CFS Index on the rise

/in , /by

Financial industry reports: Strong growth in revenue and earnings / Fewer jobs cut at financial institutions

The CFS Index, which measures the business climate of the German financial sector on a quarterly basis, rises by 4.3 points to 114.2 points. This positive development can primarily be attributed to high revenue and earnings growth in the financial industry in the fourth quarter of 2019. The investment volume among the financial institutions has also risen, while job cuts are lower than in the previous quarter. This positive news is offset by slightly slower growth in the investment volume and employee numbers among the service providers.

“Despite all gloomy prophecies the quarterly financial results of sector firms, both banks and financial service firms, are pointing northwards. This is even more true for numbers expected in the subsequent quarter” Professor Jan Pieter Krahnen, Director of the Center for Financial Studies, interprets the results.

The future international importance of the Financial Centre Germany continues to consolidate, as in previous quarters. With a change of -1.7 points, this indicator is now at a moderate level of 117.0 points. The financial institutions and service providers are unanimous in this assessment.

Dr. Lutz Raettig, President of Frankfurt Main Finance e.V., explains: “The Financial Centre Frankfurt will gain in importance due to the Brexit. This development is not self-fulfilling, but rather requires the continuous effort of all parties involved. The further consolidation of the index should be a clear signal and incentive for all responsible persons to continue and intensify their commitment to the financial centre.”

Financial industry revenues and earnings rise

The surveyed financial institutions and service providers surpassed their expected growth in revenues/business volume in the final quarter of 2019. The corresponding sub-index for the financial institutions rises by 5.9 points to 120.6 points, which is 7.9 points higher than one year ago. For the service providers, the sub-index climbs as much as 9.7 points. It is now 1.5 points higher than one year ago, at 122.4 points. The financial institutions are anticipating a decline in the current quarter, whereas the service providers expect to see a slight further increase.

The earnings of both groups also developed very positively in the fourth quarter of 2019. The corresponding sub-index for the financial institutions gains 7.9 points to reach a level of 111.4 points. The huge growth recorded by the service providers substantially exceeds even their positive outlook from the prior quarter. The sub-index for this group rises by 14.4 points to 122.8 points. The financial institutions and service providers are expecting the growth to weaken again in the current quarter.

Growth in investment volume is positive among financial institutions / Slight decline among service providers

The growth in investment volume in product and process innovations among the financial institutions climbs 2.9 points to 108.6 points in the fourth quarter of 2019, yet still remains 3.4 points below the level of one year ago. By contrast, the sub-index for the service providers sees a slight decline of -1.5 points to 112.6 points, which is the same level as one year ago. The financial industry has an optimistic outlook for investment in the first quarter of 2020.

Fewer job cuts at financial institutions

Job cuts at the financial institutions, which have been ongoing for some time, were less severe than expected in the prior quarter. The employee numbers sub-index rises accordingly by 4.1 points to 94.5 points, which is 6 points higher than one year ago. The financial institutions expect to further curtail their job cuts in the current quarter. The service providers are hiring fewer new employees than in the previous quarters, though the numbers remain positive. The corresponding sub-index falls by -2.6 points to 106.1 points. Compared to last year, this is 5.4 points lower, meaning fewer people are being hired. The service providers are anticipating a clearly more positive development in the current quarter.

 

 

The results are based on a quarterly management survey in the German financial sector.

The Center for Financial Studies (CFS) conducts independent and internationally-oriented research in important areas of Financial and Monetary Economics, ranging from Monetary Policy and Financial Stability, Household Finance and Retail Banking to Corporate Finance and Financial Markets. CFS is also a contributor to policy debates and policy analyses, building upon relevant findings in its research areas. In providing a platform for research and policy advice, CFS relies on its international network among academics, the financial industry and central banks in Europe and beyond.

CFS survey: “Outlook for the year 2020”

/in , /by

German financial industry expects more widespread adoption of negative interest rates for savers – Calls for stronger incentives for share ownership

Low interest rates and share ownership 

A CFS survey of financial industry executives shows that over 90% of respondents do not expect the ECB to change its monetary policy this year. Therefore, most financial experts (again over 90%) assume that the trend of banks introducing negative interest rates or deposit fees for savers will continue. Given the profound consequences for private pensions, a clear majority of those surveyed (approx. 87%) advocate stronger incentives for share ownership for the purpose of retirement planning.

