Singapore banks Q1 earnings: Strong core amid macro risks and market volatility

All three Singapore banks reported Q1 earnings and coincidentally, each of them have reported a 10% y/y decline in earnings. Investment losses and lower trading income amid the volatile market environment underpinned, but strong core strength was seen on the back of resilience in asset quality. Despite macro conditions continuing to get tougher with the rising inflationary environment and sustained geopolitical stress, Singapore banks remain well positioned as interest rates rise and regional border reopening aids demand.

DBS: Q1 earnings down 10% y/y to SGD 1.8bn beating consensus but lower than Q1 2021 net profit of SGD 2.01bn. DBS declared an interim dividend of SGD 0.36. Total revenue down 3% at SGD 3.75bn, while other net interest income fell 16%. Biggest drag was seen from wealth management but partly due to a strong base for 2021. Loan-related fees rose 21% to SGD 144mn, and card fees grew 11% to SGD 187mn as credit and debit card spending exceeded pre-pandemic levels and travel picked up.

OCBC: Q1 earnings declined by 10% y/y to SGD 1.36bn from SGD 1.5bn in Q1 2021. That was above consensus and underpinned by higher non-interest income which grew 8% on the back of higher trading income and insurance income. Fee income was down but wealth management business saw some traction. Allowances fell 73% y/y, bolstering results.

UOB: Q1 earnings were also down 10% y/y to SGD 906mn, but it was the only one to under-deliver on expectations. Higher net interest income growth of 10% y/y was offset by declines in trading and investment income amid the market volatility as well as structural hedging.

Overall, while Singapore bank earnings slowed down in Q1 due to macro headwinds that mostly dragged down wealth management fees as well as trading and investment income, but robust loan growth, stable loan loss provisions & improvement in net interest margin provided an offset. Inflation and supply chain disruptions present headwinds going forward, and continue to cloud the outlook. Still, Singapore banks remain well positioned in the rising interest rate environment that should provide a boost to net interest income in the coming quarters. Moreover, regional reopening trends will aid a further rebound in pent-up consumer spending via debit/credit cards, and trade loans will also remain supported by higher commodity prices. Risks seen from any increases to general provisions due to rise in inflation.