ASX 200 flat, Westpac rises after HY21, Premier returns jobkeeper on 3 May 2021

The S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) was essentially flat at 7,029 points.

Here are some of the highlights from the ASX:

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC)

The Westpac share price went up more than 5% today in reaction to the bank’s half year result which showed a strong recovery of profit.

The big four ASX bank reported that its statutory profit increased by 189% to $3.44 billion. Cash earnings increased 256% to $3.54 billion. First half earnings were largely higher because of an impairment benefit of $372 million.

Excluding notable items, cash earnings went up 60% to $3.82 billion. The net interest margin (NIM) fell 4 basis points to 2.09%…