DBS, OCBC impress with stronger Q1 performance

Singapore

DBS and OCBC have won approval from analysts for lifting expectations of better margins and stronger fee income this year, as they sought to dispel deep scepticism over the risk in their hefty loan book in China.

Analysts have now raised caution over UOB - whose shares have recently outperformed its peers' over its smaller China exposure - noting the bank could come under pressure in line with weakness in the Asean market.

OCBC registered greater profitability off its loans over the previous quarter. Half of this was from better loan spreads, with CEO Samuel Tsien indicating the weaker net in…