The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Ltd (ASX: ANZ) share price has nudged into the green from the opening of trade on Monday.

ANZ shares are on the move as the banking giant eyes its next moves in commercial lending after the Australian Treasury extended its small-medium enterprise (SME) recovery loan scheme.

Let’s dive in to understand what’s at play here.

Government fiscal assistance props the market

The Australian government announced the SME recovery loan package last year on the back of the lockdown measures to curb COVID-19.

Borrowers can access up to $5 million with the government guaranteeing 80% of the loan amount. There are both secured and unsecured loan offerings.

Originally, it was intended for businesses with a turnover of less than $250 million which had received the JobKeeper fiscal stimulus and support package between January and March this year.

However, the government has since removed those requirements and opened up the loan criteria. The scheme is now extended to basically any SME with a turnover of less than $250 million that’s been impacted by COVID-19 or wants to expand its operations.

The funds can then be used to support investment decisions, even to make acquisitions and refinance pre-existing debt.

ANZ jumps on board

In view of the government’s decision to extend the loans, ANZ has jumped at the opportunity. The bank looks set to help SMEs in growing their operations as we navigate out of the pandemic.

ANZ’s Isaak Rankin, head of commercial and private banking, believes the scheme will allow businesses with “good prospects” to “rebound and grow”, according to reporting from The Australian.

The previous scheme’s structure was too restrictive, Rankin is reported as saying. However, he says businesses now have more “confidence and predictability” in the future with access to the scheme.

More business confidence, coupled with easier access to credit, could stem a robust recovery for SMEs, according to Rankin. In addition, people will start to invest when businesses “have access to funds”. This forms the flavour of the “rebound we (ANZ) would like to see”, Rankin reportedly said.

As such, ANZ believes the government’s loan scheme is “one of the building blocks” towards achieving this growth and will be ready for a lending blitz in the coming months.

The SME recovery loan scheme ends on 31 December 2021, for reference.

ANZ share price snapshot

The ANZ share price has climbed 22% this year to date, extending the gain over the previous 12 months to 57%.

These results have outpaced the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO)’s return of around 25% over the past year.

Despite this, ANZ shares have slipped 6% into the red over the last month.

The post ANZ (ASX:ANZ) share price edging higher amid lending blitz appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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The author Zach Bristow has no positions in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Galan Lithium Ltd (ASX: GLN) share price has tanked 20% from its all-time high of $1.34 on 6 August.

Galan is an emerging lithium producer focused on its Hombre Muerto West (HMW) Project located in Argentina.

Its recent weakness could be pointed at the company’s $50 million capital raising and weakness across the broader market and lithium sector.

Galan successfully raises $50 million to accelerate development plans

On 13 August, Galan advised that it received firm commitments to raise $50 million through a two-tranche institutional placement priced at $1.15 per share.

The first tranche will issue 25.9 million shares, raising a total of $29.8 million. The issue price of $1.15 represents a 10.2% discount to its last closing price of $1.28 on 11 August.

The company said that “as a result of significant demand received in the placement, Galan is also seeking to issue a further 17.6 million new fully paid ordinary shares in a second tranche”, subject to shareholder approval.

Unfortunately, the Galan Lithium share price tanked 5.47% to $1.21 on the day of the announcement.

The funds from the placement will be used to accelerate including:

• Drilling activities at HMW to establish well fields for production and convert existing resources to reserves
• Ongoing exploration activities
• Completion of feasibility studies at HMW and Canadelas
• General working capital

Broader volatility weighs on Galan Lithium share price

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) has struggled to make headway in recent weeks, driven by factors such as the delta variant and concerns about economic growth.

The market tested the resolve of bullish investors last week, plunging a harsh 1.90% on Thursday 9 September to a 1-month low of 7,369.5.

In addition, the broader lithium sector has also struggled to re-test previous highs, with high profile names such as Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX: PLS) and Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE) down a respective 16% and 10% from August record highs.

The post Why the Galan Lithium (ASX:GLN) share price has tanked 20% in 5 weeks appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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• Qantas (ASX:QAN) share price down after major blow from ACCC
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Motley Fool contributor Kerry Sun has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The SelfWealth Ltd (ASX: SWF) share price has had a stellar past week.

