OCBC Q2 profit beats forecasts to rise 28% to S$1.48b; S$0.28 interim dividend declared

THE global economy may be facing greater uncertainties, but OCBC’s management team expects Asia will continue posting economic growth — albeit with some slowdown — in the second half of this year.

The lender gave a positive outlook for its FY2022, noting that South-east Asian markets will likely post steady recovery this year. China, meanwhile, should benefit from accommodative fiscal and monetary policies, and easing lockdowns.

In a briefing on the bank’s second-quarter results on Wednesday (Aug 3), OCBC group chief executive Helen Wong said she does not see significant inflationary risks for the core markets where the bank operates. She does, however, remain cautious on near-term headwinds.