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☆ Oil steadies after 3% drop on demand fears
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Sonali Paul | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MELBOURNE, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Oil prices were mostly unchanged in early trade on Wednesday, after sliding 3% in the previous session on worries about demand stalling on potential new lockdowns in top oil importer China as COVID-19 cases rebound. Brent crude futures rose 2 cents to $95.38 a barrel by 0126 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures slipped 4 cents to $88.87 a barrel. U.S. crude oil inventories rose by about 5.6 million barrels for the week ended Nov. 4, according to market sources citing American Petroleum Institute figures. By comparison, seven analysts polled by Reuters estimated on average that crude inventories rose by about 1.4 million barrels. In another bearish sign, API data showed gasoline inventories rose by about 2.6 million barrels, against analysts' forecasts for a 1.1 million drawdown.

☆ Australia's NAB flags slowing lending growth from rising rates, shares fall
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Sameer Manekar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] A National Australia Bank (NAB) logo is pictured on an automated teller machine (ATM) in central Sydney September 12, 2014. The country's second-largest lender also warned that economic uncertainty created by rising interest rates owing to soaring inflation could challenge some customers, however, said it expects strong employment conditions and substantial home and business savings helping it weather the impact. NAB forecasts a steep decline in business and housing lending volumes in fiscal 2023 in Australia, with business credit growth seen decelerating to 3.6% from 14.7% in fiscal 2022. NAB, the country's biggest business lender, recorded strong growth in its business and home lending during the year ended September, with windfall benefit from rising interest rates boosting its cash earnings to A$7.10 billion ($4.62 billion). That compares with A$6.56 billion reported a year earlier and analysts' estimate of A$7.08 billion, according to Refinitiv Eikon.

☆ Australia's Westpac to tap U.S. dollar bond market - term sheet
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Scott Murdoch | Thomson Reuters | Scott Murdoch Has Been A Journalist For More Than Two Decades Working For Thomson Reuters | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SYDNEY, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Australia's Westpac Banking Corp (WBC.AX) has mandated banks to work on two- and five-year U.S. dollar bond issuances, according to a term sheet reviewed by Reuters. Westpac raised A$2.8 billion ($1.82 billion) in an Australian-dollar-denominated bond on Monday, domestic media said. The bank plans to issue in U.S. dollars a two-year fixed rate bond, a two-year floating rate note, and a five-year fixed rate transaction, the term sheet showed. The final pricing is due to be set later in the New York trading session on Wednesday, subject to market conditions, according to the term sheet. Westpac planned to use the U.S. dollar proceeds from the bonds for general corporate purposes, the term sheet showed.

☆ Australian lender Westpac sees profit drop on charge, raises cost target
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-06 | by ( Harshita Swaminathan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

3 lender Westpac Banking Corp (WBC.AX) on Monday reported a drop in annual earnings, hit by a charge on the sale of its life insurance unit, and raised cost guidance as it flagged lower home prices and higher unemployment into 2023. Westpac revised its target for costs incurred to A$8.6 billion ($5.52 billion) by fiscal 2024 from a prior target of A$8 billion, citing wage increases from a tight labour market and continued regulatory costs. Westpac's cost target excludes its specialist business and some other items. Analysts at Citi said this implies a total cost base of A$9.2 billion for fiscal year 2024, which consensus estimates have already priced in. Shares of the lender fell over 3% to A$23.38, while the broader market (.AXJO) was up 0.5%.

☆ Australian lender Westpac's profit falls on charge, raises target for costs
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Westpac also revised its target for costs incurred up to A$8.6 billion by the 2024 financial year, citing wage increases from a tight labour market and continued regulatory costs. The new cost target marks a departure from its A$8 billion by FY24 target set in May 2021, as part of a cost-cutting exercise which analysts had termed "ambitious". However, the bank saw a 19% reduction in annual operating expenses, benefitting from lower asset writedowns and lower staff expenses. read moreWhile its lending margins in the second half did recover slightly from the first half, full-year margins were still down 13 basis points from last year. Westpac declared a final dividend of 64 Australian cents per share, compared with 60 Australian cents last year.

