OCBC and UOB Report Higher Profits

OCBC, the second-largest bank, raised its forecast for loan growth.
UOB cut its forecast for fee-income growth but had a higher quarterly profit.
The results show strong earnings from wealth-related services for lenders.
Singapore's largest bank, DBS, and other lenders also reported higher income from wealthy clients.
OCBC's quarterly net profit was S$2.22 billion, up 22% from last year.
OCBC's non-interest income rose 51% to S$1.91 billion, driven by higher fees and trading income.
OCBC's wealth-management income rose 27% to a record S$3.29 billion in the first half.
OCBC's CEO said the bank is well-positioned to navigate uncertainties and deliver long-term value.
UOB's second-quarter net profit rose 10% to S$1.48 billion, above estimates.
UOB's net fee income rose 5% to S$665 million, led by record wealth-management fees.
UOB's Deputy Chairman said the results reflect the resilience of the bank's diversified franchise.
UOB is seeing progress across its businesses as it deepens customer relationships.
UOB sees opportunities to grow wealth and support cross-border ambitions.
Both OCBC and UOB reported lower second-quarter net interest margins.
OCBC's margin fell to 1.70% from 1.92% last year, while UOB's dropped to 1.74% from 1.91%.
OCBC now expects high-single-digit to low-double-digit loan growth.
UOB maintained its forecast for low-single-digit loan growth and expects a net interest margin of 1.75-1.80%.
OCBC increased its interim dividend to 47 cents from 41 cents, and UOB raised its interim dividend to 88 Singapore cents.