FOLLOW US
Follow us!

We are a proud member of the Financial Services Online network!

Connect with us on your favourite social media platform for the latest financial news, views, tips, tricks, resources and information.

Follow us on social media
Car Loans Australia
Private & Commercial Car Loans for New & Used Vehicles
Car Loans Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Westpac Records Slight Profit Drop Amid Geopolitical Risk Concerns

Westpac Records Slight Profit Drop Amid Geopolitical Risk Concerns

Westpac Records Slight Profit Drop Amid Geopolitical Risk Concerns?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

In a cautious signal to the market, Westpac has recorded a marginal decline in its half-year profit, posting a $3.45 billion result, down by one per cent compared to previous figures.
This financial outcome marks the first under the direction of their new CEO, Anthony Miller, who commenced his role in December last year.
Westpac has flagged geopolitical unpredictability as a significant ongoing risk, reflecting a challenging environment for the financial sector.

Miller highlighted the bank's strong performance in business and institutional banking as a positive offset to other pressures. A noteworthy rise of 14 per cent in Australian business lending and a 15 per cent increase in institutional lending were key contributors to their results. This elevation underscores Westpac's strategic shift towards strengthening its business banking division.

The bank also noted a reduction in the impacts from inflation and high interest rates, as evidenced by falling credit impairment charges and a drop in stressed exposures, currently sitting at a low 1.36 per cent. This indicates a measure of resilience among Westpac's customers, who have navigated through substantial cost-of-living challenges in recent years.

With other major banks yet to report, Westpac's release sets a cautiously optimistic tone in the current economic climate. Keeping a forward-looking approach, Anthony Miller stated the bank’s intention to collaborate with the government on crucial issues such as housing provision and cash access sustainability, aiming to bolster competition and national growth.

Shareholders will receive an interim dividend of 76 cents, marking a moment of stability in an otherwise unpredictable financial landscape.

Published:Monday, 5th May 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Affordable Electric Vehicle Loans Now Available for Eligible Australians
Affordable Electric Vehicle Loans Now Available for Eligible Australians
27 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
In a significant move to promote sustainable transportation, the Australian government has introduced a new loan scheme offering low-interest financing for electric vehicles (EVs). This initiative targets Australians earning less than $100,000 annually, as well as essential workers such as police officers, teachers, firefighters, and nurses, regardless of their income level. - read more
Rising Car Repossessions Highlight Financial Challenges for Australians
Rising Car Repossessions Highlight Financial Challenges for Australians
27 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent data indicates a sharp increase in car repossessions across Australia, signaling escalating financial distress among households. Automotive auction house Pickles has reported a 13% rise in repossessed vehicles over the past six months, with an 11% increase in the last quarter alone. - read more
December Sees Decline in Used Car Sales and Values, Reports AADA
December Sees Decline in Used Car Sales and Values, Reports AADA
19 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) has released its December 2025 Automotive Insight Report (AIR), revealing a notable downturn in the used car market. After a period of oversupply, the market experienced a 3.8% reduction in listings, bringing the total to 322,532 vehicles. Despite this decrease in supply, sales figures declined more sharply by 8.1%, totaling 181,724 units for the month. - read more
RBA Maintains Cash Rate at 3.60%, Hints at Future Increases
RBA Maintains Cash Rate at 3.60%, Hints at Future Increases
11 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has decided to keep the cash rate steady at 3.60% during its final policy meeting of 2025. This decision comes amid rising inflation, which reached 3.8% in October, surpassing the RBA's target range of 2-3%. The central bank has indicated that if inflationary pressures persist, future rate hikes may be necessary. - read more
ASIC's Review Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices
ASIC's Review Highlights Concerns in Car Finance Practices
11 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the motor vehicle finance sector, uncovering significant issues that raise concerns about responsible lending practices. The findings indicate that some consumers are being subjected to exorbitant fees and are defaulting on their loans shortly after approval. - read more
Click for more Finance News


Car Loans Articles

Decoding Car Loan Fees: What to Watch Out For
Decoding Car Loan Fees: What to Watch Out For
Navigating the car loan landscape in Australia can feel like a daunting task. With a vast array of options available, choosing the right car loan can significantly impact your financial well-being. Understanding the fees associated with car loans is crucial, as they play a significant role in the total cost of the loan. - read more
Avoiding Financial Pitfalls: Tips for First-Time Car Buyers in Australia
Avoiding Financial Pitfalls: Tips for First-Time Car Buyers in Australia
Before taking the plunge into car ownership, it's crucial to have a clear view of your current financial health. Start by evaluating your income, monthly expenses, and any savings you may have set aside. This assessment will give you a realistic picture of how much you can allocate towards buying a car without straining your finances. - read more
Avoid the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Car Finance
Avoid the Pitfalls: Common Mistakes to Avoid When Seeking Car Finance
Entering the world of car finance can be both an exciting and daunting venture. With a plethora of options for car loans in Australia, it is essential for potential buyers to arm themselves with knowledge to make the best financial decision. A well-informed choice can be the difference between a loan that propels your personal mobility, and one that hinders your financial stability. - read more
The Smart Aussie Buyer's Guide to Securing the Best Price on a New Car
The Smart Aussie Buyer's Guide to Securing the Best Price on a New Car
There's a unique thrill that comes with purchasing a new car; it's not just about getting from point A to B, but about fulfilling a dream and the freedom of the open road. However, with the excitement comes the need for careful planning and smart decision-making to ensure that your investment pays off in the long term. - read more
Beginner's Guide to Secured vs Unsecured Car Loans in Australia
Beginner's Guide to Secured vs Unsecured Car Loans in Australia
Buying a car is a significant financial decision, and understanding the loan terms involved is crucial to navigating this process effectively. Loan terms can dramatically affect how much you end up paying over the life of your loan, and they play a pivotal role in ensuring that you are empowered during the car buying process. These terms determine your monthly payments, interest rates, and the total cost of the car in the long run. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Get a free car loan eligibility assessment and compare offers tailored specifically to your circumstances.

Let's help find your car loan!

Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.
All finance quotes are provided free (via our secure server) and without obligation.
We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Prepayment Penalty:
A fee charged by a lender if a borrower pays off their loan early.


This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.