☆ New Zealand jobless rate remains low, wage inflation hits record
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-02 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WELLINGTON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - New Zealand's jobless rate held at 3.3% in the third quarter, and wage inflation hit its highest level on record, adding to expectations the central bank will increase interest rates by a historic 75 basis points at its next meeting. HOT JOB MARKETThis tightness saw wage inflation hit its highest levels since the survey began in 1993 with third-quarter seasonally adjusted private sector wages up 3.8% on the previous year. Wage inflation highlights the extent of the challenge that the RBNZ faces bringing inflation under control, Michael Gordon, acting chief economist at Westpac said in a note. "There is no room for relenting on the path to higher interest rates yet," he said. New Zealand inflation is running at 7.2%, far above the central bank's target of 1-3% over the medium term.

☆ Dollar eases on improved risk sentiment before Fed; Aussie pares gains after RBA
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( Kevin Buckland | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"Our general sense is that the dollar probably has peaked, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's coming down." The Aussie gained 0.3% to $0.6416, but was off earlier highs after the RBA opted for another 25-bp hike. The Fed is widely expected to raise its benchmark rate by 75 bps on Wednesday, its fourth such increase in a row. But for the December meeting, Fed funds futures are split on the odds of a 75- or 50-bps increase. read moreReporting by Kevin Buckland; Editing by Ana Nicolaci da CostaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Dollar slips as bets mount for less hawkish Fed, euro above parity
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Rae Wee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The euro peaked at $1.00935 and sterling at $1.1645 in early Asia trade, both their highest since Sept. 13. "Our sense is that fundamentally, there are factors that are still favouring the U.S. dollar: rate differentials, the fact that the Fed still has more work to do," said Rodrigo Catril, senior currency strategist at National Australia Bank. The Canadian dollar last traded at 1.3549 per U.S. dollar. Against a basket of currencies, the U.S. dollar index was up 0.06% at 109.63, following a 1.1% fall overnight. The kiwi rose to $0.58505, its highest in more than a month, and was last up 0.19% at $0.5842.

☆ Dollar sags as bets build for less hawkish Fed
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The dollar wallowed near a three-week low versus major peers on Wednesday as more signs of economic weakness in the United States fanned speculation about a less hawkish Federal Reserve. The euro also remained near a six-week high, trading less than half a cent from parity with the greenback. The European Central Bank decided policy on Thursday and is widely expected to raise rates by 75 basis points. The dollar reached a 32-year top at 151.94 yen on Friday, but was then beaten back as far as 144.55 amid two bouts of suspected Bank of Japan intervention either side of the weekend. "A further pullback in the U.S. dollar seems to be the Aussie's best chance of sustaining pushes above $0.64.

☆ Dollar shrugs off suspected Japan intervention; pound eyes UK politics
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Amanda Cooper | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Banknotes of Japanese yen and U.S. dollar are seen in this illustration picture taken September 23, 2022. Yen overnight volatility surged to its highest since Sept. 21, the day before the BOJ stepped in to prop up the currency for the first time since 1998. Sterling see-sawed on news former prime minister Boris Johnson had dropped out of the Tory leadership contest, and was last up 0.1% at $1.1319, off an overnight high above $1.14. Johnson said he had withdrawn from Monday's contest to replace Liz Truss, who was forced to resign as prime minister after launching a fiscal plan that unleashed turmoil in UK markets. Former Chancellor Rishi Sunak has emerged as the clear frontrunner to become Britain's next prime minister.

