Westpac IQ
Emerging solutions on the way to net-zero
April 02 2025 • 2
How are carbon markets evolving to meet ever-changing scope and looming net-zero deadlines? The views of some of Australia’s smartest thinkers are captured in the 2025 CMI-Westpac Carbon Market Report.
Economics
Australia’s Trade in Goods Account, February
April 3 2025 • 5 mins
A drop in goods exports and an increase in imports pushes Australia’s goods trade surplus to a multi-year low in February. The US announced a 10% tariff on Australia’s imports that will come into effect from early April, but the direct impact on Australia’s total trade flows should be relatively small. Goods trade balance: $3.0bn. Exports: –3.6%mth. Imports: 1.6%mth.
Q1 Job Vacancies: moderation resumes
April 3 2025 • 5 mins
Job vacancies fell over the three months from November to February. Having followed a rise late last year, the level of job vacancies has been broadly unchanged for six months, signalling the labour market remains somewhat tight.
Liberation day puts the US economy at greatest risk
April 3 2025 • 5 mins
A short video update from the Westpac Economics team.
March quarter CPI preview
April 3 2025 • 5 mins
Core inflation set to return to the target band. Impact of cost of living assistance is fading.
Impact of U.S. tariffs on New Zealand
April 3 2025 • 2 mins
The direct impact of US tariffs on New Zealand exporters is likely to be manageable. Indirect effects will be more significant but are harder to assess.
Australian dwelling approvals: Private house approvals up again
April 2 2025 • 5 mins
Total dwelling approvals -0.3%mth, +25.7%yr.
Preview of RBNZ April 2025 Monetary Policy Review
April 1 2025 • 3 mins
We expect the RBNZ to cut the OCR by 25bp to 3.5% at its April meeting and retain an easing bias at the May Monetary Policy Statement. Further cuts in the OCR after May will look less likely than communicated at the February Monetary Policy Statement.
RBA holds rates as expected, seeks confidence in an uncertain world
April 1 2025 • 5 mins
Cash rate on hold at 4.1% as new Board waits for more information to be ‘100% confident’.
Australian dwelling prices: Modest lift continues
April 1 2025 • 5 mins
March CoreLogic home value index: +0.4%mth; 2.8%yr.
First Impressions: NZ business confidence, March 2025
March 31 2025 • 2 mins
Business confidence remains high, but cost pressures are becoming more of a feature.
Weekly Economic Commentary 31 March 2025
March 30 2025 • 10 mins
Analysis and forecasts of the economy and markets, along with previews of data for the week ahead.
Australia and NZ Weekly 31 March 2025
March 30 2025 • 10 mins
Monday's re-issue edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
NZ Agri Bites 31 March 2025
March 30 2025 • 8 mins
This report focuses on current dynamics occurring within the agricultural sector and provides a forward view on where we see prices going for the main agricultural commodities.
Westpac Economic Calendar April 2025
March 28 2025 • 5 mins
A summary of events and data releases over the coming month including previous results and forecasts for key data and central bank decisions.
Australia and NZ Weekly 31 March 2025
March 28 2025 • 10 mins
Friday edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
Cliff Notes: assessing the policy stance
March 28 2025 • 5 mins
Key insights from the week that was.
First Impressions: NZ Monthly Employment Indicator, February 2025
March 27 2025 • 2 mins
Employment is stabilising overall, with diverging fortunes across sectors.
NZ Weekly Economic Insight 28 March 2025
March 27 2025 • 2 mins
A two-minute video update on the New Zealand economy and markets from Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold.
NZ forecast update, April 2025
March 27 2025 • 7 mins
This report updates key elements of our macroeconomic forecasts to account for recent developments. The growth outlook is modestly stronger as is the short term inflation outlook. Growth remains narrowly focused but should broaden as 2025 unfolds.
2025 Federal Budget: What does it mean for SMEs
March 27 2025 • 4 mins
Key new initiatives specifically for SMEs.
2025 Federal Budget: What does it mean for the construction sector
March 27 2025 • 4 mins
Key new initiatives for the construction sector.
February Monthly CPI Indicator
March 26 2025 • 5 mins
Electricity prices fell as Victorian households received their third payment taking monthly inflation down to 2.4%yr while core inflation eased back to 2.7%yr. All up we see no reason to change our Q1 CPI estimate of 0.7%qtr (2.2%yr) nor our Trimmed Mean estimate of 0.5%qtr (2.7%yr).
No April fooling for RBA – rates on hold this meeting
March 26 2025 • 4 mins
The RBA was too hawkish in its rhetoric last month to consider a cut at this meeting. The labour market, wages, consumption and trimmed mean inflation are all crucial for the path beyond that.
Federal Budget March 2025–26 with Chief Economist Luci Ellis
March 25 2025 • 10 mins
The key initiatives and implications for Australia's economy.
Federal Budget March 2025–26 Infographic
March 25 2025 • 5 mins
A snapshot of the headline figures and policy highlights of Budget 2025-26.
Australian Federal Budget March Report 2025–26
March 25 2025 • 8mins
The budget has swung into deficit with more to come. Cost-of-living measures again featured include modest tax cuts. The government's finances still face significant structural challenges.
Westpac McDermott Miller Employment Confidence Index, March 2025
March 24 2025 • 2 mins
Employment confidence fell by 3.3 points to 88.3 in the March quarter. Jobs remain scarce across the country, though the rural regions fared much better than urban areas in terms of earnings growth.
Talking about trade: tariffs and longer-term headwinds
March 24 2025 • 5 mins
Key themes in Australian and global trade.
2025–26 Australian Federal Budget preview
March 24 2025 • 6 mins
Updated for recent policy announcements including the extension of the electricity rebates and PBS.
The FOMC sanguine, for now
March 23 2025 • 4 mins
A short video update from the Westpac Economics team.
Australia and NZ Weekly 24 March 2025
March 23 2025 • 10 mins
Monday's re-issue edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
Weekly Economic Commentary 24 March 2025
March 23 2025 • 10 mins
Analysis and forecasts of the economy and markets, along with previews of data for the week ahead.
Australia and NZ Weekly 24 March 2025
March 21 2025 • 10 mins
Friday edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
2025–26 Australian Federal Budget preview
March 21 2025 • 6 mins
The 2025/26 Budget will be handed down on Tuesday March 25 but is unlikely to contain any significant surprises.
Westpac Coast-to-Coast March 2025
March 21 2025 • 10 mins
An assessment of current trends across the state economies and the prospects for 2025.
When it all unravels
March 21 2025 • 4 mins
Big trends win out in the end. New realities can take time to emerge, but when they do, things can break quickly. The US outlook is a case in point.
NZ Weekly Economic Insight 21 March 2025
March 20 2025 • 2 mins
A two-minute video update on the New Zealand economy and markets from Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod.
What to expect in next week’s Federal Budget
March 20 2025 • 7 mins
Federal Budget Preview video with Chief Economist Luci Ellis.
February Labour Force: retirees retreat?
March 20 2025 • 5 mins
Employment: –52.8k (from +30.5k). Unemployment Rate: 4.1% (from 4.1%). Participation Rate: 66.8% (from 67.2%).
NZ GDP review, December quarter 2024
March 20 2025 • 2 mins
New Zealand’s GDP rose 0.7% in the December quarter. While this likely overstates the strength of the rebound, there were some genuine signs of improvement that we expect to continue into 2025.
FOMC on hold, awaiting a clear signal
March 19 2025 • 5 mins
Forecast revisions point to building downside risks for activity while inflation risks remain skewed to the upside.
First impressions: NZ GDP, December quarter 2024
March 19 2025 • 3 mins
New Zealand’s GDP rose by 0.7% in the December quarter, ahead of market forecasts. Seasonal issues are overstating the strength of the rebound, but there’s some genuine growth in there as well.
Leading Index firms but detail suggests gains are fragile
March 18 2025 • 5 mins
The six-month annualised growth rate in the Westpac–Melbourne Institute Leading Index, which indicates the likely pace of economic activity relative to trend three to nine months into the future, lifted to 0.8% in February from 0.6% in January.
Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence, March quarter 2025
March 18 2025 • 5 mins
The Westpac McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index fell 8 points in March to a level of 89.2. That reversed some of the increases seen from mid-2024 when interest rates started to be cut.
Westpac Business Advantage PNG 2025 CEO100 Survey
March 18 2025 • 7 mins
This year, the Survey revealed a positive shift compared to the 2024 Survey: 2024 profits exceeded expectations and the outlook for 2025 profits, investment, and recruitment all improved. Just as important the level of economic concerns decline suggesting that 2025 has brough with it an improvement in overall business conditions.
ACCI–Westpac Business Survey March quarter 2025
March 18 2025 • 10 mins
Manufacturing conditions edged slightly higher entering 2025 with the Westpac-ACCI Composite index lifting to 50.7 from 50.2 in December.
Bond yields uncover the inconvenient truth about borrowing
March 17 2025 • 5 mins
Government bond yields are starting to find their footing higher. Supporting this sustained move higher is investors' appetite for high yields and the unwind of quantitative easing. The result will be higher borrowing costs for governments.
Westpac PNG March Update
March 17 2025 • 7 mins
The March PNG Economic Update reviews the overall economic situation in Papua New Guinea, the state of the local financial markets plus the outlook for cocoa and coffee.
Global FX: a sudden and decisive change in sentiment
March 17 2025 • 5 mins
Key themes and risks driving currency markets.
Australia and NZ Weekly 17 March 2025
March 16 2025 • 10 mins
Monday's re-issue edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
Weekly Economic Commentary 17 March 2025
March 16 2025 • 10 mins
Analysis and forecasts of the economy and markets, along with previews of data for the week ahead.
Australia and NZ Weekly 17 March 2025
March 14 2025 • 10 mins
Friday edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
Caught in the ‘net’
March 14 2025 • 4 mins
A single event or trend never occurs in isolation. Reactions to it, as well as independent forces working in the opposite direction, mean the net overall effect can be uncertain and changeable.
Westpac Market Outlook March 2025
March 14 2025 • 10 mins
Our latest thinking on Australia, markets and the global economy.
First Impressions: NZ Monthly inflation update, February 2025
March 13 2025 • 2 mins
Despite softening in February, food price inflation remains strong. That signals some upside risk to our forecast for overall inflation in the March quarter.
NZ Weekly Economic Insight 14 March 2025
March 13 2025 • 2 mins
A two-minute video update on the New Zealand economy and markets from Senior Economist Michael Gordon.
Westpac NZ Retail Spending Pulse
March 13 2025 • 2 mins
While a gradual recovery in retail spending is underway, mortgage costs remain an important constraint on many households’ finances. However, that picture is set to change over the coming months.
China defiantly focused on growth opportunities
March 12 2025 • 5 mins
A short video update from the Westpac Economics team.
Consumer sentiment posts positive month
March 12 2025 • 5 mins
A short video update from the Westpac Economics team.
NZ GDP preview, December quarter 2024
March 12 2025 • 2 mins
We expect a 0.5% rise in GDP for the December quarter, albeit largely driven by technical issues. High-frequency data has shown more genuine signs of momentum since the start of the year.
First Impressions: NZ retail card spending, February 2025
March 11 2025 • 2 mins
Retail spending rose 0.3% in February, in line with expectations. At this stage, the recovery has been gradual, but we expect it to strengthen over the coming months.
Australian Business Conditions and Confidence, February
March 11 2025 • 5 mins
Subdued business sentiment points to weaker investment outlook ahead. Conditions: up 1pt to +4. Confidence: down 6pts to -1.
Consumer sentiment recovery resumes
March 10 2025 • 6 mins
The Westpac–Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment Index posted a solid 4% rise in March, lifting to 95.9 from 92.2 in February.
Weekly Economic Commentary 10 March 2025
March 9 2025 • 10 mins
Analysis and forecasts of the economy and markets, along with previews of data for the week ahead.
Australia and NZ Weekly 10 March 2025
March 9 2025 • 10 mins
Monday's re-issue edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
Household spending indicator: fourth consecutive lift in household spending
March 7 2025 • 5 mins
January household spending indicator: 0.4%mth, 2.9%yr. Services drives rise in spending.
Australia and NZ Weekly 10 March 2025
March 7 2025 • 10 mins
Friday edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
Ancient history rhyming
March 6 2025 • 4 mins
Parallels between the current situation and the late 2010s highlight the risks of undershooting the inflation target should a major global shock hit – something that is all too plausible now.
NZ Weekly Economic Insight 7 March 2025
March 6 2025 • 2 mins
A two-minute video update on the New Zealand economy and markets from Industry Economist Paul Clark.
Australia’s Trade in Goods Account, January
March 6 2025 • 5 mins
A large increase in goods outflow to the US together with a decline in goods imports led the improvement in Australia’s trade balance. Goods trade balance: $5.6bn. Exports: 1.3%mth. Imports: –0.3%mth.
Australian dwelling approvals: private houses lift for the first time in three months
#dwellingapprovals
Australian dwelling approvals: private houses lift for the first time in three months
March 6 2025 • 5 mins
Total dwelling approvals: +6.3%mth, +14.0%yr. Surprising result, underlying momentum unsteady.
First Impressions: NZ Building work put in place, December quarter 2024
March 5 2025 • 2 mins
Building activity fell 4.4% in the Dec quarter, with larger than expected falls in both residential and commercial activity. However, it looks like we’re now close to the bottom in the building cycle.
Australian national accounts, December quarter 2024
March 5 2025 • 5 mins
Slow recovery but productivity still a concern. Q4 GDP: 0.6%qtr, 1.3%yr. Q4 New Private Demand: 0.4%qtr, 0.8%yr.
First impressions: Australian national accounts, December quarter 2024
March 5 2025 • 5 mins
The Australian economy expanded by 0.6% in the December quarter, growth improving in line with expectations but still not particularly strong. Most of the detail in the update was also in line with expectations.
Australian retail sales: Modest retail lift, mixed detail
March 4 2025 • 5 mins
January retail sales: 0.3%mth, 3.8%yr.
Q4 GDP Partials & Forecast Update
March 4 2025 • 5 mins
We have upgraded our forecast of economic growth following the latest batch of partial activity indicators in the run-up to Q4 GDP, due tomorrow. We now expect the economy grew by 0.7% in Q4, up from our initial estimate of 0.4% in our preview last week. The upside surprise on business inventories was met with a lower than anticipated growth in imports, albeit with some of the latter pointing to slightly softer domestic demand.
First Impressions: NZ building consents, January 2025
March 3 2025 • 2 mins
The stabilisation in New Zealand’s home building sector is continuing, but commercial activity is looking more mixed.
Australian dwelling prices: rate cut boost
March 3 2025 • 4 mins
Feb CoreLogic home value index: +0.3%mth; 3.2%yr
Australian Business Indicators Survey, December Quarter
March 3 2025 • 5 mins
Today’s data points to some upside risk to our current forecast for Q4 GDP (due Wednesday) on the back of stronger-than-expected business inventories, which we expect will +0.3ppts to GDP growth. Increases in sales, profits and wages were also reported. We will receive more partial indicators tomorrow (net exports, public demand) which will help us hone our Q4 GDP nowcast.
Westpac Housing Pulse March 2025
March 3 2025 • 7 mins
The inside word on Australia's residential property market drawing on detailed insights from the Westpac Melbourne Institute Consumer Sentiment survey and Westpac Economics' macro views.
Australia and NZ Weekly 3 March 2025
March 2 2025 • 10 mins
Monday's re-issue edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
Westpac Economic Calendar March 2025
February 28 2025 • 5 mins
A summary of events and data releases over the coming month including previous results and forecasts for key data and central bank decisions.
Australia and NZ Weekly 3 March 2025
February 28 2025 • 10 mins
Friday edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
Australian private credit, January
February 28 2025 • 5 mins
Private credit growth eases in January.
