Global markets were lower overnight as worries that the United States and China may not be able to strike a trade deal overshadowed strong earnings reports from Apple and Facebook.
This week's podcast is, Z Energy, Plexure Interim, Hallensteins Annual, Synlait and Freightways, to listen CLICK HERE.
Stock in Focus: ANZ Bank (ANZ:NZX / ANZ:ASX)
ANZ shares took a hit yesterday on the back of weaker than expected full year earnings.
ANZ delivered a cash profit from continuing operations of $6.47 billion. This was flat on the prior corresponding period and fell short of the market’s expectations. Margin decline from lower rates was higher than expected, and regulatory costs remain elevated, while customers are also paying-down of mortgage debt under lower rates.
ANZ faces another difficult year with revenue growth not a given since low rates and competition are likely to further impact margins. While we are not overly positive on the banking sector, given it is difficuly for the banks to make significant profits in a low interest rate environment, ANZ has been our top pick in the sector.
We currently have a BUY rating on ANZ.
Australia & New Zealand Market Movers
The Australian market continued to retraced on Thursday (-0.39%) with ANZ bank dragging down the heavyweight financial sector. Energy stocks were lower as the price of crude oil dipped, while Tech, utilities and consumer staples were the only sectors gaining ground. Blackmores jumped after new chief executive Alastair Symington delivered an upbeat letter to shareholders at the company’s annual general meeting and predicted improvements in the second-half of the 2020 financial year.
The New Zealand market was more or less flat yesterday (-0.02%) as the threat of Tiwai Point smelter closing weighed on electricity companies and as investors prepared for the upcoming reweighting of the MSCI index.
Kiwi Property Group led the market lower, down 4.8 % to $1.59, still higher than the $1.58 price the shares were sold at in a $180 million placement with the funds used to pay down debt. Z Energy rose after a write-down on its Flick Energy investment pushed first-half profit down but the announcement was not as bad as expected given the company had already warned that competition and heavy discounting were weighing on its bottom line. Freightways shares fell after it told shareholders first-quarter profit fell, even as revenue gained. It also announced a $117 million acquisition, which would add refrigeration transport to its suite of businesses.
3 Things Markets Will be Watching this Week
- US earnings season for the 3rd quarter continues this week.
- The US Federal Reserve makes an interest rate decision Thursday morning AU/NZ time.
- On the economic growth front, there will be important US economic data published at the end of the week.
Have a Great Day,