Bank of Queensland has said it would defer a decision on its first-half dividend, until:

  • the economic outlook is clearer
  • and stress-testing results have been discussed with the regulator

BoQ is the first of the banks to delay its dividend. APRA (Australia's prudential regulator) has 'advised' banks to reduce payouts during the coronavirus outbreak (though its not a binding rule)

Aussie banks are widely held by retail investors for the dividends, a drying up of payments will be a hit their spending plans and thus the economy.

Earnings releases are expected from:

  • Macquarie
  • ANZ
  • Westpac

later this month and into early May.