“The proportion of people who own stocks or stock funds has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, only around one in six people currently invest in stocks,” says Professor Volker Brühl, Managing Director of the Center for Financial Studies. “The financial transaction tax proposed by Finance Minister Olaf Scholz would therefore be counterproductive.”

The respondents are split on the question of whether the government should adopt measures to protect retail savers against negative interest rates. This course of action is supported by 51% of the financial industry executives.

Hubertus Väth, Managing Director of Frankfurt Main Finance e.V., emphasizes that “the lack of an investment culture in Germany has been criticized for decades. If there is anything positive to be gained from negative interest rates from the investors’ point of view, it is that equity investment must now become the pillar of private pension provisions in order to avoid capital losses.”

Growth prospects and balancing the budget

Furthermore, the CFS survey makes it clear that the majority of the financial industry is not expecting a slump in economic growth this year, despite continuing uncertainties over trade disputes and geopolitical risks. Approximately 51% of those surveyed regard the federal government’s forecast of approximately 0.6% GDP growth in Germany as realistic.

The issue of balancing the federal budget is also provoking considerable debate in the financial industry. A majority of 54% are in favour of temporarily running a deficit to boost public investment or provide tax relief. 44% of respondents are opposed to this.

“The survey results show that there is no clear consensus in the financial sector regarding either the economic outlook or the need to shore up the economy with fiscal policy measures,” explains Professor Brühl.

Hubertus Väth, Managing Director of Frankfurt Main Finance e.V., adds that “the opinion reflects the delicate situation of the very open German economy. On one hand, a record foreign trade surplus, on the other a pandemic, whose course endangers value chains, which are already stressed by Brexit and the yet to be completely resolved trade conflict between the United States of America and China.”

 

 

The results are based on a quarterly management survey in the German financial sector.

The Center for Financial Studies (CFS) conducts independent and internationally-oriented research in important areas of Financial and Monetary Economics, ranging from Monetary Policy and Financial Stability, Household Finance and Retail Banking to Corporate Finance and Financial Markets. CFS is also a contributor to policy debates and policy analyses, building upon relevant findings in its research areas. In providing a platform for research and policy advice, CFS relies on its international network among academics, the financial industry and central banks in Europe and beyond.

Fostering Franco-German dialogue at the Financial Centre Frankfurt

/in , /by

Amid an unbeknownst Brexit outcome, cooperation between Financial Centres in continental Europe is essential in tackling the challenges of European integration. On December 10th, L’Agefi, one of the leading French press groups, will host the European Investors Day at the Financial Centre Frankfurt to facilitate the debate amongst the German and French financial industry. The following aspects will be part of the agenda

  • The future of monetary policy: is a stronger consensus possible under Lagarde’s presidency?
  • What role will the Franco-German relationship play in sustainable finance?
  • Is infrastructure investment the key to future growth?

We discussed the event with Philippe Mudry, L’Agefi, in an interview.

What role does the Franco-German relationship play in fostering cooperation in the continental European financial sector?

If and under which circumstances the UK will be leaving the European Union is still unknown. However, the continental European financial sector is already engaged in the process of transition. It knows that it will have to draw on its own resources to overcome the current difficulties to reassert itself on the world stage. And once again, as soon as it comes to thinking about and building the future of Europe, Germany and France stand shoulder to shoulder, partners and competitors at the same time, in a dialogue with their European partners. True to its tradition and convictions, L’Agefi wants to facilitate this debate.

 Why did L’Agefi decided to establish a new event in Europe?

On the 10th of December 2019, we will be holding the second European Investors Day (EID) at the Financial Centre Frankfurt. The aim of the event – inaugurated in June in Brussels – is to involve all of those who want to foster an integrated investment and finance industry in Europe, and to sketch out a vision for the future of such an industry. A few simple questions will build the basis for discussion: What consensus on monetary policy can be achieved? Can a relaunch of European integration give an impetus for renewing infrastructures in continental Europe, including, of course, the now core issue of tackling the challenges created by global warming in each of the countless dimensions? What role can European financial stakeholders, from institutional investors to portfolio management companies, regulators, politicians, banks, and insurance companies play in contributing to the common goal?

