Why is the Bendigo Bank share price smashing the ASX 200 big four today?

Something interesting is going on with Bendigo Bank shares today.

Man in an office celebrates at he crosses a finish line before his colleagues.

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

It's been a pretty awful Thursday for the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) so far today. At the time of writing, the ASX 200 has fallen by a nasty 1.12% to back under 7,180 points. But let's talk about the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Ltd (ASX: BEN) share price.

Normally, when you see a substantial fall in the ASX 200 Index, you can usually bet that the ASX 200 bank shares are at least partially responsible.

That's because the big four banks – Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and ANZ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: ANZ) – together account for around 19% of the entire ASX 200's weighting. As well as four out of the top six spots on the ASX 200.

Lo and behold, we can see that this is bearing out today. At present, CBA shares are down 1.03%. The Westpac share price has lost 0.61%, while NAB has slipped by 0.82%. ANZ leads the losses with its horrid 1.54% drop.

Yet the Bendigo Bank share price is currently in the green, presently enjoying a 0.68% boost up to $8.92 a share.

So what's going on with Bendigo Bank shares here? Why is this ASX bank share smashing the big four today?

Why is the Bendigo Bank share price smashing the other ASX 200 banks today?

Well, it's not clear, unfortunately. There was an announcement out of Bendigo Bank this morning. This related to the bank's $275 million batch of subordinated notes that were due on 30 November 2028. Bendigo Bank has decided to redeem and pay out all of these notes on 30 November, subject to regulatory approval.

It's not clear why the bank has taken this move, but arguably indicates that Bendigo Bank's finances are in a healthy place. So it's possible that this is influencing investors on the markets this Thursday.

There is another development to note as well. In addition to the Bendigo Bank share price's outsized performance today, we also saw a positive move with the Bank of Queensland Ltd (ASX: BOQ) share price during morning trade today. After being up a rosy 0.44% to $5.64 each, BOQ shares are current trading at $5.61.

We haven't had any news out of BoQ either. But the fact that these two smaller ASX banks are rising while the big four are dropping could indicate that investors are making a bit of a play here.

Both the Bendigo and BoQ share prices have been laggards over 2023 to date compared with the other big four banks. To illustrate, the Bendigo Bank share price remains down 8.84% in 2023 so far, while the CBA share price has lost 0.44%. NAB shares are down 3.1%, while ANZ has gained 7.3%.

So maybe investors think that the Bendigo Bank share price is due for an uptick. Whatever the reason, it's certainly been a good day to own Bendigo Bank shares.

Right now, the Bendigo Bank share price gives this ASX 200 bank share a dividend yield of 6.84%.

Motley Fool contributor Sebastian Bowen has positions in National Australia Bank. 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 positions in and has recommended Bendigo And Adelaide Bank. 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

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

What's Macquarie's view on NAB shares?

Is the broker feeling bullish, bearish, or something in between? Let's find out.

Read more »

Hand with AI in capital letters and AI-related digital icons.
Bank Shares

CBA shares lead the big 4 banks in using AI to cut costs

AI initiatives could transform the banking sector.

Read more »

A businessman presents a company annual report in front of a group seated at a table
Bank Shares

The future of the Big 4 banks: key takeaways from Macquarie's 2025 Banking Symposium

What lies ahead for the big 4 banks?

Read more »

A woman in a bright yellow jumper looks happily at her yellow piggy bank.
Bank Shares

CBA shares are down 9% from their peak. Is it time to buy?

CBA shares are getting cheaper, but are they cheap yet?

Read more »

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

The pros and cons of buying NAB shares in August

Is it a good time to invest in the major bank? Here’s my view.

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.
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 »