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In a speech in London, De Guindos noted that “even once monetary policy normalizes, interest rates are likely to remain below levels that were common in previous decades.”
De Guindos intervention comes while data from Italy, Germany, France, and Spain suggest the Eurozone is on track for an economic rebound in the second half of 2019. He also urged European lenders to shift attention from policy demands to end negative interest rates on deposits which are currently at -0.4% and focus on mergers at a national and cross border level to sustain profitability.
De Guindos made clear, however, that he does not favour “national champions” – as in the failed Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank merger – but transnational mergers that increase overall resilience and boost profitability. [...]