☆ Australia's Westpac sees $824 mln hit in second half from unit sale
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 24 (Reuters) - Australia's Westpac Banking Corp (WBC.AX) warned on Monday that its second-half reported net profit and cash earnings will be reduced by A$1.3 billion ($824 million) after tax, citing a loss on the sale of its life insurance business, among others. Westpac, the country's third-largest lender, said the one-off charge will have a net positive impact of 12 basis points (bps) on its common equity tier 1 capital ratio as the unit sale added 17 bps. Westpac is set to announce its fiscal 2022 results on Nov. 7. Rivals National Australia Bank (NAB.AX) and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ.AX) will report their annual results on Nov. 9 and Oct. 27, respectively. ($1 = 1.58 Australian dollars)Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Sameer Manekar in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju SamuelOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Banknotes of Japanese yen and U.S. dollar are seen in this illustration picture taken September 23, 2022. REUTERS/Florence LoSINGAPORE, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Suspected Bank of Japan (BOJ) intervention gave only brief respite to the Japanese yen as the dollar stayed strong on Monday, while sterling wavered as former finance minister Rishi Sunak emerged as frontrunner to become Britain's prime minister. That triggered a rally of more than 7 yen for the Japanese currency to 144.50 per dollar. Damien Boey, chief macro strategist at Sydney-based investment firm Barrenjoey, said the Japanese yen was still not close to fair value. Sterling also see-sawed on news former prime minister Boris Johnson had dropped out of running for British prime minister and was last up 0.2% at $1.1320, trimming earlier agains.

British Pound Sterling and U.S. Dollar notes are seen in this June 22, 2017 illustration photo. The U.S. dollar held at a 32-year peak against the yen and rose from a two-week trough against a basket of major peers, underpinned by expectations of aggressive U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. “Sterling edged lower against its peers after yet another upside surprise in the latest UK inflation data... “Following the budget fiasco, there is also a great deal of uncertainty as to the pace of upcoming Bank of England interest rate hikes," he added. read moreElsewhere, the dollar pushed as high as 149.48 yen for the first time since August 1990 in early London trading.

☆ FOREX Dollar holds near 32-year peak vs yen despite intervention risks; sterling licks wounds
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( Kevin Buckland | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

The dollar pushed as high as 149.395 yen overnight for the first time since August 1990, before last trading at 149.305 in the Asian session. read moreThe dollar index - which measures the currency against six peers including the yen, sterling and euro - added 0.2% to 112.19, after dropping to the lowest since Oct. 6 at 111.76 overnight. Meanwhile, sterling was little changed at $1.1318, licking its wounds after a 0.34% decline in the previous session. Economists in a Reuters poll predict another 75 basis-point rate hike from the European Central Bank on Thursday of next week. The currency last traded 0.08% higher at $0.56905, close to the previous session's two-week high of $0.5719.

☆ Dollar firm near 32-peak vs yen despite intervention risks; sterling treads water
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( Kevin Buckland | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The euro hovered close to a two-week high. read moreThe dollar, which currently reigns as the safe-haven currency of choice, has sagged this week amid the bear rally in equities globally following some upbeat earnings. read moreThe euro was about flat at $0.9857, hanging just under Tuesday's high of $0.98755, a level last seen on Oct. 6. read moreThe New Zealand dollar remained elevated following Tuesday's blowout consumer price data, which raises expectations for continued aggressive tightening by the Reserve Bank. The currency last traded 0.19% higher at $0.5695, close to the previous session's two-week high of $0.5719.

☆ Dollar holds near 32-peak versus yen despite intervention risks; sterling licks wounds
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The dollar pushed as high as 149.395 yen overnight for the first time since August 1990, before last trading at 149.305 in the Asian session. Meanwhile, sterling was little changed at $1.1318, licking its wounds after a 0.34% decline in the previous session. Economists in a Reuters poll predict another 75 basis-point rate hike from the European Central Bank on Thursday of next week. The New Zealand dollar remained elevated following Tuesday's blowout consumer price data, which raises expectations for continued aggressive tightening by the Reserve Bank. The currency last traded 0.08% higher at $0.56905, close to the previous session's two-week high of $0.5719.

