Why ASX bank shares may be facing a big sell-off in the next few weeks

ASX bank shares have been outperforming recently, but one expert is warning that the sector is in for a rude shock next month.

asx bank reporting season shares hammered by inflation represented by hammer next to broken piggy bank

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

ASX bank shares have been outperforming recently, but one expert is warning that the sector is in for a rude shock next month during their reporting season.

That's when three of the big four ASX banks will hand in their profit report cards. And while their results are expected to be good, this may not be enough to save them from a big sell-off.

That's the view of Bell Potter's high profile institutional dealer Richard Coppleson.

ASX bank reporting season a double-edged sword

He pointed out that ASX bank shares typically rally into their results before falling off a cliff around the middle of May.

The three big banks that will report their results next month include Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), Australia and New Zealand Banking GrpLtd (ASX: ANZ) and National Australia Bank Ltd. (ASX: NAB).

Their shares have been outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (Index:^AXJO) in the last three months.

ASX bank share prices outperforming

The ANZ Bank share price jumped 20%, the Westpac share price rallied 18% and the NAB share price gained 12%.

In contrast, the ASX 200 benchmark is up a more modest 6.5% over the period.

The outlier is the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price, which only kept pace with the broader market. The bank reported its first half results in February.

Seasonal weakness during the ASX bank reporting period

But their golden run could be interrupted. Coppleson noted that in six of the last 11 years, the ASX banking sector lost ground. The average loss over those years is around 1.6%.

History shows that it's the Westpac share price and ANZ Bank share price that fare worse than the broader group too.

It's worth pointing out that May tends to be a seasonally weak period for share markets. That's how the adage "sell in May, go away" came about.

The interesting thing though is that ASX bank shares are usually the second worst performing group in May, right after ASX insurance shares.

Not all trends are your friends

Another significant point worth noting is that ASX bank shares have broken the rules in the last three consecutive years. These shares have rallied in the month of May from 2018.

The COVID-19 market rebound helped ASX bank shares chalk up an impressive 4.2% jump last year.

But Coppleson believes ASX bank shares will revert to trend and fall next month. This is because they are now a "crowded trade" as most institutional and retail investors have rushed to buy these shares.

Why this May could be particularly bad

Investor have jumped on the bandwagon due to high expectations of a good result and a big rebound in dividends.

This means they may be quicker to dump the three reporting big bank shares the instance they go ex-dividend by around the middle of next month.

Having said that, the sell-off could be temporary. The fact is, the outlook for our banks remain positive.

Further, ASX banks are tipped to keep increasing their dividends over the next few years. A sell-off may mark a buying opportunity for longer-term investors.

Motley Fool contributor Brendon Lau owns shares of Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank Limited, and Westpac Banking. Connect with me on Twitter @brenlau.

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 man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.
Bank Shares

$10,000 invested in NAB shares 5 years ago is now worth…

NAB shares have delivered some benchmark smashing returns over the past five years.

Read more »

A man casually dressed looks to the side in a pensive, thoughtful manner with one hand under his chin, holding a mobile phone in his hand while thinking about something.
Bank Shares

Will CBA shares continue to outperform BHP shares over the next 5 years?

Which of these two giants will perform best? Let's find out.

Read more »

Bank building with the word bank in gold.
Bank Shares

What price targets does Macquarie have on the big 4 banks?

Here's what the broker has to say about the big 4 bank share prices.

Read more »

A man holds his hand under his chin as he concentrates on his laptop screen and reads about the ANZ share price
Bank Shares

Should I buy ANZ shares today?

With a 5.7% dividend yield, are ANZ shares a good buy right now?

Read more »

A woman sits at her computer with her hand to her mouth and a contemplative smile on her face as she reads about the performance of Allkem shares on her computer
Bank Shares

Can Bank of Queensland shares keep outperforming the other ASX 200 bank stocks into 2026?

A leading expert offers his verdict on what’s ahead for Bank of Queensland shares.

Read more »

A man in a suit smiles at the yellow piggy bank he holds in his hand.
Bank Shares

Forget CBA shares, Ord Minnett says this ASX bank stock could rocket 50%+

Let's see which bank stock could be a better buy.

Read more »

ASX 200 shares broker downgrade origami paper fortune teller with buy hold sell and dollar sign options
Broker Notes

Are Bendigo Bank shares a buy, hold or sell? Here's Macquarie's latest recommendation

Should I buy the dip on Bendigo Bank shares today?

Read more »

A man thinks very carefully about his money and investments.
Bank Shares

Why these experts say sell CBA shares now

These two investment experts recommend selling CBA shares today. But why?

Read more »