News: SUN Suncorp Group's Banking Unit Posts Qtrly Total Lending Growth Of 0.5%

Nov 7 (Reuters) - Suncorp Group Ltd (SUN) :

• TOTAL LENDING GREW 0.5% OVER QUARTER, WITH HOME LENDING PORTFOLIO REMAINING COMFORTABLY WITHIN MACROPRUDENTIAL LIMIT SETTINGS
• IN LINE WITH BROADER INDUSTRY, WHOLESALE FUNDING COSTS CONTINUE TO BE IMPACTED BY ELEVATED BANK BILL SWAP RATE (BBSW)
• SEES FY19 NET INTEREST MARGIN AT LOW END OF 1.80% TO 1.90% TARGET RANGE
• EXPECT FOCUS ON VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR HOME LENDING CUSTOMERS TO CONTRIBUTE TO ONGOING MODERATION OF GROWTH IN HOME LENDING OVER FY19
• BANKING'S COMMON EQUITY TIER 1 RATIO OF 8.9%, AS AT SEPT 30
• "MODERATION OF HOME LENDING GROWTH EXPECTED TO CONTINUE, DRIVEN BY SLOWING MARKET AND IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH REGULATORY REFORMS"