☆ Australia's Tyro Payments shares jump on takeover talks with Westpac, others
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Oct 18 (Reuters) - Australia's Tyro Payments Ltd (TYR.AX) confirmed on Tuesday it was in preliminary takeover talks with selected parties, including no.3 lender Westpac Banking Corp (WBC.AX), sending shares of the payment terminals firm up more than 5%. Tyro last month rejected a A$1.27 per share indicative offer from a private equity consortium led by Potentia Capital Management. Westpac on Tuesday separately confirmed the talks in a brief statement and said a potential deal would strengthen its small business proposition. "From a Tyro perspective, it's clear that Westpac would have significantly more synergies than the PE consortium. He said the logic of synergies from a deal for Tyro should also apply to Westpac's rivals National Australia Bank (NAB.AX) and Australia an New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ.AX).

☆ Dollar climbs as case for U.S. rate hikes firms
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-09 | by ( Tom Westbrook | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

U.S. unemployment unexpectedly fell last month, Friday figures showed, and inflation data due on Thursday is forecast to show headline inflation at a hot 8.1% year-on-year. Westpac strategist Sean Callow said the data and rising yields in response was a "robust combination for the dollar." Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register"It's further evidence that the U.S. economy is not cratering," he said. The U.S. dollar index was steady at 112.83, off lows around 110 last week and creeping back toward last month's 20-year high of 114.78. Chinese markets reopen after a week-long holiday, and ahead of that the offshore yuan was steady at 7.1310 per dollar.

☆ Bonds lead losses as rate hikes hit; yen in focus
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-23 | by ( Tom Westbrook | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

World stocks (.MIWD00000PUS) hit two-year lows on Thursday and are down 3% this week. "The 10-year was playing catch up to the newly calibrated cash rate," said Westpac's head of rates strategy, Damien McColough, in Sydney. I think that this volatility continues in all markets in the near term (until) the rates market settles." The euro was last at $0.9844, a fraction over Thursday's 20-year trough at $0.9807 -- although all eyes are on the yen. In commodity markets oil is eying a small weekly loss as rate hikes raise demand concerns.

☆ Australia's central bank says hikes could slow at some point
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Pedestrians walk past the main entrance to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) head office in central Sydney, Australia, October 3, 2016. REUTERS/David Gray/File PhotoSYDNEY, Sept 20 (Reuters) - Australia's central bank is set on raising interest rates again as it battles to contain red-hot inflation, but sees a case for slowing the pace of hikes as rates approached more normal levels. Minutes of the Reserve Bank of Australia's (RBA) September Board meeting out on Tuesday reiterated that policy was not on a pre-set path and would be balanced to try and keep the economy on an even keel. RBA Governor Philip Lowe has flagged the chance of a slowdown in hikes at some point, but also underlined the importance in a very tight labour market of keeping inflation expectations anchored. He also looks for quarter-point hikes in November, December and February taking rates to a peak of 3.6%.

☆ На сайтах крупнейших авиакомпаний произошел сбой
▼ + stars: | 2021-06-15 | by ( Mld Media Srl | ) noi.md time to read: 1 min

Сбой в работе интернет-ресурсов авиакомпаний и финансовых учреждений в нескольких странах мира зафиксирован в четверг. Так, жители США пожаловались на неполадки в работе сайтов авиакомпаний Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines. В Австралии о сбое сообщила авиакомпания Virgin Australia. По данным телеканала 9News, проблемы отмечены также в работе сайтов и мобильных приложений австралийских банков Westpac, St George Bank, ANZ, Австралийского банка Содружества. Агентство Bloomberg проинформировало о сбое в работе Гонконгской фондовой биржи, он был устранен.

Organizations: Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Virgin Australia, 9News, Westpac, St George Bank, ANZ, Bloomberg, Австралийский банк Содружества, Гонконгская фондовая биржа Locations: США, Австралия

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