Week two of the August reporting period saw QBE deliver a strong first half result that suggests upside in both valuation and earnings, with strong top line momentum and above-inflation premium rises a feature.
The big banks in CBA and NAB didn’t quite deliver, however, with cost pressures a thematic that are likely to play out over the next 1-2 years across the sector. Net Interest Margins, though, are set to expand in the coming quarter as Australia’s banks take full advantage of RBA rate hikes.
But the biggest news this week may well have come from a company which is yet to report, with BHP’s stunning $8.3bn takeover offer for Oz Minerals’ rejected outright. Is there merit in a combination? Is a higher offer in the works?
