The latest edition of the AFG Competition Index, to August 2017 shows that after some weak results, the majors are back in force. So much for macroprudential! Of course this may be myopic, as it looks at deal flow through the AFG prism, but we suspect not.
In a sign of renewed commitment to the broker channel, major lenders have taken back control from the non majors with a lift in market share across the last month according to the latest AFG Competition Index.
“After a low of 63.39% in June 2017, the majors have risen each month to round out the quarter at 65.90%,” said AFG General Manager of Residential and Broker Mark Hewitt.
“Fixed rate products have recorded the largest increase with the majors now claiming 74.8% share in this category. ANZ is taking the lion’s share of fixed rate business jumpingfrom 10.51% in June to 20.82% by the end of the quarter,” he said. This rise has largely been at the expense of Westpac, which recorded a drop of more than 7% over the same period.
“Westpac also fell back in the Investor category, dropping from 16.92% in June to 12.91% at the end of August. ANZ have also taken the lead in this category, with a lift from 13.22% to 19.99% over the quarter.
“ANZ is also appealing to those seeking to refinance,” he said. “Their market share amongst refinancers has jumped from 15.22% to 18.5% across the quarter.
Amongst the other major lenders, CBA rebounded from 12.45% total share at the start the start of the quarter to finish on 14.25%.
In the non-major category, AFG Home Loans finished the quarter with a market share of 8.85% as a result of share gains in refinancing, investor and first home buyer categories.
Suncorp also proved competitive over the quarter averaging almost 5% total market share.
“AFG also welcomes Credit Union Australia (CUA) and Homeloans Limited to our panel and we look forward to introducing these lenders to our brokers”.
“The presence of these additional leading non-major lenders provide increased choice for consumers looking for finance,” he said.