In the last 7 days, shares in the online broker have stormed 23% higher.

Let’s take a look at what’s been fuelling the SelfWealth share price.

What’s been fuelling the SelfWealth share price?

SelfWealth has not released any notable news in the past week that could explain the bullish price action.

However, the online broker was on the receiving end of some very positive market commentary.

In a recent interview, fund manager Emanuel Datt highlighted that SelfWealth has the potential to become the next Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT).

According to the fundie, the online broker has the potential to expand its platform to offer other financial services.

Prior to its recent rally, the SelfWealth share price was on the slide after releasing its full-year report for FY21.

How did SelfWealth perform in FY21?

Late last month, shares in SelfWealth were hammered despite delivering record results across key performance metrics.

Highlights from the company’s FY21 results included:

• Revenue of $18.4 million, up 135% year on year
• Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) loss of $0.5 million compared to a $2.4 million loss in FY20
• Net loss of $0.6 million compared to a loss of $3 million in FY20
• 95,189 active traders on the platform, up 105%
• Gross profit margin increased to 41.4% from 33.4%

SelfWealth highlighted the release of various products and features for FY21.

These included adding ASX announcements to the platform, flat-fee US trading and the launch of iOS and Android mobile apps.

In addition, SelfWealth noted an improvement in its profitability, with a positive operating cash flow of $1.1 million in FY21.

What’s next for SelfWealth?

SelfWealth is a budget platform that offers retail investors a flat fee of $9.95 for every trade on the ASX.

In addition, the company also offers auxiliary services such as a community share market forum and a premium forum for $20 per month.

The online broker also released a roadmap earlier this year that highlights the company’s expansion plans.

Some planned features include members funding their ASX accounts in real time and live pricing.

Despite bouncing strongly in the past week, shares in SelfWealth remain more than 22% lower since the start of 2021.

At the time of writing, the SelfWealth share price has dropped 4.65%.

The post The SelfWealth (ASX:SWF) share price is up 23% in a week. What’s next? appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Nikhil Gangaram has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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In morning trade, the Telix Pharmaceuticals Ltd (ASX: TLX) share price is on the rise.

At the time of writing, the biopharmaceutical company’s shares are up 3% to $6.52.

Why is the Telix share price rising today?

Investors have been bidding the Telix share price higher this morning following the release of a positive update.

According to the release, the company has entered into an exclusive commercial distribution agreement with Bologna-based Radius for Telix’s prostate cancer investigational imaging product Illuccix for the Italian market.

This agreement builds on the support Radius has provided Telix in distributing the product for magisterial use in Italy.

Under the terms of the agreement, Radius will be the exclusive commercial distributor of Illuccix in Italy, an EU5 country, for a period of three years from the national approval date.

This is certainly a good company for Telix to be working with. The release notes that Radius is the market leader in the supply of gallium generators across Italy, a position which enables it to provide a secure supply of the Ga necessary for launching Illuccix. Radius also has the advantage of being a supplier and service provider for cyclotrons and radiotherapy suites across Italy.

Management commentary

Telix’s EMEA President, Richard Valeix, commented: “As we prepare for the European launch of Illuccix we are pleased to have entered into this agreement with Radius. Italy is an important market and we look forward to working with Radius to bring this highly anticipated imaging agent to Italian men, living with prostate cancer, once regulatory approval is received. Partnering with such a capable and patient-centric leader in nuclear medicine aligns with Telix’s mission of helping patients with cancer live longer, better quality lives.”

This sentiment was echoed by Radius CEO, Dr. Mauro Mei. He said: “This commercial partnership with Telix will enable us to open the door to state-of-the-art PSMA imaging for the 39,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in Italy.”

“Given that PSMA imaging represents the latest standard of care for prostate cancer imaging, having recently been included in European and U.S. clinical practice guidelines, we are delighted to be adding Illuccix to our nuclear medicine portfolio and look forward to bringing this product to Italian men in need, upon receipt of regulatory approval,” he added.

Following today’s gain, the Telix share price is now up 250% over the last 12 months.

