 1.7%. It was Qantas (ASX: QAN) that drove the…

Second quarter off to strong start, AMP’s CEO departs, Boral announces buyback The ASX200 (ASX:XJO) finished the week and commenced the new quarter on a strong note, finishing 0.5% higher with both IT, up 2.3%, and materials, 1.3%, contributing. It was a day for stock specific news with the worst kept secret in finance being confirmed, AMP’s CEO Francesco…