In the latest CIS barometer published in April, the main concern for citizens was unemployment, by a significant margin compared to other issues. In contrast, concerns about banking, mortgages, and foreclosures were marginal, but you are surely already aware of these data and share this view.
You are also likely familiar with the latest results published by the banking sector, referring to the first quarter. A 19% year-on-year decline in profits, but I believe these other figures are also important: a 7.1% increase in deposits, 4.1% credit growth, and a decrease in the non-performing loan ratio to 6.1% (coverage increased by 4 points to 64%), along with a high capital level (Tier 1) of 12.1%.
