Westpac loan impairments soar to $211 million
The stark figures came as the big four bank outlined its half-yearly results, covering the period up to March 31.
The period coincided with the early stages of the Covid-19 outbreak. Westpac believes the ongoing crisis will lead to a significant hit on its profits and loan book as the full picture becomes clear.
In a statement, the bank said "a significant increase in expected loan impairments" had caused it to increase its impairment charges from $4 million to $211 million.
It added home loans grew by 7% over the period, with business lending up 5% year-on-year.
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