Slowing growth may temper rates boost for S'pore banks: analysts

They point to the tensions between rising rates and asset quality at a time of sluggish growth

Published Wed, Feb 1, 2017 · 09:50 PM

Singapore

BANKS are riding on a Marty McFly moment, with their shares gaining on hopes the impending rate hikes will boost results in 2017. But analysts are warning that slowing growth in the Singapore economy may cap such optimism, and are watching for such signs as Singapore banks' fourth- quarter results are reported this month.

"Back to the future," said UBS Investment Research analyst Aakash Rawat in a report, pointing to the recent rally that has been driven by expectations of higher rates.

"We remain sceptical of the impact of higher rates on banks in this stage of the credit cycle alongside falling physical property prices, high corporate leverage and a weak economy - just like it was the case in 2014.…