Australian GDP Q4: Private demand expected to record a modest lift in Q4
February 28 2025 • 6 mins
Growth expected to tick higher in Q4. Q4 GDP f/c: 0.4%qtr, 1.1%yr. Domestic demand: 0.6%qtr, 2.1%yr.
Cliff Notes: caution appropriate, but a risk to growth
February 28 2025 • 5 mins
Key insights from the week that was.
It matters that ChatGPT can’t build houses
February 28 2025 • 4 mins
Macroeconomics tends to treat the economy as a single thing. But most shocks and every new technology skews in some way towards particular industries or activities.
First Impressions: NZ Monthly Employment Indicator, January 2025
February 27 2025 • 2 mins
Employment is stabilising after a marked downturn through mid-2024.
NZ Weekly Economic Insight 28 February 2025
February 27 2025 • 2 mins
A two-minute video update on the New Zealand economy and markets from Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod.
NZ Agri Bites, 28 February 2025
February 27 2025 • 8 mins
This report focuses on current dynamics occurring within the agricultural sector and provides a forward view on where we see prices going for the main agricultural commodities.
Capex falls unexpectedly, higher uncertainty limits future growth
February 27 2025 • 5 mins
December quarter Capex spending -0.2%, with spending plans signalling more subdued investment backdrop. Capex: -0.2%qtr, 0.6%yr. Capex Plans: Adjusted Est 5 for 2024/25 at $188.0bn vs Adjusted Est 4 $189.9bn; Unadjusted Est 1 for 2025/26 at $148.0bn vs Expectation of $160.0bn
Business cashflow positions improve with tailwinds ahead
February 27 2025 • 6 mins
A short video update from the Westpac Economics team.
First Impressions: NZ business confidence, February 2025
February 27 2025 • 2 mins
Business confidence remains high, with only minor changes compared to last month.
Q4 Construction activity recovered over the second half of 2024
February 26 2025 • 5 mins
Construction activity grew 5.0% over the six months to the end of 2024 in annualised terms, a step up from the fall of 1.3%yr recorded over the first half of 2024 (also in annualised terms). Despite this, inflationary pressures continue to ease, pointing to improving capacity in the sector.
January Monthly CPI Indicator
February 26 2025 • 5 mins
Electricity bounces as rebates fade but dwelling prices surprise with a further fall. All up this presents a modest upside risk to our Q1 CPI estimate (0.5%) as well as our Trimmed Mean estimate (also 0.5%).
Westpac Quarterly Business Snapshot Q4 2024
February 25 2025 • 5 mins
Greenshoots taking root with businesses set to benefit from several tailwinds.
Westpac Wailis
February 24 2025 • 10 mins
PNG experienced better than expected growth in 2024 supported by robust exports for gold, copper, crude oil, and agricultural products and LNG and nickel exports rebounded in the last quarter. We are looking for a further modest pickup in growth as 2024 progresses even while a lack of FX remains a constraint and robust underlying inflation will see the Bank of PNG hold firm on the KFR.
First Impressions: NZ retail trade, December quarter 2024
February 23 2025 • 2 mins
Retail spending levels rose 0.9% in the December quarter. That was slightly ahead of forecast. The details of today’s report point to a firming in discretionary spending appetites.
Weekly Economic Commentary 24 February 2025
February 23 2025 • 10 mins
Analysis and forecasts of the economy and markets, along with previews of data for the week ahead.
Australia and NZ Weekly 24 February 2025
February 23 2025 • 10 mins
Monday's re-issue edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
Australia and NZ Weekly 24 February 2025
February 21 2025 • 10 mins
Friday edition: analysis and forecasts for this week's key releases.
Labour market starts the year on solid footing
February 21 2025 • 4 mins
A short video update from the Westpac Economics team.
Cliff Notes: not out of the inflation woods just yet
February 21 2025 • 5 mins
Key insights from the week that was.
Fine-tuning (is) the message
February 20 2025 • 4 mins
The RBA cut the cash rate 25bps to 4.1% this week as expected. But the tone in the forecasts and initial rhetoric was more hawkish than we expected, reflecting an apparent pivot to ‘fine-tuning’.
NZ Weekly Economic Insight 21 February 2025
February 20 2025 • 2 mins
A two-minute video update on the New Zealand economy and markets from Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold.
January Labour Force: a solid start with seasonal shifts
February 20 2025 • 5 mins
Employment: +44k (from +60k). Unemployment Rate: 4.1% (from 4.0%). Participation Rate: 67.3% (from 67.2%).
Wage inflation easing faster than the RBA anticipated
February 19 2025 • 5 mins
The WPI rose 0.7% in the December quarter, softer than Westpac, RBA and market consensus expectations. The market range was from 0.7% to 1.0%. Wage inflation continues to moderate with the annual pace down to 3.2%yr from 3.6%yr in September, 4.1%yr in June and the peak of 4.2%yr in December 2023.
Review of RBNZ February 2025 Monetary Policy Statement
February 19 2025 • 3 mins
The RBNZ cut the OCR by 50bp to 3.75% as expected. The RBNZ see scope for further interest rate cuts in coming months.
A hawkish cut from the RBA
February 19 2025 • 4 mins
A short video from Chief Economist Luci Ellis on the RBA Board decision and the economic outlook.
Leading Index shows economy gaining traction
February 18 2025 • 5 mins
The six-month annualised growth rate in the Westpac–Melbourne Institute Leading Index, which indicates the likely pace of economic activity relative to trend three to nine months into the future, lifted to 0.58% in January from 0.24% in December.
And so it begins... RBA cuts cash rate 25bp to 4.1%
February 18 2025 • 5 mins
As expected, RBA cuts cash rate 25bp to 4.1%. But a hawkish tone in the forecasts and rhetoric cements our view that RBA will move slowly from here.
Westpac commodity forecasts February 2025
February 18 2025 • 5 mins
Our latest forecasts for energy, metals, selected softs and our composite indices.
Markets
ABSolute Coverage - Australian Securitisation 1Q 2025 Update
April 3 2025 • 14 mins
Australian Securitisation 1Q 2025 - Update
Macro FX Trade Ideas
April 2 2025 • 4 mins
Weekly tactical and medium term strategic trade ideas from Westpac's macro FX team.
Strategy Views on a Page
April 1 2025 • 6 min
A summary of Westpac Strategy Group's key market views
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 2 April 2025
April 1 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
April 1 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on Lendlease, Resimac, BEN, Humm and the Credit Fans.
Westpac Strategy Antipodean Daily Wrap
April 1 2025 • 5 mins
I never promised you a (tariff free) rose garden
Monetary policy is well placed to respond to international developments - RBA Side-By-Side
April 1 2025 • 5 mins
We compare the rhetoric in this month's RBA statement with the previous month
NZD FX Weekly
April 1 2025 • 4mins
A weekly update on the market for NZD crosses, including outlooks.
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 1 April 2025
March 31 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
March 31 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on the Credit Chart Pack, APRA ADI stats, ASX Ltd, Auckland Airport, RBNZ, Shift and Think Tank.
Aussie girds itself ahead of Liberation Day tariffs
March 31 2025 • 4 mins
AUD/USD kept its head above water last week, running into support in the 0.6280 area consistently and probing into the 0.63s (high last week was 0.6331). These are small ranges though, and shouldn't come as too much of a surprise ahead of a potentially consequential week ahead that includes an RBA Board meeting, China PMIs, 2 April Liberation Day tariffs, US March non-farm payrolls and comments from Fed Chair Powell.
RBA is unlikely to surprise, all eyes on tariffs. - A$ & NZ$ Rates Strategy
March 31 2025 • 10 mins
Our updated views on A$ and NZ$ Rates markets.
Superannuation FX hedging drivers and outlook
March 31 2025 • 4 mins
Superannuation FX hedging drivers and outlook
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 31 March 2025
March 30 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Strategy Views on a Page
March 30 2025 • 6 min
A summary of Westpac Strategy Group's key market views
Around the Grounds
March 30 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on Incitec Pivot, Virgin/Qatar and Bluestone.
