In part blame the PIIGS (at least for $180 billion) for the banks' capital problems. One reason given by those who are optimistic that the European single currency will survive -- the problem for the banks is such that Europe's government cannot contemplate a collapse of Greece under any consideration.
Earlier today some analyst indicated that European bank's capital ration was in excess of 50, in other words for every 100 Euro of lending, the banks have $2 in capital, compare that to about $8 for U.S. banks and about $10 for Canadian banks!
In a nutshell a loss of 2% of their assets would wipe them out! Look at this analysis
OK nothing to do with Canada, but tomorrow data is coming out about the European banks' capital strength...
Earlier today some analyst indicated that European bank's capital ration was in excess of 50, in other words for every 100 Euro of lending, the banks have $2 in capital, compare that to about $8 for U.S. banks and about $10 for Canadian banks!
In a nutshell a loss of 2% of their assets would wipe them out! Look at this analysis
OK nothing to do with Canada, but tomorrow data is coming out about the European banks' capital strength...