SINGAPORE (Feb 15): Jefferies is forecasting FY18 earnings growth and rising dividends for OCBC Bank and UOB.

OCBC and UOB reported 4Q earnings growth of 31% and 16% y-o-y, respectively. Growth was driven by balance sheet and margin expansion, as well as lower credit costs.

Like its peer, both banks increased their dividend run-rate, with UOB further sweetening it with a special dividend. More importantly, both banks appear more than adequately capitalised for growth and further upside to payouts... (Click here to read the full story.)