Strategy Views on a Page
March 28 2025 • 6 min
A summary of Westpac Strategy Group's key market views
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 28 March 2025
March 27 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
March 27 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on NBN, AMP, Suncorp, Allied and BC Invest.
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 27 March 2025
March 26 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Macro FX Trade Ideas
March 26 2025 • 4 mins
Weekly tactical and medium term strategic trade ideas from Westpac's macro FX team.
ABSolute Coverage - Securitisation & Covered Bond Weekly Update 26th March 2025
March 26 2025 • 3.0 mins
An update on the Australian Securitisation and Covered Bond Markets. This edition includes pricing details on transactions from Angle Auto Finance, Liberty, Bluestone, Resimac, Latitude, Brighte and NOW Finance along with new mandates from UDC Finance & Think Tank. YTD issuance has now reached AUD14.8bn.
NZD FX Weekly
March 26 2025 • 4mins
A weekly update on the market for NZD crosses, including outlooks.
NZGB Tender Preview
March 26 2025 • 3mins
A preview of the forthcoming weekly NZGB tender, as well as observations on the NZGB market.
Strategy Views on a Page
March 26 2025 • 6 min
A summary of Westpac Strategy Group's key market views
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 26 March 2025
March 25 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
March 25 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on Ampol, Scentre and Resimac.
FY26 Federal Budget: Debt Statement highlights
March 25 2025 • 10mins
Our quick response to the FY26 Federal Budget and Debt Statement. We also estimate the AOFM's funding requirement for FY26
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 25 March 2025
March 24 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
March 24 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on MinRes, Helia, Think Tank, Resimac, Allied Credit and the Credit Fans.
Aussie still stuck in the mid-to-lower gears
March 24 2025 • 4 mins
AUD/USD started last week in decent enough shape, eyeing off 0.6400. But the soft uptrend was challenged as the week wore on. Softer Aussie employment data, an FOMC meeting that was ultimately read as less friendly for risk assets, alongside skittish equities and emerging market currency weakness took their toll and saw AUD give up more than US1 cent. The week ahead calendars are less frenetic, headlined by Australia's Feb CPI and US Feb PCE. This week looks mostly like a placeholder ahead of President Trump's "Liberation Day" on 2 April, when another round of tariffs will be announced.
Budget brings large ACGB issuance into focus. - A$ & NZ$ Rates Strategy
March 24 2025 • 10 mins
Our updated views on A$ and NZ$ Rates markets.
Strategy Views on a Page
March 24 2025 • 6 min
A summary of Westpac Strategy Group's key market views
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 24 March 2025
March 23 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
March 23 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on ACCC on Supermarkets, UDC Finance and Now Finance.
Energy Market Report
March 21 2025 • 8 mins
Analysis of macro drivers and price developments in energy markets
Strategy Views on a Page
March 21 2025 • 6 min
A summary of Westpac Strategy Group's key market views
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 21 March 2025
March 20 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
March 20 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on Fonterra, TPG/Vocus, Ampol and Latitude.
Fonterra 1H25: Consumer divestment on track
March 20 2025 • 3 mins
Fonterra reported 1H25 operating profit of NZD1.1bn, up 16% on the pcp, driven by a strong performance from the ingredients channel. Free cash flow was negative reflecting a large working capital drag, that was driven by a higher milk price and inventory volumes together with the group’s willingness to pull forward milk payments in a strong price environment. As a result, net debt lifted NZD1.3bn to NZD5.5bn, but this will normalise in 2H25 as the milk season is completed. On the proposed Consumer business divestment, the co-op confirmed a trade sale or IPO remains on track with good progress made in both processes.
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 20 March 2025
March 19 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
March 19 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on MinRes, Liberty, Bluestone, Brighte and Now Finance.
Macro FX Trade Ideas
March 19 2025 • 4 mins
Weekly tactical and medium term strategic trade ideas from Westpac's macro FX team.
ACCU Weekly: ACCU focus turns to election risks?
March 19 2025 • 10 mins
ACCU Weekly: ACCU focus turns to election risks?
NZGB Tender Preview
March 19 2025 • 3mins
A preview of the forthcoming weekly NZGB tender, as well as observations on the NZGB market.
Strategy Views on a Page
March 18 2025 • 6 min
A summary of Westpac Strategy Group's key market views
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 19 March 2025
March 18 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
March 18 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on Brighte, Angle and Latitude.
AUD-cross snapshot and outlook
March 18 2025 • 4 min
A high level snapshot of our short term views on AUD-crosses.
NZD FX Weekly
March 18 2025 • 4mins
A weekly update on the market for NZD crosses, including outlooks.
Around the Grounds
March 17 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on AT1 redemptions, ACCC on Airports, Angle Auto, Liberty, Solvar, Bluestone and the Credit Fans.
Aussie plants a flag above 0.6300
March 17 2025 • 4 mins
AUD/USD handled last week's deepening equity market sell off without too much fuss, the pair remaining well contained to the 0.6260-0.6335 area. AUD/USD starts the week at the higher end of that range, making for a 0.3% gain over the last week. The focus in the week ahead is on Australia's Feb labour market report and the March FOMC.
FOMC unlikley to push yields out of recent ranges. - A$ & NZ$ Rates Strategy
March 17 2025 • 10 mins
Our updated views on A$ and NZ$ Rates markets.
ABSolute Coverage - Securitisation & Covered Bond Weekly Update 17th March 2025
March 17 2025 • 3.0 mins
An update on the Australian Securitisation and Covered Bond Markets. This edition includes pricing details on transactions from Athena, Firstmac and Pepper; new mandates from Bendigo & Adelaide Bank and Humm (NZ); the launch of transactions from Liberty and Angle; and details on transactions from Bluestone, Solvar, RedZed and Brighte.
Strategy Views on a Page
March 16 2025 • 6 min
A summary of Westpac Strategy Group's key market views
Around the Grounds
March 16 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on Auckland Airport, Metro Finance and Athena.
The Australian Securitisation Market March 2025
March 16 2025 • 4mins
The AustralianSecuritisation MarketMarch 2025
Strategy Views on a Page
March 14 2025 • 6 min
A summary of Westpac Strategy Group's key market views
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 14 March 2025
March 13 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
March 13 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on APRA Property data, Pepper, Brighte and Humm.
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 13 March 2025
March 12 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
March 12 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on S&P on Australian Banks, Liberty, Firstmac, Latitude and Angle Auto.
Macro FX Trade Ideas
March 12 2025 • 4 mins
Weekly tactical and medium term strategic trade ideas from Westpac's macro FX team.
Monthly Japanese bond flow- January
March 12 2025 • 5 mins
The MoF has released Japan’s capital flow data for the first month of the calendar year, a time which with recent market moves seems very dated. Our existing views are that the Japanese lifers, and the GPIF through its own allocation will stay at home for JGBs this year as well as buying some Treasuries for the purposes of liquidity. One change might be the recent move higher for European sovereign yields as defence spending ramps up.
NZGB Tender Preview
March 12 2025 • 3mins
A preview of the forthcoming weekly NZGB tender, as well as observations on the NZGB market.
Aluminium Update: Aluminium Tariff Time - Without Exemption!
March 12 2025 • 8 mins
A weekly summary of news, views, data and statistics from the aluminium market.
Strategy Views on a Page
March 12 2025 • 6 min
A summary of Westpac Strategy Group's key market views
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 12 March 2025
March 11 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
March 11 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on BEN, Athena, Firstmac and Bluestone.
FinanceAM
March 11 2025 • 2mins
The US dollar is lower and bond yields are slightly higher amid moderation in the risk averse mood prevailing in equity markets. JOLTS labour data was better than expected. The US-Canada trade war intensified. A ceasefire in the Ukraine war was indicated.
NZD FX Weekly
March 11 2025 • 4mins
A weekly update on the market for NZD crosses, including outlooks.
