Commercial Mortgage Second
Australia's CBA H2 earnings may rise 15 percent
SYDNEY, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Commonwealth Bank of Australia Ltd. (CBA) , Australia's biggest mortgage lender, is expected to report a 15 percent rise in second-half earnings on Wednesday on stronger lending, but growth may slow in fiscal 2007.
Australian banks are benefiting from 15 years of economic growth and a 30-year low in unemployment that have fuelled demand for credit and kept a tight lid on bad debts, but borrowing costs have risen on the back of higher interest rates.
The country's central bank increased its key interest rate to 6 percent this week -- the highest level since early 2001 and the second rate rise this year -- and raised its inflation forecast on Friday, fuelling speculation of a third rise later this year.
Analysts said commercial banks' profit margins would improve as they passed on the full rate rise to their loan customers and kept transaction accounts largely unchanged, but a longer term risk of rising rates was slower growth and more troubled loans.
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New finance company launched by Equitable Group
A new entrant to the finance industry, Bastion Finance Limited, was launched today by The Equitable Group.
The Equitable Group, which is owned by the Spencer family, currently has in excess of $350 million in funds under management.
Bastion Finance will offer a fixed interest first ranking secured debenture with returns generated primarily from commercial second mortgage property transactions and asset finance transactions on equipment, machinery, and commercial vehicles.
Investment will be made across a number of sectors, including rural, marine, manufacturing, and transport.
“The Equitable Group has had an exemplary record since 1972 of offering a range of investment products which have been secured by quality first mortgages," Bastion Chief Operating Officer, Ross Aitken, said.