Higher margins bolster ANZ

ANZ has declared the economy is at a "turning point" after a fall in bad debts, with fatter margins set to propel the Asia-focused lender to a record half-year profit of as much as $2.4 billion.

ANZ joins the growth party Bank heads for record half

ANZ says the economy is at a "turning point", after a fall in its bad debts and fatter margins are set to propel the Asian-focused lender to a record half-year profit of as much as $2.4 billion.

Bad debts fall but NAB lags rivals

THE growing divide between the biggest and smallest of the big four banks was underlined yesterday after National Australia Bank revealed that increasing competition and flat revenue growth had held back any immediate post-global financial crisis profit boost.

NAB turns in flat result for December quarter

THE growing divide between the biggest and smallest of the big four banks was underlined yesterday when National Australia Bank revealed that increasing competition and flat revenue growth had blocked any immediate profit improvement as the global financial crisis faded.

Westpac on course for a record $2.7bn

A RAPID decline in bad debts is set to propel the expanded Westpac group to a record half-year profit of about $2.7 billion.

CommBank's surprise packet

THE Commonwealth Bank's army of small shareholders are likely to be rewarded with their first increase in the interim dividend for two years despite the board's insistence it could no longer guarantee higher payouts.