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European bank profitability: The great convergence?

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  • Lamers, Martien
  • Present, Thomas
  • Vander Vennet, Rudi

Abstract

Have euro area banks restored viability in the post-crisis era? We investigate profitability convergence for euro area banks over the period 2009–2020 using the concepts of β and σ convergence and a club clustering algorithm. Our evidence is consistent with a slow catch up of the weaker banks, but we also document that better performing banks converge towards a lower profit level, suggesting a ‘great convergence’ towards the middle. Moreover, we identify a cluster of banks exhibiting dismal profit dynamics, characterized by high cost-to-income and non-performing loans ratios, indicating the need for a restructuring of part of the euro area banking sector.

Suggested Citation

  • Lamers, Martien & Present, Thomas & Vander Vennet, Rudi, 2022. "European bank profitability: The great convergence?," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 49(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:finlet:v:49:y:2022:i:c:s1544612322003142
    DOI: 10.1016/j.frl.2022.103088
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    3. Bolívar, Fernando & Duran, Miguel A. & Lozano-Vivas, Ana, 2023. "Business model contributions to bank profit performance: A machine learning approach," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 64(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Euro Area banks; Bank profitability; β convergence; σ convergence; Club clustering analysis;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C38 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models; Multiple Variables - - - Classification Methdos; Cluster Analysis; Principal Components; Factor Analysis
    • G20 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - General
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages

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