Why the Commonwealth Bank (ASX:CBA) share price is flying right now

Why has the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price surged back towards its all-time high in the last 6-12 months?

| More on:
CBA share price represented by bunch of yellow balloons flying high

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price has been on fire in recent months. Shares in Australia's largest bank are up 4.8% in 2021 and 25.9% in the last 6 months. So, what's driving the ASX bank share back towards its all-time high?

Why the CBA share price has climbed

There have been a couple of big factors at play here. The first is that many ASX bank shares were smashed in the 2020 bear market. That means we saw a share price recovery as Australia responded strongly to the coronavirus pandemic and the economic recovery began in mid to late 2020.

More economic activity is generally good news for lenders. It means that their key borrowers are likely doing better, whether in retail, healthcare, energy and the like. More money flowing in the economy means more jobs, more cash flow for borrowers and less downside risk for a bank.

Another big reason for the CBA share price gains could be the Aussie property boom. It's estimated that the Big 4 banks control something like 80 per cent of all loans in Australia. One of the biggest areas of finance in Australia is for real estate.

Aussie housing has been going bananas in recent months, particularly on the eastern seaboard. House prices in Sydney and Melbourne have been surging, highlighted by strong CoreLogic data in March.

A strong housing market is good for lenders. It means that their underlying security on the loan is increasing, and once again, can be a good indicator of overall economic health. That means more jobs and lower chances of defaults across the board.

Overall, an effective pandemic response has helped kickstart the economy and CBA share price into gear. That means the ASX bank share is not far away from approaching the $90 per share barrier and even its all-time closing high of $95.09 in March 2015.

Foolish takeaway

The CBA share price has been on fire in recent months. Shares in Australia's largest bank are up 49.7% in the last 12 months compared to a 34.4% gain for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Bank Shares

A young woman sits at her desk in deep contemplation with her hand to her chin while seriously considering information she is reading on her laptop.
Dividend Investing

Are CBA shares still a good buy today for passive income?

Looking to earn passive income from ASX dividend stocks? Here’s my take on CBA shares.

Read more »

Shocked office worker staring at computer screen with colleagues working in the background.
Bank Shares

The ASX bank share beating CBA in 2025

Many investors might not realise this smaller bank stock is leading the pack this year. 

Read more »

man thinking about whether to invest in bitcoin
Bank Shares

Here's what needs to happen for the CBA share price to try and reach $200

What could drive the CBA share price higher?

Read more »

A young woman sits at her desk in deep contemplation with her hand to her chin while seriously considering information she is reading on her laptop.
Bank Shares

Why now could be an opportune time to sell CBA shares

A leading expert offers his verdict on the outlook for CBA shares.

Read more »

A man holding a cup of coffee puts his thumb up and smiles while at laptop.
Bank Shares

The Westpac share price is a buy – UBS

The broker is optimistic on Westpac shares.

Read more »

Bank building with the word bank on it.
Bank Shares

The biggest buyers and sellers of ASX 200 bank stocks revealed

Macquarie breaks down who’s been buying and who’s been selling the ASX 200 bank stocks.

Read more »

A young woman sits with her hand to her chin staring off to the side thinking about her investments.
Resources Shares

Should I switch my ASX 200 banking stocks for ASX 200 miners before earnings season?

The ASX 200 Index is dominated by Australia's bank and materials/mining sectors, which together account for around half of the…

Read more »

A man sits in contemplation on his sofa looking at his phone as though he has just heard some serious or interesting news.
Bank Shares

Here's when Westpac says the RBA will now cut interest rates

The RBA surprised everyone by keeping rates on hold last week. So, when will the next cut happen?

Read more »