NZE:ANZ

Macquarie Group Continues to Outperform Banking Majors with Superior, Fully Digitized Platform, Jarden Says

Macquarie Group (ASX:MQG) continues to outperform banking majors with a simple and fully digitized platform, according to Jarden in a Thursday note.At this pace, Macquarie may surpass around 10% market share on both sides of the balance sheet in the near term. Commonwealth Bank of Australia's (ASX:CBA) net interest margin edge, free deposits look tenuous with IT and competition from Macquarie, ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ, NZE: ANZ), National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB), and potentially, stablecoins. Strong volumes are offset by competition.Jarden considered the fiscal year 2026 Australian budget as changing incentives, increasing complexity, and exacerbating the skew to financialization over increasing physical industrial capacity.High valuations reflect market index concentration and disappointment in other sectors, but expose major banks to abrupt and extreme mean reversion if the status quo changes.The investment firm assigned ANZ Group an overweight rating and price target of AU$35.50 per share. It also has sell ratings on Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank, and Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) with price targets of AU$90 per share, AU$29 per share, and AU$31 per share, respectively.It also assigned Macquarie a buy rating with a price target of AU$250 per share, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank (ASX:BEN) a neutral rating with a AU$11 per share price target, Bank of Queensland (ASX:BOQ) a sell rating with a price target of AU$5.50 per share, and Judo Capital Holdings (ASX:JDO) a buy rating with a price target of AU$2.50 per share.

Chrysos Secures AU$200 Million Refinancing Deal With Banking Syndicate

Chrysos (ASX:C79) secured a AU$200 million, three-year syndicated refinancing with ANZ Group Holdings (NZE:ANZ, ASX:ANZ), National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB), and Export Finance Australia, replacing its previous asset-based structure with a more flexible corporate-style debt facility, according to a Thursday filing with the Australian bourse.The new package includes term and revolving debt with an accordion feature, improved pricing and covenants, lower commitment fees, and about AU$105 million in additional headroom to refinance existing facilities and support growth, per the filing.The structure is secured across multiple jurisdictions and incorporates standard corporate covenants, including net leverage and interest coverage ratios, the filing said.The company said the refinancing boosts financial flexibility to accelerate PhotonAssay deployment and manufacturing, targeting a return to 18 units per year, backed by a forward order book of 22 units and 27 long-lead components, the filing added.ANZ Group 's Kiwi shares were down nearly 1% in recent Thursday trade.

NZ Commerce Commission Proposes Caps on Interchange Fees for Commercial Credit Cards

The Commerce Commission of New Zealand released its draft decision to introduce caps on interchange fees for Mastercard and Visa commercial credit cards in a bid to have a more "fair and efficient" payments system, the competition, consumer, and regulatory agency said on Thursday.New Zealand businesses currently pay roughly NZ$125 million in interchange fees annually to accept Mastercard and Visa commercial credit cards, and the proposed caps are expected to reduce these costs by NZ$40 million per year.The final decision will be made later in the year, according to Commissioner Bryan Chapple.Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) shares fell marginally in morning trade in New Zealand, while ANZ Group (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ) shares were down nearly 1%.

Greatland Secures AU$500 Million Debt Facility, Makes Final Investment Decision for Western Australia Project; Shares Up 3%

Greatland Resources (ASX:GGP) said it has executed a AU$500 million corporate debt facility with a lending syndicate, and has made a final investment decision (FID) to develop the Havieron gold-copper project in Western Australia, according to a Monday Australian bourse filing.The lending group consists of ANZ Group (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ), ING, HSBC, National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB), and Westpac (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC).The company said the facility comprises a AU$250 million revolving credit facility with a five-year term, a AU$225 million revolving credit facility with a seven-year term, and a AU$25 million contingent instrument facility (CIF) drawn to AU$17.9 million as of May 31.Financial close on facility A and the CIF has been achieved, with financial close on facility B targeted for the end of June following the publication of Greatland's updated ore reserve estimate for Telfer, the filing added.With over AU$1.7 billion in available liquidity subject to facility B closing, Greatland said it is fully funded to develop Havieron.The company's shares were up over 3% in recent Monday trade.

