Sydney, Feb 6, 2026, 17:37 (AEDT) — Market closed
- ANZ slipped 1.5% to A$37.01, underperforming amid a sharp market-wide sell-off
- ANZ flagged board changes this week and launched a CRM upgrade powered by Salesforce
- Attention shifts to rate expectations and ANZ’s first-quarter trading update set for Feb 12
ANZ Group Holdings (ANZ.AX) slipped 1.5% on Friday, ending the day at A$37.01. The stock fluctuated between A$36.75 and A$37.41 during the session. (Intelligent Investor)
The slide unfolded during a widespread risk-off session that dragged the S&P/ASX 200 down roughly 2%, marking its steepest drop in months. Financial shares took a hit too, slipping about 1.5%, with Commonwealth Bank ending its brief winning streak. One market analyst cautioned that “panic is spreading.” (ABC News)
Why it matters now: banks face a tightrope—higher rates can boost loan pricing but also strain households, pushing up bad debts. When markets get jittery, the next move usually hits quickly.
The Reserve Bank of Australia lifted the cash rate target by 25 basis points to 3.85% on Tuesday, noting inflation accelerated in the latter half of 2025 and demand has bounced back. The central bank added it would “be attentive to the data” as it assesses the true restrictiveness of its policy. (Gov)
ANZ rolled out a Salesforce-backed CRM platform for its business bank this week, aiming to sharpen its customer management. The system pulls data from 20 different platforms, offering real-time account summaries that could save staff about “one working month per year,” according to the bank. Executive Clare Morgan described the upgrade as “a game changer.” (Anz)
Separately, ANZ announced that director Graham Hodges will step down from the group’s boards on Feb 8, marking the end of his three-year term. Chairman Paul O’Sullivan expressed the bank’s gratitude for Hodges’ “enormous contribution.” (Anz)
With markets shut, the big question for Monday, Feb 9, is if the sell-off seen globally drags local banks down again or if the sector holds firm after dodging heavier losses faced by some cyclicals. Rate forecasts and funding costs will still be the main drivers.
There’s a downside risk here: if volatility remains elevated and bond yields continue rising, banks could face pricier funding just as borrowers strain under pressure. Should credit quality deteriorate, investors will shift focus from productivity chatter to arrears and loan loss provisions.
ANZ’s first-quarter trading update lands Thursday, Feb 12. Investors will zero in on loan growth, pricing pressure, and any early warning signs of stress in household lending. (Anz)