Why did L’Agefi decide to host the event at the Financial Centre Frankfurt?

Being a French media outlet, our decision to host the event at the Financial Centre Frankfurt in the wake of crucial European elections is by no means a coincidence; it reflects our strong belief that the Franco-German dialogue can once again crystallize ideas currently circulating in Europe.  In our opinion, one of the questions that need to be answered to support the financial sector in continental Europe in becoming aware of its full potential is: “Can the Paris-Frankfurt axis assert itself in the field of sustainable finance?” Considering that in 2019, L’Agefi has launched the new English-speaking, Europe-oriented media outlet “Asset News” hosting the EID in Frankfurt seemed to be the best way to participate in the emergence of an integrated finance and investment union European professionals are calling for.

 

Please register on L’agefi’s Website.

CFS survey on Facebook’s planned digital currency Libra

/in , /by

German financial industry does not expect Libra to be introduced next year. Major concerns about potential threats to financial stability

Facebook and a group of partners are planning to introduce a digital currency that can be used worldwide, the Libra coin. Shortly before the official launch, prominent supporters such as Mastercard, Visa and PayPal have pulled out of the project. Nevertheless, Facebook is sticking to its plans to roll out Libra next year. On 15 October 2019, the Charter of the Libra Association was signed by a total of 21 founding members.

Numerous politicians and regulators have voiced their concerns about the project since it was announced in June 2019. Central bank governors and finance ministers of the leading economies (G20) also oppose Libra on the grounds of potential risks to global financial stability.

The CFS survey on Libra reveals that the vast majority of respondents regard the concerns of central banks and supervisory authorities as justified. 76.8% of respondents expect Libra to reduce the effectiveness of monetary policy measures. 61.4% of respondents even consider Libra a threat to global financial stability.

In light of this, the majority of respondents (57.1%) do not expect Libra to actually be introduced in the coming year; only 38% believe this will happen.

“It is no surprise that there are significant concerns about Libra. These are also fuelled by Facebook’s failure to publicly address Libra’s long-term expansion plans,” Professor Volker Brühl, Managing Director of the Center for Financial Studies, interprets the survey results. “Moreover, Facebook’s reputation, which has been tarnished by past data protection scandals, is not exactly conducive to such a project,” Brühl adds.

In spite of all the concerns, a majority of respondents (61.1%) oppose a general ban on Libra and advocate constructively accompanying the project in order to promote innovation in the financial sector. “The mood in the financial sector towards Libra is very ambivalent. On the one hand, the idea of a global settlement platform for payments is fascinating; on the other hand, there are fears of incalculable risks,” explains Volker Brühl.

“Once again, the survey proves that the financial sector is open to innovation but then again keeps a close eye on the risks,” says Hubertus Väth, Managing Director of Frankfurt Main Finance e.V. He points out: “The idea of a uniform, globally valid digital currency is fundamentally attractive and has considerable potential. However, there is a lack of convincing answers to larger questions.”

 

 

 

 

The results are based on a quarterly management survey in the German financial sector.

The Center for Financial Studies (CFS) conducts independent and internationally-oriented research in important areas of Financial and Monetary Economics, ranging from Monetary Policy and Financial Stability, Household Finance and Retail Banking to Corporate Finance and Financial Markets. CFS is also a contributor to policy debates and policy analyses, building upon relevant findings in its research areas. In providing a platform for research and policy advice, CFS relies on its international network among academics, the financial industry and central banks in Europe and beyond.

CFS Index remains stable

/in , /by

The CFS Index, which measures the business climate of the German financial sector on a quarterly basis, maintains a stable level of 109.9 points. The overall unchanged level can be attributed to the steady to positive development of revenue, earnings and investment growth in the financial sector. However, these positive reports are offset by more severe job cuts at the financial institutions and slower growth in employee numbers at the service providers.

