Market volatility dogs CommBank's wealth management


Market volatility is continuing to challenge the wealth divisions within the Commonwealth Bank, according to the big banking group's latest quarterly trading update filed on the Australian Securities Exchange today.
Commenting on the September quarter data, the bank said market conditions had "continued to create headwinds for Wealth Management".
It said Funds Under Management and Funds Under Administration had declined by 2.7 per cent and 3.7 per cent respectively during the quarter due to negative investment returns, partially offset by foreign exchange gains as the Australian dollar pulled back from some of its recent highs.
However, the banking group said FirstChoice and Custom Solutions had experienced positive net inflows of $408 million and $321 million respectively during the quarter.
Looking at insurance, the quarterly update said in-force premiums grew by 2.3 per cent in the quarter, with good growth in retail direct life and general insurance.
While the overall quarterly update revealed unaudited cash earnings for the quarter were approximately $1.75 billion, chief executive, Ralph Norris said operating conditions remained challenging amid the continuing global economic uncertainty.
He said that given the continuing volatility and economic uncertainty, the Commonwealth Bank would be maintaining its conservative business settings.
Recommended for you
The possibility of a private credit ETF is looking unlikely for now with US vehicles seeing limited uptake, according to commentators, but fixed income alternatives exist that can provide investors with a similar return.
Ahead of the approaching end of the financial year, State Street has shared five tips for advisers who are using ETFs in their client portfolios.
The use of active ETFs in model portfolios by financial advisers is a key factor in the growth of the products for iShares, according to BlackRock.
Global asset manager BlackRock has identified bringing private markets to the wealth channel as a key business area for the firm that could generate US$500 million in revenue in the future.