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 11 March 2025
March 10 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
Around the Grounds
March 10 2025 • 3 mins
Today’s note includes comments on the Feb25 Earnings Wrap, Credit Fans, Pepper, RedZed, Metro Finance.
FinanceAM
March 10 2025 • 2mins
US equities fell sharply amid concerns the Trump administration’s trade and fiscal policies could damage the economy. The S&P500 is down 3.2% to a six-month low, and the Nasdaq 100 is down 4.7%. The risk-averse mood helped push bond yields lower and the defensive US dollar slightly higher.
AU swap spreads to narrow further. - A$ & NZ$ Rates Strategy
March 10 2025 • 10 mins
Our updated views on A$ and NZ$ Rates markets.
Aussie straddles rapidly shifting global risks
March 10 2025 • 4 mins
AUD navigated another yet another challenging and news heavy week for global markets with composure, clocking a 1.6% gain Monday to Friday to close back above 0.6300.
ABSolute Coverage - Securitisation & Covered Bond Weekly Update 10th March 2025
March 10 2025 • 3.0 mins
An update on the Australian Securitisation and Covered Bond Markets. This edition includes pricing details on Columbus Capital’s Triton 2025-1, the launch of Pepper’s auto ABS, a new mandate from Metro Finance, additional information on transactions from Athena and Firstmac and we look at ESMA’s consultation on disclosure for private securitisations.
February 2025 earnings wrap and compendium
March 10 2025 • 3 mins
February 2025 earnings wrap: Contains an overview of the reporting season and the February earnings compendium.
Strategy Views on a Page
March 10 2025 • 6 min
A summary of Westpac Strategy Group's key market views
AUD Rates Morning Chartpacks - 10 March 2025
March 9 2025 • 10 mins
Morning ACGB, Semi, SSA relative value chartpacks.
ACCU Weekly: Weighed down by un-CER-tainty?
March 7 2025 • 10 mins
ACCU Weekly: Weighed down by un-CER-tainty?
Investor & Liability Manager Flow Highlights- A$ Rates Spotlight
March 7 2025 • 5 mins
An analysis of our transacted flows.
Thought leadership
ESG Impact: What you need to know – March 2025
March 28 2025 • 6
Here’s the latest round-up of the standout ESG developments making the headlines, from industry highlights to policy updates and innovation. Why does it matter? What does it mean for you?
ESG Impact: What you need to know – February 2025
March 3 2025 • 7 mins
Here’s the latest round-up of the standout ESG developments making the headlines, from industry highlights to policy updates. Why does it matter? What does it mean for you?
Are you ready for the real-time payments revolution?
February 28 2025 • 6 mins
By adapting early to real-time payments, Australia’s largest corporations will stake a competitive advantage and enjoy the benefits of improved customer-centricity and operational efficiency.
Q4 2024 Sustainable Finance Market Update
February 26 2025 • 7 mins
In Q4 2024's Sustainable Finance Market Update, we cover trends in sustainable debt issuance globally and in the Australian-New Zealand markets, as well as industry insights such as updates to the Green Star Performance for building sustainability and ASFI’s progress on the Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy.
ESG Impact: What you need to know January 2025
February 3 2025 • 7 mins
Welcome to our first Westpac IQ wrap on sustainable finance and ESG for 2025.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - November/December 2024
December 16 2024 • 8 mins
Climate finance deals were high on the agenda at the global climate conference, COP29, held in November. Our final issue of Westpac IQ’s ESG Impact for the year explores some of the key outcomes from the two-week event, along with the latest on Australia’s increasing momentum in renewable energy, new policies and funding for road transport, plus the outcomes of two global nature and biodiversity summits, and more.
Understanding nature impact and dependencies may be easier than you think
December 13 2024 • 7 mins
Awareness of the economic value of nature for business is rising rapidly.
Securitisation issuance grows in strength with diversity
December 11 2024 • 3 mins
2024 began auspiciously as Westpac set the pace for Australian securitisation markets in January with the largest major bank deal in four years.
Mandatory climate reporting: What do you need to know?
December 9 2024 • 5 mins
Australia’s move to mandatory climate reporting represents a major change for larger organisations and a chance to prepare for more sustainability disclosure requirements on the way.
Payments: Building the future of banking in real-time
November 20 2024 • 7 mins
Banks are moving fast, embedding new technologies to embrace the push to real-time payments that’s coming from customers, regulators, payment schemes, and new competition within Australia and across the globe. The impact is transformational and will provide better outcomes for both consumers and large institutions.
Sustainable Finance Market Update
November 4 2024 • 8
In this quarter’s Sustainable Finance Market Update, we cover trends in sustainable debt issuance globally and in the Australian-New Zealand markets, as well as industry insights such as updates to the Green Star Performance for building sustainability and ASFI’s progress on the Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy.
Business scams on the rise – be alert!
November 1 2024 • 5 mins
No matter how legitimate a request looks, Westpac is urging customers to be alert to scammers. Here’s how.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - October 2024
October 31 2024 • 7 mins
Welcome to your Westpac IQ monthly wrap on sustainable finance and ESG.Here’s the latest round-up of the standout ESG developments making the headlines, fromindustry highlights to policy updates. Why do they matter? What do they mean for you?
Building momentum for Australia's offshore wind industry
October 23 2024 • 7
Westpac IQ’s new infographic highlights Australia’s advantages and the catalysts for future growth, along with the solutions to accelerate development of the emerging industry.
Inside Westpac's decarbonisation challenge
October 11 2024 • 8
Australia’s oldest bank progresses initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions on the way to net-zero.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - September 2024
September 30 2024 • 7 mins
Australia’s transition journey looks a little clearer with the release of the Climate Change Authority’s Sector Pathways Review. Westpac IQ’s ESG Impact explores the report’s highlights, and examines the Federal Government’s updated National Hydrogen Strategy and the latest on corporate transition progress from the Transition Pathway Initiative’s recent report.
Streamlining payments for businesses and governments in real-time
September 12 2024 • 8
A unique Westpac payments platform is making real-time payments for large organisations seamless and safe.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - August 2024
August 30 2024 • 7 mins
While much of the world watched Olympians go for gold, host city Paris kept a close eye on the event’s environmental footprint. In this edition, we look at the greening of the Olympic Games, a new report on decarbonising iron and steel production, fresh plans for Rio Tinto’s Boyne smelter near Gladstone, Boral’s exploration of low-carbon concrete, plus a hospitality giant’s support for the circular economy, and more.
Corporates team up to block cyber threats
August 13 2024 • 10
A new partnership designed to share collective cyber intelligence amongst some of Australia’s biggest corporations is honing more effective ways to counter cyberattacks.
Q2 2024 Sustainable Finance Market Update
August 8 2024 • 9
In this quarter’s Sustainable Finance Market Update, we cover trends in sustainable debt issuance globally and in the Australian-New Zealand markets, as well as insights from Westpac and Economist Impact’s Financing for Sustainability Report on the Asia-Pacific sustainable finance market.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - July 2024
July 29 2024 • 7 mins
The latest edition of Westpac IQ’s ESG Impact puts energy investment in the spotlight with the recent release of the International Energy Agency’s World Energy Investment 2024 report. We also explore new recommendations for increasing First Nations employment in the clean energy industry, the environmental impact of artificial intelligence, efforts to cut the carbon footprint of fashion, and more.
Growing the links in sustainable supply chains
July 29 2024 • 10
How are organisations making their supply chains future-fit on the pathway to a more sustainable future? A recent Women in Sustainable Finance panel event at Westpac’s Melbourne HQ uncovered some innovative ideas.
Beating the scammers
July 18 2024 • 7 mins
Australian banks are collaborating to tackle the cyber crime challenge with a range of measures, including ‘confirmation of payee’ systems. Westpac experts outline what to expect.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - June 2024
June 27 2024 • 7 mins
There were several roadmaps to follow this month, with the Federal Government outlining its courses of action on sustainable finance and decarbonising the transport sector. We also report on the progress of zero-emissions haulage, a groundbreaking new electricity deal for a New Zealand aluminium smelter, how sustainable snake meat may boost food security, and more.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - May 2024
May 28 2024 • 7 mins
This edition explores the bumper investment in renewables in the Federal Budget 2024-5, how energy giants are breathing new life into ageing coal-fired assets, sustainability R&D in the red meat and livestock industry, new priorities announced at the First Nations Clean Energy Symposium, and more.