The post Why the Telix (ASX:TLX) share price is charging higher today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro owns shares of TELIXPHARM DEF SET. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN) share price is pushing higher on Monday morning.

At the time of writing, the artificial intelligence (AI) technology company’s shares are up 3% to 49 cents.

Why is the BrainChip share price on the move?

Investors are bidding the BrainChip share price higher today despite the company revealing that its Founder and CEO, Peter van der Made, has been offloading shares again.

According to the release, Mr van der Made has followed up his sale of 5,498,000 shares in June and 1,706,685 shares two weeks ago with a further sale of 8,993,315 shares.

Based on the BrainChip share price at Friday’s close, these shares were valued at just over $4.3 million.

Though, potentially due to concerns that the BrainChip share price could tumble on the news, the buyer and seller have agreed that the consideration will be determined at a later date. This will be based on a volume weighted average price.

Why is the founder selling?

Given how some investors have big concerns over the valuation of the BrainChip share price and the viability of its technology, having the founder sell a large number of shares isn’t overly confidence-boosting for shareholders.

However, Mr Van der Made remains positive on the company’s future and notes that he still retains a significant holding.

He commented: “I remain BrainChip’s largest shareholder, and I have complete confidence in our technology, our company, the management and board. Overall, I have sold a relatively small parcel of shares and retain over 160 million shares in the Company, which represents just over 9% of the total shares on issue. Like all shareholders, I want to see my shareholding appreciate over time, and I am very confident it will. I want to assure you that I am fully committed to BrainChip and I have full confidence and faith in the success of our products, our strategy and out future.”

These comments appear to have been enough to stop the BrainChip share price from falling today.

Though, it is worth noting that despite today’s gain, the BrainChip share price is down 26% over the last 12 months.

The post BrainChip (ASX:BRN) share price rises despite CEO selling 9m shares appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Qantas Airways Limited (ASX: QAN) share price has slipped in early trading on Monday after it received unfavourable news from the competition watchdog.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) announced that it has denied permission for the Australian airline to collaborate with Japan Airlines Co Ltd (TYO: 9201) for routes to and from Japan.

“The ACCC can only authorise an agreement between competitors if it is satisfied the public benefits would outweigh the harm to competition,” said ACCC chair Rod Sims.

“The alliance did not pass this test.”

Sims admitted that COVID-19 has presented the aviation industry with unprecedented challenges.

“Airlines have been severely impacted by the pandemic and this has been a very difficult period for them,” he said.

“But preserving competition between airlines is the key to the long-term recovery of the aviation and tourism sectors, once international travel restrictions are eased.”

Qantas shares are down 1.13% at market open at $5.26, after starting Monday at $5.32. The stock has gained 8.35% for the year.

Virgin Australia’s objection could impact Qantas shares

A Qantas-JAL collaboration would have allowed the 2 carriers to stop competing on price and service for an initial period of 3 years.

The ACCC revealed that Qantas’ biggest rival Virgin Airlines submitted an objection to such a proposal.

Virgin asserted that it would be difficult to compete in Australia-Japan routes if the other 2 airlines were allowed to operate as one big alliance.

In the year before the coronavirus arrived, Qantas and JAL carried 85% of the passengers between the two countries.

“We accepted that there was likely to be some short-term benefits from the alliance being able to jointly reinstate services more quickly when borders are reopened, which may initially stimulate tourism,” said Sims.

“However, the longer-term benefits of competition between airlines are cheaper flights and better services for consumers, which is vital to the recovery of tourism over the coming years.”

Qantas did not comment on the ACCC decision, other than to post the watchdog’s statement to the ASX.

The ACCC hinted at its opinion in a draft decision back in May and since then Qantas has opened a new route between Cairns and Tokyo.

Sims said this suggested Qantas would do fine without an alliance.

“We think Qantas could commence a new Cairns service without the alliance and the timing of any such service would be best determined by commercial factors in a competitive environment,” he said.

“Jetstar services on this route are currently planned to start again from February 2022, without the alliance.”

The post Qantas (ASX:QAN) share price down after major blow from ACCC appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Tony Yoo owns shares of Qantas Airways Limited. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Fortescue Metals Group Limited (ASX: FMG) share price has been on a continuing decline since late July.

