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On Tuesday, a surge in technology and energy shares propelled the Australian stock market to an all-time high at the close. The key $S&P/ASX 200 (.XJO.AU)$ increased by 0.89%, or 73.8 ...

Due to limited expansion of return on equity (roe), coupled with possible interest rate cuts next year, local banks may face pressure on net interest margin. Analysts believe that the prospects of bank stocks are mediocre, especially for the leading Maybank. $MAYBANK (1155.MY)$ Cautioning investors, suggesting reducing holdings!
The latest analysis report from Malaysian investment banks suggests that the banking industry may cool down next year, with a sector rating of only 'neutral'. Maybank, with a high valuation, is likely to be the first to feel the impact, with the target price plummeting from the original 10.80 ringgit to 8.85 ringgit; the rating has also been downgraded to 'shareholding'.
The analyst stated that the reason for slashing the target price of the bank was not only due to the pressure on the return on equity, but also because the stock price of the bank was at a relatively high level compared to its book value.
In addition, the bank's operating income, compared to 6.9% in the 2024 fiscal year, is expected to drop significantly to 3% in the 2025 fiscal year, mainly due to a slowdown in funding and market income.
Therefore, in view of the various downside risks, analysts have lowered the target price and rating of Ma Bank.
Investing in banks with high roe is the strategy.
Overall, in the banking sector, analysts believe that banks with high return on equity and high liquidity will be one of the key investment focuses given the current situation.
Analysts pointed out that by the 2025 fiscal year, the return on equity (ROE) had only increased from 9.4% to 9.7%, mainly due to the core net profit of banks, expected to decrease from this year's 7% to 6....