Infographic: Future prospects for Australia’s transition minerals
May 21 2024 • 5
Uncertainty driven by plummeting prices formed the prevailing theme for Australia’s critical minerals sector in early 2024, but – by contrast – the long-term outlook continues to be particularly bright.
Federal Budget 2024-25: The impact by sector
May 21 2024 • 7 mins
At first glance, everyone will be a winner following the Federal Budget 2024-25, but what are the likely longer-term outcomes for different sectors of the Australian economy? A team of Westpac analysts digs deeper to find out.
New report: How credibility is reshaping sustainable finance
May 10 2024 • 2 mins
Positive themes are emerging in sustainable finance, despite the Asia-Pacific markets following a recent global trend to consolidation, according to the new Financing for sustainability: Asia-Pacific’s ESG market opportunities report commissioned by Westpac.
Q1 2024 Sustainable Finance Market Update
May 6 2024 • 9
Welcome to Westpac IQ’s quarterly sustainable finance market update.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - April 2024
April 23 2024 • 5 mins
This month we report on the looming deadline for large corporations and asset managers to prepare for mandatory climate reporting in Australia, Queensland’s new legislation with ambitious targets for carbon emissions and renewable energy, plus the faster focus on nature-based that’s coming from corporates and government, and more.
How carbon markets are rising to the net-zero challenge
April 10 2024 • 2 mins
The credibility of the Australian carbon market is growing as it continues to put in place the necessary integrity-enhancing infrastructure and governance, paving the pathway to realise some forecasts of Australia becoming one of the world’s largest producers of carbon credits.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - March 2024
March 27 2024 • 7 mins
This month we bring you positive indicators for an increase in appetite for large-scale renewable energy projects, a breakthrough likely to expand solar cell production across different sectors of the economy, and developments in a new scheme for soft plastics recycling in Australia, and more.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - February 2024
February 28 2024 • 5 mins
This month we report on how the latest boom in battery industry activity could have exponential impact, new Australian Government support for the critical minerals industry, the surge in sustainable bonds, and more.
Q4 2023 Sustainable Finance Market Update
February 11 2024 • 9
Welcome to Westpac IQ’s quarterly sustainable finance market update.
ESG Impact: 5 themes and developments to watch in 2024
February 1 2024 • 5
Welcome to the first ESG Impact for 2024, which looks set to be an eventful year for climate policy. We’ve compiled a list of five key Australia-based ESG policy changes, standards and regulations to keep on your radar for the year ahead and what they’re likely to mean for you.
Positive momentum in the Australian structured finance market
December 6 2023 • 5 mins
The structured finance market has seen positive momentum over 2023 with significant levels of primary market activity and a robust secondary market buoyed by increasing global participation.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - November 2023
November 30 2023 • 7 mins
This month we look ahead to COP28 and the first Global Stocktake to gauge worldwide progress toward the Paris agreement goals, and we report an upswing in activity around sector-specific transition, and much more.
Pressure testing Australia’s hydrogen dream
November 16 2023 • 5 mins
Enough of the dreaming, it’s time for tangible policies and action on Australia’s plans to develop a green hydrogen industry, says Westpac’s Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Resources David Scrivener.
Sustainable Finance Q3 2023 Market Update
November 14 2023 • 8
Welcome to Westpac IQ’s quarterly sustainable finance market update.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - October 2023
October 31 2023 • 5 mins
This month we are reporting on delays in renewables generation in Australia, draft standards for mandatory disclosure for Australian businesses, new global commitments on critical minerals, and much more.
Offshore wind: Turning on renewable energy’s next generation
October 23 2023 • 8
A global market is booming, and developers and investors are eyeing the huge potential of Australia’s world class offshore wind resources as the nascent industry starts to move ahead.
Reimagining power stations: Next generation assets
October 17 2023 • 8
Drawing on existing skill sets and infrastructure, old coal-fired power stations are being repurposed into renewable energy hubs and vibrant community assets as the low-carbon transition gains pace.
New report: A reality check for Australia’s great hydrogen dream
October 8 2023 • 5
Can Australia still realise its dream to become a clean hydrogen superpower? A new report by Westpac Institutional Bank and AFRIntelligence pressure-tests the viability of the nation’s ambitions with a group of energy industry leaders.
Payments transformation: Get ready for exponential change
October 5 2023 • 10
There’s no time to lose with a new strategic plan for Australia’s payment system enmeshing all industry players in a seven-year transformation journey, but it’s just one of many forces to watch.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - September 2023
September 28 2023 • 7 mins
This month we report on Australian companies’ challenges in meeting net-zero targets, some breakthroughs on the way to a circular economy, a gap in funding for biodiversity solutions, plus a trailblazing sustainability linked loan that puts the emphasis on social impact.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - August 2023
August 31 2023 • 6 mins
This month we report on key developments from the Australian federal and state governments, plans for a green tariff to keep Australian companies internationally competitive, the latest evolution in biodiversity markets, and more.
Biodiversity: Our dependence on nature
August 23 2023 • 5 mins
Expectations on businesses to manage biodiversity risk and opportunities are growing, so how are organisations stepping up to measure their nature footprints?
Sustainable Finance Q2 2023 Market Update
August 15 2023 • 7
Welcome to Westpac IQ’s quarterly sustainable finance market update.
11 key lessons from Australia’s cyber crime challenge
August 10 2023 • 6
From misappropriated passwords to fake audio and video calls, the ruses of cyber criminals are escalating in sophistication as they proliferate in numbers.
ESG Impact: what you need to know - July 2023
July 28 2023 • 5 mins
Welcome to our latest round-up of the standout ESG developments making the headlines, from corporate highlights to policy updates. What’s happening locally and globally? Why does it matter? What does it mean for you?
How to navigate the latest cyber scams
June 30 2023 • 5 mins
As financial losses to cyber fraud ratchet-up across Australia’s business community, Westpac experts explain the latest criminal tactics and how businesses can best avoid them.
ESG Impact: what you need to know - June 2023
June 29 2023 • 5 mins
Welcome to the June round-up of the standout ESG developments making the headlines, from corporate highlights to policy updates. What's happening globally? Why does it matter? What does it mean for you?
Safeguard Mechanism new rules snapshot
June 14 2023 • 3 mins
Significant structural changes are set to redefine carbon markets and pricing as part of Australia’s push for a more sustainable future.
ESG Impact: what you need to know - May 2023
May 30 2023 • 5 mins
Welcome to the May round-up of the standout ESG developments making the headlines, from corporate highlights to policy updates. What's happening globally? Why does it matter? What does it mean for you?
Counting the cost of carbon
May 29 2023 • 7 mins
Reforms to the nation’s Safeguard Mechanism are the latest tool in the Federal Government’s bid to achieve its 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas emissions targets.
Federal Budget 2023: The impact by sector
May 17 2023 • 10 mins
There’s a surplus and plenty of winners, but what will the Federal Budget 2023-4 mean for different sectors of the Australian economy? A team of Westpac analysts explains in this exclusive report.
ESG Impact: what you need to know - April 2023
May 1 2023 • 5 mins
Welcome to the April round-up of the standout ESG developments making the headlines, from corporate highlights to policy updates. What’s happening globally? Why does it matter? What does it mean for you?
Payments innovation: Trends to watch in 2023
March 30 2023 • 5 mins
Whether it’s cross-border or domestic, the pace of change in payments is moving fast. Westpac’s Global Head of Product Nish Dharmaratne outlines what to expect in the months ahead.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - March 2023
March 26 2023 • 5 mins
Welcome to this month’s round-up of the standout ESG developments making the headlines, from corporate highlights to policy updates. What’s happening globally? Why does it matter? What does it mean for you?
