Negative Interest Rates, Bank Profitability and Risk-taking

Abstract

Using a panel dataset of 2442 banks operating in the 28 EU countries over the period from 2011 to 2017, this paper aims to assess the impact of negative interest rates on banks‟ profitability and risk-taking. Using dynamic panel models, we find that the effect of negative interest rates on banks' margins is stronger compared to an environment of positive rates. We notice that negative rates have squeezed banks' net interest margins. We also find that banks have offset the effects on margins by increasing non-interest income. Furthermore, negative interest rates contributed to a reduction in banks' risk-taking. Finally, we note that the effects of negative rates on profitability and risk-taking differ among banks, depending on their specific balance sheet characteristics.