Carlos da Silva Costa, Portugal’s central bank governor, talks to Peter Wise about the country’s priorities, which include further reduction of bad loans and improving profitability, while tackling forthcoming challenges such as an ageing population.
Portugal’s left-wing government has not only surprised observers with its stability and popularity, the coalition some called a geringonça, or contraption, has overseen the country’s move from bailout recipient to credit rating star. But, as Peter Wise reports, there is still work to be done.
Portugal's finance minister, Mário Centeno, believes his election as president of the EU’s Eurogroup reflects the country’s efforts to achieve economic recovery, and proves anti-austerity policies can be compatible with EU fiscal rules. Peter Wise reports.
The 'tuna bond' scandal, donor suspensions, a sharp rise in inflation rates and slower economic growth have made for a difficult operating environment for Mozambique's banks in the past couple of years. However, Peter Wise discovers a sector where optimism very much prevails.
The left-wing coalition government of Portuguese prime minister António Costa has silenced critics with what has so far been an effective financial policy. Now it must convince the ratings agencies and Portugal’s international creditors. Peter Wise reports.
Portugal's economy has endured a torrid few years and this has been reflected in its activity in the capital markets. However, the past 12 months have seen reasons for optimism, with the benchmark 10-year debt yield dropping significantly from an all-time high in 2012 and economists cautiously welcoming the new government's financial policies.
After years of unprofitability, the Portuguese banking sector is finally getting back on its feet. But, with the sale of Novo Banco by the Bank of Portugal still outstanding and other lenders vulnerable to takeover, the sector may not be out of the woods yet.
The Angolan banking sector has been hit hard by the oil price slump, adding to concerns about systemic loan book weakness. However, a tough new asset quality review should improve matters, as should the expansion of the country's capital markets.
Concerns over the health of Banco Espírito Santo, Portugal's largest listed bank by assets, set familiar-sounding alarm bells ringing across Europe. While short-term fears over the lender's future have been allayed, its ownership structure and ties with its parent company are coming under increasing scrutiny.
In the three years since its bail-out, Portugal has impressed many onlookers with its efforts to turn its economy around. Now it is on track to make a clean exit from its rescue programme in May, but the question is will the progress made over the past three years continue?
Unlike their counterparts in Ireland and Spain, banks in Portugal are the victims rather than the perpetrators of the country's debt crisis. This should put them in a good position to recover, but limited access to funding and increasing capital ratio requirements are forcing them to change their previously profitable business models.