Withdrawals up again due to uncertainty
The political polarization and uncertainty regarding Greece?s position in the eurozone generated a fresh spike in bank withdrawals last week.
In the last few days, withdrawals have increased again as bank clients convert their money into foreign bonds (mostly German) or opt for various alternative investments based on the US dollar in mutual funds.
In May, deposit withdrawals were estimated to have amounted to 5 or 6 billion euros. Bank officials say the situation remains under control, pointing at the completion of the first phase of the recapitalization plan with the disbursement of 18 billion euros to the country?s four main commercial banks that has strengthened them considerably.
However, bad loans are piling on the pressure as the number of loans whose repayment is delayed by more than 90 days is continuing to rise after amounting to 18 percent of all loans at the end of March.