ESG Impact: What you need to know - February 2023
February 27 2023 • 5 mins
Welcome to Westpac IQ’s first monthly round-up for 2023 of the latest standout ESG developments making the headlines, from corporate highlights to policy updates. What's happening globally? Why does it matter? What does it mean for you?
How digital innovation is transforming supply chains
February 20 2023 • 5 mins
As businesses prepare for 2023 and beyond, innovation in supply chains is not only changing the way they operate but potentially revolutionising entire sectors.
The race to circularity: Can Australia meet the 2030 deadline?
January 30 2023 • 5 mins
A circular economy policy has been declared, but will Australia make the transformation in the next eight years? An expert panel considers some of the big strides and step changes in the race ahead.
How to navigate 2023: Trends and tactics
December 12 2022 • 5 mins
Experts at the Westpac Sustainable Future Forum delivered cues for action for Australian business leaders as they prepare for a new year dealing with a range of highly dynamic issues.
Fast-tracking sustainability: ‘Acknowledge that it’s hard’
December 7 2022 • 7 mins
Australia’s financial system is reshaping towards a resilient and inclusive future, but there’s still much to do, industry experts agreed at the launch of ASFI’s latest Progress Tracker.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - November 2022
November 30 2022 • 7
Your round-up of the latest standout ESG developments making the headlines, from corporate highlights to policy updates. What’s happening globally? Why does it matter? What does it mean for you?
Sibos 2022: New global priorities for payments
November 22 2022 • 5 mins
This year’s Sibos conference flagged the need for banks and their customers to get ready for the new world of instant global payments. Westpac’s Jeff Byrne and Nish Dharmaratne explain what’s on the way.
Federal Budget 2022: The impact by sector
November 6 2022 • 10 mins
The first Federal Budget by the Albanese government presented many potential positives, but in this sector-by-sector analysis Westpac experts ask how deliverable some will be due to ongoing workforce shortages.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - October 2022
October 31 2022 • 7 mins
Welcome to this month’s round-up of the standout ESG developmentsmaking the headlines, from corporate highlights to policy updates.What’s happening globally? Why does it matter? What does it mean foryou?
Momentum behind sustainable finance innovation
October 25 2022 • 10 mins
The size and breadth of the sustainable finance market has grown and with it the ambition of its participants. In September, KangaNews Sustainable Finance and Westpac Institutional Bank hosted a group of borrowers, each of which has expanded the boundaries of what is achievable in the Australian market, to discuss their motivations, aspirations and challenges.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - September 2022
September 28 2022 • 7 mins
In Westpac IQ’s September wrap of the latest ESG developments making the headlines, Westpac Institutional Bank’s team of ESG experts explain what’s happening globally, why it matters and what it means for you.
Scaling hurdles in the race to net-zero
September 9 2022 • 5 mins
As one of the major roadblocks to sustainable finance looks set to shift, more than a third of companies say they will be issuing or utilising green or social funding for the first time in the next year
Cheat sheet: Carbon trading in Australia and beyond
September 5 2022 • 10 mins
Westpac IQ asks three experts to explain how carbon markets work and unpack the reasons for the rapidly rising demand in Australia for high-integrity carbon offset schemes.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - August 2022
August 31 2022 • 7 mins
In Westpac IQ’s August wrap of the latest ESG developments making the headlines, Westpac Institutional Bank’s team of ESG experts explain what’s happening globally, why it matters and what it means for you.
Hydrogen’s central role in decarbonising Australia’s economy
August 25 2022 • 7 mins
Touting benefits of lower costs and greater energy security, Australia’s gas distributors explain their transition plans for a green hydrogen future and what needs to change to make it happen.
How decarbonisation is reshaping business
August 17 2022 • 7 mins
From disruption to shifting priorities, three Australian business leaders explain how decarbonisation is changing their organisations.
Foundations for success in the new data era
August 2 2022 • 5 mins
To extract maximum value from data, organisations are reshaping their data strategies. Westpac’s DataX offering is helping Australia’s top businesses and Government embrace the change.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - July 2022
July 29 2022 • 10 mins
In our July wrap of the latest ESG developments, Westpac Institutional Bank’s team of ESG experts explain what’s happening domestically and locally, why it matters, and what it means for you.
Rising to the transition challenge
July 26 2022 • 7 mins
To mark Westpac joining the global UN-convened Net-Zero Banking Alliance, two of the bank’s ESG thought leaders outline how it’s leaning into the transition of hard-to-abate industries – and why.
Inside Asia-Pacific’s sustainable finance surge
July 4 2022 • 5 mins
Two Australian corporate leaders explain what’s changing for companies and investors as uptake of sustainable finance opportunities rapidly surges across the Asia-Pacific.
ESG Impact: What you need to know – June 2022
June 28 2022 • 5 mins
In our June wrap of the latest ESG developments, Westpac Institutional Bank’s team of ESG experts explain what’s happening domestically and locally, why it matters, and what it means for you.
Data insights: a new currency for strategic growth
June 9 2022 • 7 mins
Westpac DataX gives business and government access to powerful data insights to inform decision-making and achieve growth through sophisticated data analytics.
Navigating the digital highway
June 8 2022 • 7 mins
Digital connectivity and data have transformed the way organisations operate. Keeping pace with accelerating digital evolution is essential for long-term success.
Hydrogen: Steps towards Australia’s powerhouse plan
June 7 2022 • 7 mins
CSIRO Hydrogen Industry Mission Leader Patrick Hartley outlines some of the key moves required for Australia to realise its plans to become a major hydrogen exporter in this Q+A for Westpac IQ.
Valuing Nature - Seeing the Ecological Assets through the Trees
May 29 2022 • 15 mins
Is it possible to attach a monetary value to something as seemingly priceless as Nature? For Tasmanian forestry management and timber plantation company Forico, the answer is yes.
ESG Impact: What you need to know - May 2022
May 23 2022 • 10 mins
In our May wrap of the latest ESG developments, Westpac Institutional Bank’s team of ESG experts explain what’s happening domestically and locally, why it matters, and what it means for you.
Realising Australia’s rare earths’ potential
May 5 2022 • 10 mins
Massive growth potential is anticipated for rare earths, the crucial raw materials for wind turbines and electric vehicle motors, which will play a central role in global decarbonisation efforts.
Budget 2022: Analysis sector by sector
April 11 2022 • 20 mins
One-off payments to ease Australians’ cost-of-living pressures were this year’s Budget scene-stealers, but who will be the longer-term beneficiaries? Westpac Institutional Bank analysts reveal its impact by sector.
Green lights for lithium producers
April 6 2022 • 10 mins
Massive growth in the electric vehicle market has spurred global interest in Australia as a source of sustainably produced lithium. Two industry leaders share their insights with Westpac IQ on how the sector is powering ahead.
Payments Innovation: Trends to watch in 2022
March 23 2022 • 15 mins
Reform of Australia’s A$650 billion-a-day payments industry is long overdue, but will the changes come at the cost of creativity across this rapidly changing landscape?
Next Phase for Corporate Debt
March 16 2022 • 5 mins
Financial markets are at the heart of era-defining changes happening in today’s world. How adequately the Australian market rises to the challenge will help define its own future and that of the whole economy.
Sustainable finance hits fast forward
March 10 2022 • 1 mins
A new survey by Economist Impact for Westpac Institutional Bank shows how sustainable finance is forging ahead as a core strategy for issuers and investors across the Asia Pacific, and what’s holding it back.
How corporate treasurers are taking the lead on ESG
February 23 2022 • 7 mins
Corporate treasurers are increasingly engaging with the ESG goals of their organisations and turning to green finance products to help achieve their treasury objectives.
The rapid rise of sustainable finance
December 12 2021 • 7 mins
2021 has been a massive year for sustainability broadly, and the ever-sharpening global focus can be clearly gauged by the rapid evolution and upward trajectory of sustainable finance.
Holding businesses accountable for sustainability
December 6 2021 • 15 mins
Sustainability is indisputably now a top agenda item for all businesses and, while it presents many challenges for organisations, the welcome news is that greater clarity is looming around one of the persistent uncertainties: how to report?