Australian Shares Jump on Ceasefire Extension Reports; Dexus Must Sell Melbourne Airport Stake, Court Rules

Australian shares closed the week higher on Friday after media reports that said the US and Iran had agreed to extend the ceasefire in the Middle East.The S&P/ASX 200 Index jumped 1.62%, or 138.80 points, to close at 8,731.70.The US and Iran reached ​an agreement to extend a ceasefire and lift restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported on Friday, citing sources. However, US President Donald Trump has yet to approve the deal, and Iranian state media said it had not yet been finalized.Brent crude oil futures plunged to around $92 per barrel. The S&P 500 rose 0.6%, and the Nasdaq climbed 0.9% on Thursday, setting fresh record highs.On the domestic front, Australian small and medium enterprises in digitized industries such as finance, property, and business services are using artificial intelligence at two to three times the rate of manufacturing, transport, and retail sectors, according to a report by National Australia Bank. The bank said about 15% of jobs in Australia are highly or significantly exposed to AI.In company news, Dexus (ASX:DXS) lost its court bid to block the sale of its stake in Melbourne Airport, as the New South Wales Supreme Court ruled that the company was in violation of confidentiality agreements and must dispose of the interest. The company holds a roughly 27.3% stake in Australia Pacific Airports, which owns Melbourne's Tullamarine airport and the Launceston airport in Tasmania.Worley (ASX:WOR) is considering a potential appeal of an Australian Federal Court decision to uphold a shareholder class action lawsuit related to financial guidance. The court on Thursday ruled that the company misled investors when it issued 2013 earnings guidance, upholding an earlier appeal filed by the shareholders, and ordered Worley to pay the applicant's legal costs.ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ) said ANZ Bank New Zealand filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal on Friday against the High Court of New Zealand's judgment against the bank in class action proceedings. The High Court ruled that ANZ Bank New Zealand breached the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 in class action proceedings served in September 2021.

ANZ Bank New Zealand Files Appeal Against New Zealand High Court Class Action Lawsuit Judgement

ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ) said ANZ Bank New Zealand filed an appeal in the Court of Appeal on Friday against the High Court of New Zealand's judgment against the bank in class action proceedings, according to same-day filings with the Australian and New Zealand bourses.The High Court ruled that ANZ Bank New Zealand breached the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 in class action proceedings served in September 2021. The court held that the representative plaintiffs are entitled to payment of the costs of borrowing for the period of breach, or NZ$32,728.42.The bank's shares rose over 1% in recent trading on the Australian bourse on Friday, and nearly 1% on the New Zealand bourse.

Market Chatter: New Zealand Finance Minister Doesn't Want Banks to Pass Costs of Prudential Levy to Customers

New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis said she would be "extremely disappointed" if the country's banks decide to pass on the costs of a new prudential levy to their customers, interest.co.nz reported Friday.The government is implementing a prudential levy on banks, non-bank deposit takers, insurers, and financial market infrastructure providers as part of its 2026 budget. The levy would support cost recovery for the central bank's statutory prudential functions and is expected to generate roughly NZ$209 million during the next four years, according to the report.The government believes revenue from the new levy would represent less than 1% of the aggregate profit of ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ), Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC), Heartland Group Holdings (ASX:HGH, NZE:HGH), and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) unit ASB Bank."I would like to send them a very clear message: They are some of the most profitable banks in the world. Other counties around the world have these levies and you haven't seen it being passed through," Willis said in an interview with interest.co.nz.Westpac, Heartland, and Commonwealth Bank did not immediately respond to requests for comment from. ANZ deferred to the New Zealand Banking Association, which did not immediately reply to an email.(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

APRA to Keep Macroprudential Policy Settings for Banks Unchanged

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is set to keep its macroprudential policy settings steady after a review of domestic and international financial conditions and risks, according to a statement on Thursday.The regulator confirmed that the mortgage serviceability buffer will remain at 3 percentage points and that the countercyclical capital buffer will remain at 1% of risk-weighted assets.It also said that the high debt-to-income lending limits will remain unchanged, allowing banks to lend up to 20% of new owner-occupied and investment loans at debt-to-income ratios greater than or equal to six times.APRA noted that while households remain highly indebted, there are signs of moderation in housing prices and credit growth. Business credit growth remains above its historical average. The pressure on household and business cash flows has increased due to higher inflation and interest rates, but nonperforming loans remain low."The banking system remains well-capitalized and resilient and is well-positioned to absorb shocks should economic conditions deteriorate significantly," the regulator said.The watchdog said that high debt-to-income ratio lending remains well below its limits, citing preliminary March quarter data and concluding that the limits are not restricting overall bank lending.