“Taken together, the sub-indices signal a cautious upward trend in productivity – and thus also in profitability in the longer term if this trend continues,” Professor Jan Pieter Krahnen, Director of the Center for Financial Studies, interprets the results.

In terms of the future international importance of the Financial Centre Germany, there is now a wide gap between the assessments of the financial institutions and the service providers, in contrast to their tentative positions in the previous quarter. For the financial institutions, this index value falls by -10 points to 107.6 points. Conversely, the value for the service providers rises by 7.9 points. Overall, the index value remains at a good level, with a slight decline of -1.0 points to 118.7 points.

Hubertus Väth, Managing Director of Frankfurt Main Finance e.V., explains: “So far only the service providers have profited. In 2018, over one billion euros flew into the service sector to prepare banks for Brexit. With regards to the banks, the still little earnings from a relocation of assets do not outweigh the costs of a transfer. Only a third of the expected 750 to 800 billion Euros were transferred. Most Banks are delaying the relocation until there is more clarity. Not least in order to prevent the straining of their equity capital.”

Rising revenue growth in the financial industry

The surveyed financial institutions and service providers were able to expand their revenues/business volume a little more than in the previous quarter, when growth was weak. The corresponding sub-index for the financial institutions rises by 2.7 points to 114.7 points in the third quarter. The service providers increase their revenue growth by 1.8 points to 112.7 points. Both segments of the financial industry are optimistic that they will continue to build their revenues in the current quarter.

Earnings growth of financial institutions is barely down / Service providers report rising earnings growth / Positive expectations for the current quarter

The earnings growth of the financial institutions sees a significantly smaller decline in the third quarter than had been expected. The sub-index falls just slightly, by -0.9 points to 103.5 points. Having reported declining earnings growth in the previous quarters, the service providers now see their positive expectations fulfilled. The corresponding sub-index climbs 4.9 points to 108.3 points. Both groups are anticipating a further increase in the current quarter.

Growth in investment volume is steady to positive

As with earnings, the financial institutions report little change in the growth of their investment volume in product and process innovations. The corresponding sub-index for the financial institutions falls just slightly, by -0.4 points to 105.8 points. In line with expectations, the service providers record a significant increase of 4.2 points to 114.1 points. The financial institutions are anticipating a slight upturn in the current quarter, while the service providers are less optimistic.

Large-scale job cuts at financial institutions / Weaker growth in employee numbers at the service providers

Job cuts at the financial institutions are significantly more severe than they predicted in the previous quarter. The employee numbers sub-index falls accordingly by -8.2 points to 90.5 points. Only a slight easing of job cuts is expected in the current quarter. The service providers are also hiring fewer employees than in the previous quarters. The corresponding sub-index is down -3.7 points to 108.7 points. This level is expected to be maintained in the current quarter.

 

The results are based on a quarterly management survey in the German financial sector.

The Center for Financial Studies (CFS) conducts independent and internationally-oriented research in important areas of Financial and Monetary Economics, ranging from Monetary Policy and Financial Stability, Household Finance and Retail Banking to Corporate Finance and Financial Markets. CFS is also a contributor to policy debates and policy analyses, building upon relevant findings in its research areas. In providing a platform for research and policy advice, CFS relies on its international network among academics, the financial industry and central banks in Europe and beyond.

Statement on the agreement between the EU and Great Britain

/in , , /by

The European Union and the United Kingdom have agreed on a Brexit extension until January 31st, 2020.

Hubertus Väth, Managing Director of the Financial Centre initiative Frankfurt Main Finance, says:

“Frankfurt Main Finance welcomes the European Union’s decision to agree to an extension of the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU. The chances of an unregulated Brexit to occur are now considerably reduced after the approval of the current agreement. We understand this to be a victory of reason.”

FMF welcomes agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom

/in , /by

“Frankfurt Main Finance welcomes the agreement reached between the European Union and the United Kingdom. This forms a basis for limiting the economic damage that could be caused by the withdrawal, creates clarity and reduces associated risks. At today’s annual meeting of the IMF and the World Bank, there is a palpable sense of relief in Washington amongst the banks who’ve long hoped for an agreement.

