The biggest bank in Australia has reported a strong first half of the year, with lending to homes and businesses growing faster than the rest of the market. Home loans increased by 3. 7 % and business loans jumped 6. 0 %, outpacing overall system growth on both fronts. Deposits from households also climbed 7. 5 %, beating the average.

The bank’s net interest margin, which shows how much it earns on loans compared to what it pays on deposits, slipped a little – down 4 basis points to 2. 04 %. Even so, the overall cash profit after tax rose to A$5. 45 billion for the six months ending December 31, up from A$5. 13 billion a year earlier.

Analysts had expected about A$5. 19 billion, so the result was better than forecast. As a reward for shareholders, the bank announced an interim dividend of A$2. 35 per share, up from last year’s A$2. 25.

This performance shows the bank’s ability to grow lending and attract deposits, even as it manages its margins.


# Australia’s Largest Bank Surpasses Expectations in First Half

**Lending Growth**  
- **Home loans:** up 3.7 %  
- **Business loans:** up 6.0 %  
Both outpace overall market growth, showcasing robust demand for credit.

**Deposit Performance**  
- Household deposits rose 7.5 %, beating the sector average and reinforcing the bank’s liquidity base.

**Profitability Metrics**  
- **Net interest margin:** slipped 4 basis points to 2.04 %  
- **Cash profit after tax (H1):** A$5.45 billion, a rise from A$5.13 billion year‑on‑year.

**Market Reaction**  
- Analysts forecasted A$5.19 billion; the actual result exceeded expectations, driving investor confidence.

**Shareholder Reward**  
- Interim dividend announced at **A$2.35 per share**, up from A$2.25 the previous year.

The bank’s performance underscores its capacity to grow lending and attract deposits while navigating margin pressures, delivering solid returns for shareholders.



A Bank’s Big Half‑Year Upswing

Actions