Millie Muroi

ANZ chief executive Shayne Elliott said competition especially in home loans was stronger than ever as the bank announced a cash profit of $3.55 billion and a $2 billion share buyback.

The Australian sharemarket extended gains after the Reserve Bank left interest rates unchanged, with the bourse building on its early gains following a strong finish on Wall Street.

The Australian sharemarket was flat on Wednesday after US stocks held relatively steady overnight following some recent sharp gains.

The country’s biggest bank sees its net profit slide by 3 per cent and says it has seen late repayments on personal loans tick up.

Small businesses will receive a $325 energy rebate and continue to be able to write off assets valued up to $20,000 as the federal government looks