Income Protection NZ :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

CBA's First-Quarter Profit Edges Up Amidst Mortgage Expansion

CBA's First-Quarter Profit Edges Up Amidst Mortgage Expansion

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), the nation's largest bank by market value, reported a slight increase in first-quarter cash profit, driven by strong growth in home loans and household deposits.
The bank achieved an unaudited cash profit of approximately A$2.6 billion, a 1% rise from the previous two-quarter average and 2% higher than the same period last year.

Despite three rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia stimulating loan volume, CBA’s net interest margin declined due to lower mortgage rates and intensified competition. Net interest income grew by 3%, aided by trading day gains and higher loan volumes, but profitability was impacted by a shift toward lower-yielding liquid assets and deposit switching.

Home lending grew by A$9.3 billion and deposits rose A$17.8 billion in the quarter. Credit quality remained robust with only A$220 million provisioned for loan losses, and improvements were noted in overdue home loans and distressed business loans. Operating expenses increased 4% due to higher wages and tech investments. CEO Matt Comyn emphasized vigilance against competitive pressures and the bank's willingness to adapt accordingly.

For consumers, CBA's performance indicates a stable banking environment with continued access to home loan products. However, the competitive landscape suggests that borrowers should remain proactive in seeking the most favorable loan terms and conditions.

Published:Sunday, 16th Nov 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Understanding the 4.41% Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums for 2026 Understanding the 4.41% Increase in Private Health Insurance Premiums for 2026
22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Australian private health insurance premiums are set to rise by an average of 4.41% from 1 April 2026, marking the most significant increase since 2017. Health Minister Mark Butler stated that this adjustment reflects the escalating costs of medical and hospital services, which have risen by 5% over the past financial year. This increase is expected to impact over 15 million Australians who hold private health insurance policies. - read more
Health Insurers Respond to Rising Costs with Increased Payments to Private Hospitals Health Insurers Respond to Rising Costs with Increased Payments to Private Hospitals
22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In response to escalating operational costs faced by private hospitals, health insurers have increased their payments to these facilities. Recent data indicates that payments to private hospitals have risen by 7.7% in the year leading up to March 2025. This adjustment aims to support private hospitals during a period of financial strain and to ensure the continued delivery of quality health care services. - read more
Health Insurers to Include Natural Therapies in Coverage from 2026 Health Insurers to Include Natural Therapies in Coverage from 2026
22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant policy shift, Australian health insurers will begin offering rebates for a range of natural therapies, including Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Shiatsu, Naturopathy, Western herbal medicine, and the Alexander Technique, starting early 2026. This change follows legislative amendments allowing these therapies to be covered under private health insurance for the treatment of health conditions or as part of health management programs. - read more
Australian Insurers Highlight Key Challenges for 2026 Australian Insurers Highlight Key Challenges for 2026
22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

As 2026 approaches, Australian insurers are facing a trio of pressing challenges: rising premium costs and shrinking insurability, escalating cyber and data risks, and increasing difficulty in hiring and retaining skilled workers. These concerns have been highlighted in industry feedback cited in Gallagher Bassett’s upcoming report, 'The Carrier Perspective: 2026 Claims Insights.' - read more
Australian Insurers Under Fire for Steep Premium Increases Australian Insurers Under Fire for Steep Premium Increases
22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In recent times, Australian consumers have been grappling with substantial increases in insurance premiums, prompting widespread concern and calls for greater transparency within the industry. Reports indicate that some policyholders have experienced premium hikes of up to 600%, leaving many questioning the justification behind such steep increases. - read more
Australian Insurers Leverage AI for Service Transformation Australian Insurers Leverage AI for Service Transformation
22 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

Insurance companies across Australia and New Zealand are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to transform their operations and enhance customer experiences. This strategic shift aims to address challenges such as declining margins, evolving consumer expectations, and heightened competition from emerging insurtech firms. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Income protection insurance Income protection insurance
It's trite but true to say that, for most people, their most valuable asset is their ability to earn an income. But how relevant is income insurance to most Australians? - read more
How Much Life Insurance Do You Truly Need? Assessing Your Personal Coverage How Much Life Insurance Do You Truly Need? Assessing Your Personal Coverage
There's often confusion surrounding the amount of life insurance one truly needs. Common misconceptions cloud our judgment, leading some to undervalue their coverage, while others may overinsure, unnecessarily straining their financial resources. It is a delicate balance to strike, and understanding the nuances of life insurance is pivotal to making informed decisions. - read more
Income Protection Insurance: A Must-Have for Australian Adults Income Protection Insurance: A Must-Have for Australian Adults
Insurance is a crucial component of financial planning. While many Australians understand the importance of life insurance, there's another vital type of coverage that often gets overlooked: income protection insurance. - read more
Decoding Disability: How Your Policy's Definition Affects Your Security Decoding Disability: How Your Policy's Definition Affects Your Security
In the quest for economic stability and peace of mind, income security stands as a critical foundation. The assurance that one can rely on a stable financial inflow, regardless of life's unpredictabilities, is what keeps many individuals focused on their present while confidently planning for their future. However, the seldom-discussed intricacies of disability definitions within insurance policies can significantly influence this security. - read more
DIY Review Checklist for your Income Protection Insurance DIY Review Checklist for your Income Protection Insurance
If you have an income protection insurance plan already - or are thinking about buying one, then you need to be aware that these policies require regular maintenance and careful scrutiny to ensure that they adequately meet your needs. Unfortunately, many people purchase income protection insurance policies only to find out about their shortcomings at claim time. - read more
How Much Life Insurance Do You Really Need? A Family's Guide to Assessment How Much Life Insurance Do You Really Need? A Family's Guide to Assessment
Life insurance is one of those cornerstones of financial planning that often gets overlooked. Yet, the importance of life insurance in safeguarding your family's future cannot be overstated. It's a robust financial instrument that provides peace of mind, knowing that your loved ones will be financially secure in the event of your untimely passing. This introductory section lays the groundwork for understanding why life insurance is pivotal in your family's financial health. - read more

Start Here !
income insurance protection

Start Here

Monthly Income Benefit:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Deductible:
The amount you must pay out-of-pocket for expenses before your insurance company covers the remaining costs.