Shares in the world’s fourth-largest iron ore miner have come under pressure amid the plunging spot price for the steel-making ingredient.

At Friday’s market close, Fortescue shares ended the day at $18.27. This means that its shares are now down 13% for this month alone.

More on the iron ore spot price

After touching a record high of US$219.77 per tonne in July, the iron ore spot price fell off a cliff. Chinese policymakers laid down the rules for its steel producers in an effort to curb reliance on Australian iron ore.

Chinese mills were instructed to limit 2021 output to no more than 2020 levels, or face harsh consequences.

As such, the current iron ore price has dropped to US$133.82, a descent of almost 7% in September. But how will this affect the Fortescue share price?

What does this mean for Fortescue?

The sharp decrease will no doubt have an impact on Fortescue’s bottom line; however, profits are still expected to be churned out.

In its full-year results released last month, Fortescue reported its highest-ever annual shipments of 182.2 million tonne of iron ore. Coupled with its industry-leading C1 costs of US$13.93 per wet metric tonne, this still translates to bumper profits.

The company is forecasting to maintain iron ore shipments for FY22, with a guidance of 180 million to 185 million tonne.

C1 costs are expected to rise slightly to US$15-US$15.50 per wet metric tonne (based on assumed average exchange rate of AUD:USD 0.75).

Only time will tell if Fortescue can achieve the above guidance, despite its strong dependence on the Chinese market. If it does miss the mark however, its shares could tumble further.

Fortescue share price summary

It has been a rollercoaster ride for Fortescue investors, with its shares reaching all-time highs before sinking to near 52-week lows.

Over the last 12 months, the company’s share price has moved just 2% higher, with year-to-date down more than 20%.

Fortescue has a market capitalisation of around $56.2 billion and approximately 3 billion shares on its books.

The post The Fortescue (ASX:FMG) share price is down 13% so far this month appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Aaron Teboneras has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) share price is on watch this morning amid reports the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched an investigation into increasing global shipping and container costs.

The competition watchdog is reportedly concerned rising shipping costs, brought about by COVID-19-related disruptions, might dint consumers’ back pockets.

Wesfarmers’ subsidiary Kmart holds the crown of Australia’s largest importer of shipping containers.

The Wesfarmers share price finished last week trading at $56.88, 1.5% lower than where it had ended the previous week.

Let’s take a closer look at today’s reporting.

Global freight hike deemed anti-competitive

The Wesfarmers share price is in focus today following reports the ACCC is worried businesses, like those owned by the conglomerate, might have to pass shipping expenses onto consumers.

In its financial year 2021 earnings, Wesfarmers noted it had seen ocean freight charges and delays increase through the year. It stated the higher fees and troubles were due to disruptions and constraints in global supply chains.

Wesfarmers spent $540 million on freight over the financial year just been. That’s 24% more than in financial year 2020.

In April, Kmart’s managing director Ian Bailey told the Australian Financial Review the retailer had turned to the spot container market. Bailey said the switch followed simultaneous delays in shipping and increased demand for its products. He told the publication the business wouldn’t pass the added costs onto shoppers.

However, according to reporting by The Australian, the ACCC is worried about just that.

The ACCC’s chair, Rod Sims, reportedly said the body is investigating anti-competitive behaviour in the freight system. Sims was quoted as saying:

There is a limited amount I can say on it, but we are looking at the freight system – particularly the role that containers play.

According to maritime research and supply chain advisory Drewry, over the year so far, the average cost of a 40-foot container has been US$6,695. That’s 187% more than the five-year average.

Wesfarmers share price snapshot

The Wesfarmers share price has been performing well this year.

It is currently 12% higher than it was at the start of 2021. It has also gained 26% since this time last year.

The post Here’s why the Wesfarmers (ASX:WES) share price is in focus today appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Brooke Cooper has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Wesfarmers Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The HomeCo Daily Needs REIT (ASX: HDN) share price won’t be going anywhere on Monday.

This morning the convenience retail-focused real estate investment trust (REIT) requested a trading halt.

