NZE:WBC

Westpac Banking Says Customers Spend AU$5.6 Million Per Month on Average on AI Tools

Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) said its customers are spending a total average of AU$5.6 million per month on artificial intelligence (AI) tools, citing card transactions data, according to a Monday statement.Individually, customers are spending an average of AU$37 per month on AI subscriptions as of March. Overall, customers spend around AU$6.7 billion annually on subscriptions.Over 150,000 retail customers are paying for at least one AI subscription each month as of March, up from 11,000 customers who were paying for AI services as of March 2023. This represents an increase of 1,284%.

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.

ASX Preview: Australian Shares Set to Fall as Israel-Lebanon Tensions Lift Oil; Lendlease Group Agrees to Sell Development Rights in Italy

Australian shares are poised to fall on Monday as oil prices jumped more than 2% after Israel ordered troops deeper into Lebanon, heightening Middle East supply risk and reducing expectations of a near-term easing in regional tensions.On May 29, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite each rose 0.2%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.7%.In the macroeconomy, Australia's manufacturing sector weakened in May as new orders fell sharply for a third consecutive month amid rising costs and ongoing supply-chain disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East, according to a survey by S&P Global published Monday.Australian card activity growth has slowed sharply in recent months, with non-fuel spending flattening and real consumer activity estimated to be contracting amid inflation and higher fuel costs, according to a Monday report by Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC).In corporate news, Lendlease Group (ASX:LLC) agreed to sell its development rights to the Milano Santa Giulia mixed-use development in Italy to an investment group sponsored by local developer Bizzi & Partners for about AU$250 million.Ventia Services Group (ASX:VNT, NZE:VNT) secured a five-year, AU$133 million contract extension to continue operating and managing the Australian marine complex-common user facility in Western Australia, with the new term commencing in July 2027.Australia's benchmark index rose 1.6% or 138.8 points to close at 8,731.70 on May 29.

Australian Card Activity Growth Stalls as Consumer Spending Weakens, Westpac Says

Australian card activity growth has slowed sharply in recent months, with non-fuel spending flattening and real consumer activity estimated to be contracting amid inflation and higher fuel costs, according to a Monday report by Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC).The Westpac-DataX Card Tracker Index continued its gradual decline, falling 1.6 points over four weeks to 153.2 in the week that ended May 23, slightly below the year-to-date average of 154.Quarterly growth slowed to around 0.6% from 1% in the first quarter, while non-fuel spending was essentially flat, suggesting higher fuel costs are weighing on broader consumption and likely pushing real spending into decline.Monthly growth has been volatile due to fuel price swings in March and April, but these effects are fading, with the latest weekly data pointing to a modest 0.1% monthly rise in May, despite some residual Easter-related noise that will drop out in the coming weeks.Activity is stalling across discretionary services, essential services and non-fuel essential goods, which make up 68% of total card spending, while non-fuel card activity is slipping in New South Wales and Victoria, flat in Queensland and still growing modestly in Western Australia.Consumer spending appears to have stalled since early March, with card data pointing to a 0.9% quarterly decline in real spending and a 1.3% drop in real per-capita spending, per the report.

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.

Australian Shares Up; Endeavour Group Targets AU$300 Million of Cost Savings by Fiscal Year 2029, to Exit Non-Core Winery, Agricultural Assets

Australian shares rose on Wednesday as the US stock indices reached new records overnight.The S&P/ASX 200 Index increased by 0.69%, or 59.90 points, to close at 8,717.70.Brent crude oil futures hovered around $98 per barrel as investors expected progress for a peace agreement between the US and Iran.The S&P 500 and the Nasdaq Composite rose 0.6% and 1.2%, respectively, hitting record highs.On the domestic front, Australia's consumer price index rose 4.2% in the 12 months to April, down from a 4.6% increase in the year to March, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported. Trimmed mean inflation came in at 3.4% in the 12 months to April, up from 3.3% in the year to March.The six-month annualized growth rate in the Westpac-Melbourne Institute Leading Index slipped deeper into negative territory, declining to about -0.2% in April from -0.1% in March, according to a Westpac report.In company news, Endeavour Group (ASX:EDV) is targeting AU$300 million of cost savings to be delivered by fiscal year 2029. It also plans to exit or sell non-core winery, as well as agricultural assets, reduce its own grape production by over 80%, and concentrate investment on high-performing brands with proven retail demand within its Pinnacle Drinks business.The Australian Federal Court ordered Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) to pay AU$26 million in civil penalties after failing to respond to over 200 online hardship requests within the time required by law from 2017 to 2023.Lastly, KMD Brands (ASX:KMD, NZE:KMD) reported a 5.2% jump in fiscal 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. Its board is also conducting a business review to improve shareholder returns.

Australian Federal Court Hits Westpac With AU$26 Million Fine Over Hardship Failures

The Australian Federal Court ordered Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) to pay AU$26 million in civil penalties after failing to respond to over 200 online hardship requests within the time required by law over 2017 to 2023, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission said in a statement on Wednesday.The requests were from customers of Westpac and its St George Bank, Bank SA, and Bank of Melbourne subsidiaries who were struggling to meet repayments on products including home loans, credit cards, personal loans and car loans, the regulator said.The company made admissions of contravention during the proceedings and compensated affected customers with over AU$1.7 million in remediation costs, the regulator said.In an emailed statement to, a Westpac spokesperson said the company self-reported the issues in 2022 and 2023 and completed a remediation program, including refunds of fees and charges, debt waivers and payments for non-financial loss. The bank received roughly 695,000 requests for hardship assistance over the period."Westpac acknowledges the Court's decision. We again apologise to any customers who were affected. We are deeply sorry we let them down," the spokesperson said.The bank's Australian shares were down 2% in recent Wednesday trade, while its New Zealand shares shed about 3%.