SIBOS 2021: Key trends and themes
November 29 2021 • 7 mins
From innovative payments methods to new standards for interoperability, global financial leaders explored how banks are disrupting themselves and fast evolving at Sibos 2021. Here Westpac IQ talks to the key trends and themes to come out of the conference.
Reforming Australia’s energy future
November 28 2021 • 10 mins
Renewables sector concerns around a “fit-for-purpose” grid are expected to be tempered by the latest recommendations of the Energy Security Board, its Chairman Kerry Schott tells the AFR as part of Westpac Institutional Bank’s Reforming the Grid discussion.
Cyber safety: New insights for countering threats
October 14 2021 • 5 mins
To maximise their cyber safety, businesses must learn to “drive defensively” in the face of ever mounting and evolving risks. Westpac experts highlighted critical actions to counter the most prevalent threats in a recent virtual forum.
Addressing social issues with sustainable finance
October 7 2021 • 10 mins
A surge in socially driven sustainable finance brought on by COVID-19 looks set to endure. In this third report by Bloomberg Media Studios for Westpac IQ, we examine some of the key developments underway globally likely to accelerate further uptake.
Building muscle memory to tackle cyber risk
October 6 2021 • 7 mins
Mature organisations must recognise today’s complex kaleidoscope of cybercrime is a business risk that will inevitably be realised – and plan accordingly, leading Australian cyber expert Alastair MacGibbon told a recent Westpac webcast.
Cybercrime’s rising scale of deceit
October 5 2021 • 3 mins
Deception on the internet continues to grow by the day. One of the most intriguing forms of cyber deceit is the rapidly evolving field of fake people - better known as deepfakes.
Wesfarmers' trailblazing Sustainability-Linked Bond
September 15 2021 • 7 mins
In a trailblazing issuance for the local market, Wesfarmers launched the first Australian dollar denominated sustainability-linked bond (SLB) in June this year, raising AUD 1 billion in a transaction that was enthusiastically over-subscribed by approximately 2.5 times.
Closing the loop: Rethinking digital supply chains
September 7 2021 • 7 mins
The transformative potential of data generated through digital supply chains is now capturing the attention of senior executive teams and boards as companies position themselves for greater resilience and growth in a post-pandemic world.
Western Sydney: From growth dynamic to new dynamic
September 2 2021 • 7 mins
The pandemic coincided with the end of a prolonged growth surge in Western Sydney, according to a new report that analyses the region’s past prosperity and explores what needs to change to boost its economic prospects in the post-pandemic future.
Rebooting manufacturing will buoy the economy
August 29 2021 • 5 mins
The outlook for Australian manufacturing is looking bright – from consumers turning their attention to locally-made goods and the onshoring of supply chains, to the economic boost for specific sectors from the Australian Government’s AUD1.5 billion Modern Manufacturing Strategy. However, in a recent Rebooting Manufacturing roundtable leading manufacturers identified key challenges to be addressed before the sector can be fully revitalised.
2021 trends to watch: BNPL on the money
July 28 2021 • 10 mins
In a fast-changing payments landscape, buy-now-pay-later services are an increasingly powerful tool for businesses seeking to drive up revenue and deliver a superior payments customer experience. Here’s why.
Data and AI: The next revolution
July 26 2021 • 5 mins
From honing competitive edge to solving complex social problems, adoption of data analytics and artificial intelligence is transforming the way businesses operate and informing government policymaking.
Sustainable finance for a world in transition
July 7 2021 • 7 mins
In its second report on the fast-evolving field of sustainable finance for Westpac IQ, Bloomberg interviews leading international experts on the latest in transition finance and how the market is maturing.
How to develop a winning hybrid cloud strategy
July 5 2021 • 7 mins
Migration of workloads to the cloud was one of the digital trends rapidly escalated by pandemic lockdowns. We explain what makes a hybrid cloud strategy fly.
Cybercrime: Countering the latest threats
June 1 2021 • 7 mins
Cyber attacks on public sector organisations are on the rise, both in volume and levels of sophistication. Westpac experts deliver insights on the latest rouses of cyber criminals and how to counter them.
Western Sydney Aerotropolis: Next steps for lift-off
May 27 2021 • 7 mins
Extensive rezoning of land has cleared the way for the fast-tracking of the Aerotropolis development in Western Sydney. Guests at a Westpac-sponsored event were given an update on progress.
Federal Budget 2021: Analysis by sector
May 25 2021 • 7 mins
Widespread job creation is the attention-grabber in this year’s Federal Budget, Westpac Institutional Bank analysts explain its likely impacts, sector by sector.
Thinking like a hacker keeps organisations safe
May 21 2021 • 7 mins
The mass shift to digital, accelerated by the pandemic, has exposed networks and data to new cyber security risks. Ethical hacking is a vital resource in the first line of defence.
Big opportunities in the RCEP trade deal
May 11 2021 • 7 mins
Australian businesses can look forward to massive potential opportunities predicted to come from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership agreement.
A clear-cut path for defining sustainable investments
May 7 2021 • 7 mins
Westpac IQ has partnered with Bloomberg Media Studios to examine the EU taxonomy and its likely impact on Australian businesses.
Digital game-changers in financial markets
March 30 2021 • 7 mins
Digitisation is driving competitive edge in financial markets globally. Giulio Katis, Head of Financial Markets eCommerce at Westpac Institutional Bank, explains what’s on the way.
KangaNews - The big renewal
March 29 2021 • 7 mins
Westpac Institutional Bank is taking a lead position in Australia’s renewable-energy space – a key sector for investment growth.
IWD 2021: The female changemakers in financial leadership
March 9 2021 • 7 mins
In the final video in our series we discover how our four women executives chose to challenge to make it into top roles in finance. What were their game-changing experiences?
IWD 2021: Four women in finance on their greatest career challenge
March 8 2021 • 7 mins
Four months into her role as Group Chief Financial Officer at Qantas, Vanessa Hudson faced her greatest career challenge when she realised Australia’s national airline would lose all its forward revenue.
IWD 2021: How does diversity bring on change?
March 7 2021 • 7 mins
Four trailblazing women who ‘chose to challenge’ to make it into senior executive roles in finance share their compelling insights with Westpac IQ for International Women’s Day 2021.
The emerging threat of deepfake technology
February 16 2021 • 7 mins
Deepfake technology has mainly targeted individuals – particularly women – but there is now a growing expectation that the increased availability of technologies will, inevitably, be used by organised crime against businesses.
2021 trends: What’s next for payments?
February 10 2021 • 7 mins
The ever-dynamic payments space gained further momentum in 2020. Nish Dharmaratne, Global Head of Product, provides an insider view on some of the key payments trends to watch in 2021.
New directions for Australia's green bond market
February 4 2021 • 7 mins
Increasing emphasis on ESG in the wake of the pandemic looks set to power growth for green bonds and provide lift-off for further sustainability-focused bonds.
A burning issue: Turning waste into energy
December 10 2020 • 7 mins
As Australia plays catch-up on turning waste into energy, this Westpac IQ cheat sheet explains how it works.
Leading the way on sustainable and renewables finance
November 24 2020 • 5 mins
As Australia’s economy recalibrates, the transition to clean, green energy will gain further momentum, predict experts at Westpac, the country’s leading lender to greenfield renewable energy, and the bank is ready to support the next phase. Here’s how.
Transurban: The quiet revolution in roads
October 20 2020 • 5 mins
After a year of video-conferencing and remote technologies, we’re entering a new era of innovation in mobility, transportation and physical connectivity, explains Transurban CFO Adam Watson in this Q+A for Westpac IQ by Reuters Plus.
Paving the way for a smarter motoring future
September 30 2020 • 5 mins
As the uptake of electric vehicles in Australia starts to surge, Charles Griplas, Managing Director of Melbourne tollway operator ConnectEast, gives Westpac IQ the steer on what’s driving consumer preferences towards a more sustainable motoring future.