Why did the CBA share price crash 13% in June?

CBA shares were sold off in June. Here's why…

| More on:
A man sitting at a computer is blown away by what he's seeing on the screen, hair and tie whooshing back as he screams argh in panic.

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

Key points

  • CBA's shares were sold off in June
  • Australia's oldest bank saw its shares lose over 13% of their value during the month
  • There were few catalysts for this underperformance such as rate hikes and bearish broker notes

After a comparatively decent showing in May, the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price gave back its gains and more in June.

During the month, Australia's oldest bank saw its shares lose 13.4% of their value.

This compares unfavourably to the ASX 200 index and its 8.9% decline in June.

Why did the CBA share price drop in June?

The CBA share price was sold off early on in the month after the Reserve Bank of Australia shocked the market with a far more aggressive rate hike than the market was expecting.

This sparked fears that the central bank's attempts to tame inflation could bring about a recession and lead to a rise in bad debts.

It wasn't just the CBA share price that tumbled on the news. All the big four banks dropped and ultimately posted sizeable monthly declines.

What else?

Also putting pressure on the CBA share price was a broker note out of Morgan Stanley last month.

Due to concerns over a weaker housing and mortgage market, its analysts retained their underweight rating and slashed their price target on the bank's shares from $91.00 down to $79.00.

Morgan Stanley points out that Australian mortgage growth has slowed meaningfully during previous quick and aggressive RBA rate hikes. Unfortunately, this time around the broker suspects that things could be even worse.

"In this cycle, we believe the slowdown will be greater given household leverage is higher than in prior cycles, mortgage rates are starting from a lower base, and cash rate hikes are likely to be larger," the broker said.

Elsewhere, the team at Citi retained its sell rating and $90.75 price target. Citi warned that the valuation gap between CBA and the rest of the big four could narrow.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. 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 Scott Phillips.

More on Bank Shares

Young professional person providing advise to older couple.
Bank Shares

NAB shares sink on ASIC legal action

The banking giant failed 345 of its most vulnerable customers.

Read more »

Nervous customer in discussions at a bank.
Bank Shares

Is the NAB share price actually expensive?

Should investors be looking at NAB stock as a bargain?

Read more »

CBA share price represented by branch welcome sign
Bank Shares

Own CBA shares? Here's a major milestone you may have missed this week

CBA shares marked a groundbreaking achievement this week.

Read more »

A mature age woman with a groovy short haircut and glasses, sits at her computer, pen in hand thinking about information she is seeing on the screen.
Bank Shares

Up 52% in a year! Is this rocketing ASX bank stock the perfect pick for my retirement portfolio?

Are CBA shares right for retirees?

Read more »

A businessman slips and spills his coffee.
Bank Shares

Why is the CBA share price taking a tumble on Wednesday?

CBA shares are taking a fall today. Let’s find out why.

Read more »

A woman puts up her hands and looks confused while sitting at her computer.
Bank Shares

Why are ANZ shares tumbling 4% on Wednesday?

What’s going on with the big four bank’s shares today? Let’s find out why they are falling.

Read more »

A woman wearing yellow smiles and drinks coffee while on laptop.
Earnings Results

CBA shares on watch after delivering $2.5b quarterly profit

The banking giant has made a big quarterly profit. But will it be enough for the market?

Read more »

A man sits in deep thought with a pen held to his lips as he ponders his computer screen with a laptop open next to him on his desk in a home office environment.
Bank Shares

3 reasons to sell NAB shares in November

Don’t bank on NAB shares rising from here, according to two experts.

Read more »