To The Moon

0712 GMT - Singapore banks are likely to see their overall earnings momentum flatline in 1Q with net interest income having peaked and slower non-interest income recovery, says Maybank Research analyst Thilan Wickramasinghe in a note. Higher funding costs could also reduce net interest margins but rising expectations for delayed rate-cuts may provide some offset to keep loan yields supported, Wickramasinghe says. Loans growth could still be pressured due to a weak North Asia, high rates and a strong Singapore dollar impacting foreign currency translation, he adds. Maybank has a buy rating for DBS, with a target of S$37.66. It has a hold rating for UOB and OCBC with a targets of S$30.88 and S$14.05, respectively. DBS shares last at S$34.44, UOB at S$30.45 and OCBC at S$14.25.