National Australia Bank

Australia's big four banks have been quick to jump on board an expanded federal loan scheme to help steer small businesses through the spate of coronavirus lockdowns.

Business confidence has surged on the hope that roadmaps out of COVID-19 lockdowns will allow economic activity to rebound in coming months.

National Australia Bank has posted a nearly 80 per cent rise in full-year earnings thanks to gains in the home loans market and a steady performance at its business banking unit.

A booming NAB profit could not inspire investors to raise an Australian market which failed to follow the lead of its record high US peers.

NAB chairman Philip Chronican has assured investors he is yet to learn of any fines from a financial crimes regulator investigating money laundering.

Bankwest has told staff it plans a major shift in strategy, with its entire business banking operation to be shifted to parent company Commonwealth Bank.

WA house prices may escape a predicted slide due to several factors, include the state’s acute labour shortage.

WA a “clear outperformer” in anticipated housing price growth and the state with the highest sentiment among property industry professionals, a NAB survey shows.

National Australia Bank's first-half cash profit has risen 4.1 per cent and the lender has also lifted its interim dividend to 73 cents a share.

Perth voted the preferred national capital to invest in property in the next 12 months.

Economists expect figures will show business investment picked up further in the March quarter, providing a boost to growth in the upcoming national accounts.

Moody’s has warned that rising interest rates and living costs could make it harder for some borrowers to meet mortgage repayments, as major banks begin passing on rate rises to customers.

The national unemployment rate is set to fall further to 3.8 per cent when new labour force figures are released on Thursday.

The central bank has shifted gears and moderated its rate hikes, with some economists concerned this could prolong the rate hiking cycle.

The local share market is slightly higher this morning, with gains by the big banks outweighing losses by the mining and energy sectors.

National Australia Bank has delivered an 8.3 per cent lift in annual earnings after a strong year and says it's well positioned for fiscal 2023.

Big employers are adopting innovative approaches to staff recruitment and retention.

The cash rate has hit its highest level since December 2012, with a $500,000 home loan now costing $880 more per month than before the hikes started in May.

The eighth interest rate hike in a row has been met with indifference by consumers, with households likely banking on a pause at the next Reserve Bank meeting.

NAB says higher inflation, rising interest rates and slower growth are starting to affect both businesses and consumers.

Major resources companies have joined the Kimberley floods recovery effort by donating $3.8 million to the Lord Mayor’s Distress Relief Fund Appeal.

Australian consumers have continued to favour Woolworths after the retail giant was reported as the nation’s most valued brand at $16.2 billion.

Momentum is starting to slow down in the economy as the post-COVID rebound starts to fade.

Home values are expected to fall across Australia, with the National Australia Bank expecting a 13 per cent drop in Perth's house prices this year.

Mark Pownall and Mark Beyer discuss radioactive capsules, Libby Mettam, Shane Love, property values, Westfield Booragoon expansion and Print Hall's new owner.

Australian consumers are feeling a little more upbeat but the nation's weekly measure of consumer confidence is still deeply in negative territory.

Employers are still offering big sums to entice in-demand workers but growth in advertised salaries is starting to wane.

Around 40 per cent of Australians are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of living crisis stretches household budgets to their limit.

The national unemployment rate has stayed put at 3.5 per cent while Western Australia recorded a modest uptick in the number of people in work.

Shares in NAB were sold-off this morning after the bank reported a higher profit but failed to meet market expectations.

Barramundi farm operator Marine Produce Australia has received help from a Tasmania-based company to continue trading after exhausting funds, including from NAB.

The official labour data has proved resilient but is expected to start responding to worsening domestic economic conditions later in the year.

National Australia Bank expects the value of Western Australia’s state output will grow at 0.6 per cent this financial year - significantly lower than predicted in the budget.

National Australia Bank has announced that Andrew Irvine will replace Ross McEwan as its chief executive, effective in April.

Australia’s big four banks will face a parliamentary grilling this week, including questions over ANZ’s alleged manipulation of the bond market.

A leader on many global economic and wealth indicators, Australia is a laggard when it comes to bequeathing wealth to charity.

The corporate watchdog has sued National Australia Bank, over allegations of failing hundreds of its customers who were facing financial hardship.

The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the cash rate for the first time since November 2020, but governor Michele Bullock has warned the inflation fight isn’t over.