Despite the S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) having lost over 40 points by mid-afternoon trading, each of the big four banks are trading in the green today with Westpac (ASX: WBC) leading the charge, having gained over 2%.
It is likely that the banks are a popular option for investors today due to speculation that an unexpected fall in the unemployment rate will likely prolong a further rate cut. Whilst shares in Westpac are currently sitting over $28.15, having gained 70c today, National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB), Commonwealth Bank (ASX: CBA) and ANZ (ASX: ANZ) have also gained between 0.7-1.5%.
Furthermore, Westpac this morning announced that it had agreed to purchase US$3.5 billion in government guaranteed debt which would reduce the bank's refinancing requirement in FY 2014 by around $4 billion. Highlighting Westpac's strong funding position, the latest buy-back will bring the total amount of government guaranteed debt bought back this year to A$7.3 billion.
Foolish takeaway
Although Westpac's shares are currently sitting around 20% below their 12-month high in early May, the company still presents as an expensive option. The banks have been driven up in price significantly over the last 12 months by investors seeking high-yielding stocks in light of record-low interest rates. Even at today's prices, it is difficult to justify purchasing shares in the banks when looking at likely future profitability.
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Motley Fool contributor Ryan Newman does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned in this article.
