Bank Managers: Year gets tough – Business World

Bank Managers: Year gets tough – Business World

A majority of bank managers believe that the economy will slow down in 2015th

While companies are pessimistic about economic activity in 2015. According to two recent studies conducted on commissioned by ALMI.

“The beginning of the new year will be hesitant, but in the longer term it looks brighter, at least if the bank managers get right. In the first quarter expect only 11 percent of the economy strengthens . One year ahead believes, however 33 percent of a strengthening economy, “writes Almi in a press release.

Bank managers are more pessimistic for 2015 compared to the survey before 2014 when an overwhelming majority thought that the economy would be strengthened During the year, continues Almi. Although companies are more pessimistic about development than what you have been throughout 2014.

Bank account’s lending to small and medium-sized enterprises is unchanged. More than 50 percent of bank branches indicate that lending was unchanged in the fourth quarter. There is little change from the previous assessment. They also do not believe that lending volumes change during the first quarter. In the longer term, however, bank branches considerably more optimistic, since nearly 70 percent believe that lending increases.

Even companies state that the borrowing requirement was unchanged during the last quarter. Unlike bank branches do not think that the borrowing requirement will increase in 2015. Companies are not as optimistic as bank branches when assessing the borrowing requirement in the long run.

The study indicates that the proportion of bank stating that the lending margin has gone up increases. This is confirmed by the companies where over 50 percent stated that the banks’ interest margin has increased.

“Banks and companies have a negative attitude to economic development in 2015. It limits the willingness to start or acquire companies and also allows SMEs companies become more reluctant when it comes to investing in the future and make investments. But in the longer term, more positive, “says Lars Mårdbrant Communications at Almi.

The bank branches believes that it has become harder for companies to borrow. Most difficult is it for new bank customers, who are often start-ups. The bank branches lend to small and medium-sized businesses.

“When it is uncertain how the economy will develop, banks are becoming more cautious in their lending. This increases the demand for credit from Almi and for many companies will Almi’s loan crucial the company’s development, “says Lars Mårdbrant.

The study is based on telephone interviews with 150 branch managers throughout the country during the period 1 to 15 December 2014. The company survey is based on a web survey answered by 609 managers or financial managers in small and medium-sized enterprises in the period 21 November to 15 December 2014.