The European Central Bank preparing to open a new cycle of pressure on the Eurozone economy, with markets considering almost one more sure interest rate increaseGeopolitical tensions, the resurgence of energy risks and fears of a new inflationary wave lead the ECB to abandon its defensive stance, while households and businesses are already trying to withstand expensive money.
The big question now is how will these changes affect them? Greek banks, deposits and loans. Why while lending rates are rising almost immediately, returns on savers remain extremely low? A rise in interest rates is expected in 2026 to help bank interest revenues by at least EUR 100 million - in terms of systemic banks - since calculations relate to the second half of the year.
Banks win
The reality is that Greek banks continue to support much of their profitability in so-called interest margin, i.e. the difference between interest rates paid to depositors and those charged to depositors , Loans.
In 2025 the net interest margin in Greece reached 2.3%, when in the Eurozone it moved to about 1.3%. This means that Greek banks have significantly higher interest income than the European average. Here, too, is the main reason for the criticism of banks' interest rate policy: ECB interest rate increases quickly go to loans, but too late in savings.
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