Australian banks' margin woes linger but rate hikes may lift view

These pressures will likely be evident in quarterly results of Commonwealth Bank CBA.AX, and first-half reports from National Australia Bank NAB.AX, Westpac WBC.AX, and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group ANZ.AX this month.

SYDNEY: Australia's "Big Four" banks are set to report a further squeeze on interest margins in their upcoming results dented by growing competition, though the prospect of a recovery aided by central banks' rate hikes is expected to bolster their outlook.

The banks have tussled with increased competition in home lending amid record low rates and borrowers changing to fixed-rate loans, while costs ramp up due to investment in digital capabilities and broader inflation.