Why is the HomeCo Daily Needs share price in a trading halt?

The HomeCo Daily Needs share price was placed in a trading halt this morning so the company could undertake a capital raising.

According to the release, the company is raising $88.3 million via a fully underwritten placement at an issue price of $1.61 per share. This represents a 3.6% discount to the current HomeCo Daily Needs share price.

Why is the company raising funds?

The company is raising capital to partially fund the acquisition of a 100% interest in six daily needs assets for a total purchase price of $222 million. This represents a weighted average acquisition capitalisation rate of 5.78%.

The release explains that these assets have 80% exposure to major national tenants. This includes retailers such as Coles Group Ltd (ASX: COL), JB Hi-Fi Limited (ASX: JBH), and Super Retail Group Ltd (ASX: SUL).

In addition, management notes that the acquisition increases exposure to strategic growth corridors and accretive brownfield development opportunities.

Another positive is the highly secure income these assets provide. This is via long weighted average lease expiries (WALE) of 7.1 years, a 99.5% occupancy rate, and a fixed WARR of 3.3%.

HomeCo Daily Needs’ Fund Portfolio Manager, Paul Doherty, commented: “The acquisitions and placement announced today are consistent with HDN’s strategy to secure high-quality daily needs focused assets which complement our model portfolio and deliver stable and growing distributions.”

“The acquisition properties were all secured off market and offer highly defensive and growing income streams via long-term leases to major national tenants, high occupancy and embedded rental growth through fixed annual rental reviews of 3.3%. Furthermore, the assets are strategically located in key growth corridors with low site coverage, which provides further upside potential from future accretive brownfield development.”

Guidance upgrade

Also potentially giving the HomeCo Daily Needs share price a boost is management’s guidance. It is expecting the acquisitions to be accretive to its funds from operations (FFO) in FY 2022.

Management is forecasting 3% accretion to its FFO per share in FY 2022. As a result, it has lifted its distribution guidance from 8 cents per share to 8.25 per share.

Based on the latest HomeCo Daily Needs share price of $1.66, this will mean a yield of 5% for investors.

The post HomeCo Daily Needs (ASX:HDN) share price halted on acquisition and guidance upgrade news appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended COLESGROUP DEF SET and Super Retail Group Limited. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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The Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) share price has been on a rollercoaster ride in 2021. Shares in the Aussie bank are up 4.4% in the last 6 months but 30.7% since the start of the year.

So, what’s been happening for the ASX bank share in recent times?

Why the Westpac share price is on a rollercoaster ride

The year started off strongly for shareholders as the Westpac share price surged higher in the first six weeks of the year.

From January 4 to February 18, shares in the Aussie bank rocketed 24.2% higher. That’s despite the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) climbing just 3% in that same period.

Interestingly, there were no price-sensitive announcements from the bank until its first quarter update on 17 February. There was minimal activity from Westpac once again until its 3 May half-year results release.

Some of the big takeaways from the result include:

• Statutory net profit after tax (NPAT) up 189% on the prior corresponding period (pcp) to $3,443 million
• Cash earnings up 256% on pcp to $3,537 million
• Return on equity increased to 10.2%
• Net interest margin down 4 basis points on pcp to 2.09%

The Westpac share price has muddled along in the months since. Shares in the Aussie bank have climbed just 4.4% in the last 6 months and are underperforming the benchmark Aussie index.

Recent months have been eventful for shareholders with a number of announcements and big changes at the bank.

The bank has provided an update on Westpac New Zealand and announced it will hold onto the trans-Tasman subsidiary. Another major announcement moving the Westpac share price was the uncovering of potential fraud.

Westpac initiated proceedings against Forum Finance in July after reporting a potential exposure of around $200 million after tax from the alleged fraud.

There was also the $87 million in compensation unveiled for failing to provide critical information to customers in its financial advice business between 2005 and 2019.

The Westpac share price was once again one to watch after selling its Westpac Life New Zealand business in early July after the A$373 million sale of its general insurance business to Allianz.

The post It’s been a rollercoaster for the Westpac (ASX:WBC) share price over the last 6 months appeared first on The Motley Fool Australia.

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Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

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