Stride Property Group Says ANZ Bank New Zealand No Longer a Substantial Holder

Stride Property Group (NZE:SPG) said ANZ Bank New Zealand and ANZ Custodial Services New Zealand ceased to be substantial holders of the company's stock on Thursday, according to a same-day filing with the New Zealand bourse.The ANZ entities, which are subsidiaries of ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ), now hold about 27.9 million Stride Property shares, or just under 5% of its total shares, compared with 30.5 million shares or 5.4% previously.Stride Property Group shares fell 1% in recent Thursday trade.

NZX Midday Sector Update: Consumer Durables Sector Soars, Finance Struggles

The consumer durables shares gained the most on New Zealand's Exchange, rising almost 11% on Wednesday.Shares of KMD Brands (NZE:KMD, ASX:KMD) rose nearly 14% in recent trade.The company on Wednesday reported a 5.2% jump in third-quarter sales, helped by strength in its flagship Kathmandu segment, even as its footwear business Oboz saw a decline amid geopolitical and market tensions.On the flip side, the finance sector struggled, shedding almost 3%.Shares of ANZ Group Holdings (NZE:ANZ, ASX:ANZ) dropped by more than 4% in recent trade.

Lending of up to NZ$1.2 Billion to be Made Available Under Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme, New Zealand Finance Minister Says

New Zealand's new Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme is expected to make up to NZ$1.2 billion of bank loans available to businesses to eliminate or reduce their dependency on gas, the country's minister of finance, Nicola Willis, said in a statement on Monday.The maximum value of a supported loan under the scheme will be NZ$50 million. A business must be a current user of reticulated New Zealand natural gas with annual gas consumption of at least 1,000 gigajoules to be eligible for lending under the scheme.The scheme is expected to be available for three years, with loans expected to be repayable within 10 years, subject to terms agreed between banks and borrowers.The country's Budget 2026 sets aside NZ$48 million to cover potential losses from the scheme, and the government will guarantee 80% of each supported loan in order for banks to pass on lower interest rates to borrowers.

Market Chatter: Australian Banks' May Reporting Season 'Underwhelming,' Operating Conditions Shifting Rapidly, Morgan Stanley Says

Australian banks' reporting season in May was "underwhelming" and they faced a rapid and material shift in operating conditions, according to Morgan Stanley analysts Richard Wiles and Sally Hong, the Australian Financial Review reported Wednesday.Morgan Stanley downgraded fiscal 2027 cash earnings-per-share estimates by 4% since March as revenue growth slows, credit demand weakens, and loan losses gradually rise, reversing an upgrade in February.Three hikes in the official cash rate, proposed changes to property-related tax measures in Australia's federal budget, as well as the impact of the global energy shock all contribute to the uncertainty in outlook for banks, per Morgan Stanley.The investment firm preferred ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ) over Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC), National Australia Bank (ASX:NAB), and Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA).(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

ANZ Group Holdings Appoints UBS to Buy Back AU$248 Million in Shares to Neutralize DRP

ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ) said it has appointed UBS Securities Australia to execute an on-market share purchase of about AU$248 million to satisfy its obligations under its dividend reinvestment plan (DRP) in relation to the 2026 interim dividend, according to a Friday Australian and New Zealand bourse filing.The bank said the DRP and bonus option plan (BOP) pricing period will run for 12 trading days, beginning Friday and finishing on June 1, with the on-market purchase of ANZ shares able to occur during the pricing period.ANZ will issue new shares to meet its DRP obligations if the on-market purchase cannot be completed for any reason, while new shares will also be issued to satisfy BOP obligations, the bank added.The bank's Australian shares rose almost 1% in recent Friday trade while its New Zealand shares gained almost 2%.

NZX Midday Sector Update: Finance Advances, Health Services Decline

Finance shares gained the most on New Zealand's Exchange, rising past 1% by midday Thursday.ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ) gained almost 2% in recent trade.Meanwhile, health services shares fell almost 2%.Shares of Summerset Group Holdings (NZE:SUM, ASX:SNZ) drove the decline, falling almost 1% in recent trade.