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.)

Westpac Banking to Issue SG$500 Million of Tier 2 Subordinated Instruments

Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) will issue SG$500 million worth of 3% subordinated instruments due 2038 on Tuesday, according to a same-day filing with the Australian bourse.The instruments are expected to qualify as Tier 2 regulatory capital under Basel III rules, per the filing.The company said it plans to use the proceeds from the issue for general corporate purposes.Westpac Banking's Australian and New Zealand shares each gained 1% in recent Tuesday trade.

Westpac Banking Says State Street Reduces Stake

Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) received notice that State Street and its subsidiaries decreased their holdings in the company to 7.76% from 9.42%, according to a Friday filing with the Australian bourse.State Street and its subsidiaries now own 265.6 million shares in the company, the filing said.

Market Chatter: Westpac Cutting 94 Jobs After Transitioning to Single Investment Platform

Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) has informed Australia's Finance Sector Union that it will cut 94 jobs as a result of the decommissioning of its Asgard investment platform, the Australian Financial Review reported Tuesday.The bank has completed the migration of customers from Asgard to BT Panorama in a move that simplifies its structure to one in-house wealth management platform, according to the report.BT Chief Executive Matt Rady reportedly said the company attempted to retain as many employees as possible through training and transfers to different divisions."The current changes relate to BT's head office and operational functions as we reset how we are structured following the Asgard migration, transitioning to an operating model designed for a single platform," Rady was quoted as saying.Westpac did not immediately respond to a request for comment from.(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.)

NZX Midday Sector Update: Consumer Services Stocks Advance, Financial Sector Struggles

Consumer services stocks advanced nearly 1% at midday Friday.Skycity Entertainment Group (NZE:SKC, ASX:SKC) gained nearly 1% in recent trade.On the flip side, the financial sector struggled, shedding almost 4%.Westpac Banking (NZE:WBC, ASX:WBC) shares fell nearly 5% in recent trade.

NZX Midday Sector Update: Finance Advances, Distribution Services Decline

Finance shares gained the most on New Zealand's Exchange, rising over 4% by midday Wednesday.Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) gained 5% in recent trade.The Reserve Bank of New Zealand on Wednesday said that New Zealand's four largest banks would maintain capital buffers even in a stress scenario where the unemployment rate peaks at 10.5%, gross domestic product declines by 6.5%, and house prices fall by 35%.Meanwhile, the distribution services sector shares fell past 3%.Vulcan Steel (NZE:VSL, ASX:VSL) was down 3% in recent trade.

Westpac's Total Capital, CET1 Capital Up Year on Year in March Quarter

Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) total capital and Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital both increased year-over-year in the March quarter, according to a Tuesday Australian bourse filing.The bank's total capital in the three months to March came in at AU$98.54 billion, up from the AU$97.14 billion it reported in the year-ago period. Its CET1 capital for the period clocked in at AU$56.94 billion, rising from the AU$55.01 billion it reported for the March 2025 quarter.Its CET1 ratio for the March quarter was 12.4%, compared with a ratio of 12.2% in the prior-year period. It reported a liquidity coverage ratio of 132% for the quarter, compared with 135% in the same period in the previous year.

Westpac Banking Posts Higher Fiscal H1 Adjusted Earnings, Net Operating Income

Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) reported Tuesday fiscal first-half earnings of AU$1.014 per share excluding notable items, up from AU$0.998 a year earlier.Analysts polled by FactSet expected earnings of AU$1.Net operating income for the six months ended March 31 was AU$11.28 billion, compared with AU$10.99 billion a year earlier. Analysts surveyed by FactSet expected AU$11.33 billion.The board declared an interim dividend of AU$0.77 per share, up from AU$0.76 a year earlier, payable June 26 to shareholders on record as of May 11.

Westpac Banking Posts Fiscal H1 EPS (Excluding Notable Items) of AU$1.014, Net Operating Income of AU$11.28 Billion

Westpac Banking Opens Fourth Regional Service Center in New South Wales

Westpac Banking (ASX:WBC, NZE:WBC) opened its fourth regional service center in Yass, New South Wales, the banking and financial services firm said in a statement on Wednesday.The Yass service center follows the completion of new centers in Moree, also located in New South Wales, Leongatha in Victoria, and Smithton in Tasmania, the statement said.The firm also plans to expand its Community Banking Service pilot program to Walcha, New South Wales, by May, per the statement.Westpac shares fell nearly 1% in recent trade in Australia, and fell past 1% in New Zealand.

Westpac NZ Offers Relief to Flood-Affected Whanganui, Wellington Customers

Westpac Banking's (NZE:WBC, ASX:WBC) New Zealand unit is providing financial support to customers affected by severe flooding and landslides across the Whanganui and Wellington regions, including temporary loan repayment suspensions and hardship assistance measures, according to a Tuesday statement by the bank.Support measures may include temporarily suspending loan principal repayments, deferring credit card payments, and providing hardship assistance such as lower repayment amounts, short-term overdraft access, and early access to term deposit funds.Business and agricultural customers may be eligible for up to three months of relief on loan and credit card payments, while consumer customers can receive home loan payment suspensions or other customized support based on their situation.