ANZ Group to Redeem $1 Billion Subordinated Convertible Securities in June

ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ) confirmed that it will redeem its $1 billion 6.75% fixed-rate resetting perpetual subordinated contingent convertible securities, issued through its London branch, on June 15, according to Thursday filings with the New Zealand bourse.The redemption has received approval from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, per the filing.The bank clarified that this redemption does not imply any plans for future redemptions of its other callable capital instruments, which would also depend on regulatory approval.

New Zealand High Court Rules Against ANZ New Zealand in Class Action Suit

ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ) said the High Court of New Zealand on Monday ruled that ANZ Bank New Zealand breached the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 in class action proceedings served in September 2021, according to Tuesday filings with the Australian and New Zealand bourses.The court held that the representative plaintiffs are entitled to payment of the costs of borrowing for the period of breach, or NZ$32,728.42. The bank is considering how this judgment may apply to other members of the class. It expects the maximum potential liability for costs of borrowing arising from this decision to be around NZ$125 million.The bank is mulling its next steps, including filing an appeal.

UBS Upgrades ANZ Group Holdings to Neutral from Sell; Price Target is AU$36.50

Australian Shares Swing to Green; ANZ Group Holdings Posts Higher Fiscal H1 Cash Earnings, Operating Income

Australian shares swung back to positive territory on Friday's close as equities received a boost from earnings season in the US and oil prices eased.The S&P/ASX 200 Index rose 0.74%, or 64 points, to close at 8,729.80.Brent crude oil futures were trading over $111 per barrel. The Strait of Hormuz remained closed, and Iran said it would respond with "long and painful strikes" on US positions if the US renewed attacks.Strong corporate earnings lead to a rally ​in tech stocks on Wall Street. The US gross domestic ​product (GDP) increased at a 2% annualized rate last quarter, compared with a 0.5% pace in the fourth quarter, the Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis said.On the domestic front, Australia's producer prices, excluding exports, increased 0.4% in the March quarter, following a 0.8% rise in the December 2025 quarter, according to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.Australia's manufacturing sector returned to expansion in April, though the improvement was outweighed by major supply-chain disruptions and a sharp rise in costs linked to fuel and freight pressures arising from the Middle East conflict, according to a survey by S&P Global.The headline seasonally adjusted S&P Global Australia Manufacturing Purchasing Manager's Index (PMI) rose to 51.3 in April from 49.8 in March.Australia's home value index edged 0.3% higher in April, registering its slowest pace of growth since January 2025 amid declines in Sydney and Melbourne, according to figures from Cotality.In company news, ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ) reported fiscal first-half cash earnings of AU$1.242 per share, up from AU$1.17 a year earlier. Operating income for the six months ended March 31 was AU$11.2 billion, compared with about AU$11 billion a year earlier. Its shares fell 2% at market close.Coles Group (ASX:COL) sales revenue for the fiscal third quarter was AU$10.7 billion, up from AU$10.38 billion a year earlier. The increase was driven by a 4% growth in the supermarket segment's sales revenue to AU$9.78 billion. Its shares closed up 3%.Lastly, Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN) and its Jetstar unit are set to extend previously disclosed schedule changes across their international and domestic network into the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, aiming to mitigate the impact of significantly higher fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict. Its shares closed up 1%.

ANZ Group Launches Cashback Program in New Zealand

ANZ Group Holdings (ASX:ANZ, NZE:ANZ) launched a cashback rewards program for New Zealand customers in partnership with Visa, the company said Thursday.Through ANZ Loop, New Zealand customers can earn cash back automatically on eligible purchases from major retailers such as The Warehouse and Noel Leeming when they pay with their personal Visa debit or credit card.Instead of receiving points, the program allows customers to receive cash directly back to their accounts without the need to activate offers or use a promo code, the company said.Other brands participating in the launch of ANZ Loop include Milkrun, The Coffee Club, Designer Wardrobe, New Balance, Flamingo Scooters, Petdirect, and M.A.C.ANZ Group shares were down 1% in recent trading on the Australian and New Zealand bourses.