The compromise demonstrates that diplomacy between Brussels and London is intact, despite the intense arguments concerning an agreement over the past weeks and months. However, it remains to be seen whether the current agreement can be implemented.

The question of the backstop makes it clear that pragmatic solutions in the interests of both sides can be reached. This gives reasons to hope that that yet another victory in the negotiations can be reached in the near the future.”

Hubertus Väth, Managing Director of Frankfurt Main Finance

Eschborn – the up-and-coming start-up location in the Financial Centre Frankfurt Rhine-Main

/in , /by

The Financial Centre Frankfurt Rhine-Main has plenty to offer, including an excellent start-up ecosystem. As part of the dynamic and international Rhine-Main region, the City of Eschborn is an ideal breeding ground for FinTechs and start-ups, attracting a growing number of companies. In our interview, Dong-Mi Park-Shin, Head of Economic Development of the City of Eschborn, explains why so many innovative companies and start-ups pick Eschborn as their preferred business location.

Eschborn is currently experiencing an enormous boost as a top location for businesses. Many innovative companies take up residence in the city, expanding the variety of industries based in Eschborn. What advantages is that trend creating for the City of Eschborn and the Financial Centre Frankfurt Rhine-Main?

Dong-Mi Park-Shin, Head of Eschborns Economic Development Agency

Dong-Mi Park-Shin, Head of Eschborns Economic Development Agency

The strengthening of Eschborn economic capacity is a major benefit. The increasing number of successful and innovative companies – which create and make use of synergies between companies and industries – allows the city to be positioned even more broadly in the future. By doing so, Eschborn can guard itself against industry-specific risks such as a financial crisis.

Due to the latest newcomers to the business scene and consequentially growing opportunities for cooperation and networking, the existing corporate landscape becomes increasingly attractive. Moreover, the fact that Eschborn is a key business location for well-known and high-profile companies – especially from the Pharma and Life Science sector – makes the city even more appealing.

Intensive cooperation between companies and surrounding universities – such as knowledge-sharing and financial support of research and development projects – creates further opportunities for all stakeholders involved. Besides fostering innovation, this also puts companies in a leading position in the “war for talents”: highly qualified talents can be effectively tied to the company and the region at an early career stage.

How are the City of Eschborn and the wider region benefiting from that?

The city generates a high trade taxes income, which is not only of benefit to the people living and working in Eschborn but also to the Financial Centre Frankfurt Rhine-Main. Due to municipal allocations and compensation, revenue generated by Eschborn is distributed and reinvested in various infrastructure measures. In addition to expanding schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and ambulances, the city supports cultural institutions such as English Theatre, the Städel and Dialogue Museum, the Opel Zoo as well as the preservation of the Eschborn-Frankfurt cycle race.

All these aspects contribute to a high quality of life in Eschborn and the Financial Centre Frankfurt Rhine-Main, which increases the attractiveness of the entire region and is a competitive advantage in the global competition – especially with regards to various Brexit scenarios.

Many start-ups opt for Eschborn as their business location. What are the decisive factors attracting up-and-coming companies?

Young entrepreneurs – at least in my experience – think, live and work nationally or globally. As part of the dynamic, international and successful Frankfurt Rhine-Main region, Eschborn has all the advantages the region has to offer.

What does this mean precisely?

Great mentors, networks, financially strong companies or venture capitalists (VC) with the necessary know-how are fundamental factors to the success of young companies – they are able to assess, evaluate and support start-up ideas. As an established financial hub, the Financial Centre Frankfurt Rhine-Main provides start-ups with a large number of committed business angels and VCs that have international networks.

In addition, many sponsors and partners such as the TechQuartier, Ernst & Young, Deutsche Börse, Deutsche Bank and GFT Technologies SE are based in Eschborn. This proximity allows for getting in touch with local companies much faster.

How does the City of Eschborn support young companies? How can start-ups and established companies foster mutual knowledge-transfer?

In cooperation with the RKW Kompetenzzentrum, the city of Eschborn advises start-ups free of charge. Furthermore, the city enables participation in various networking events such as Startup meets Mittelstand, Startup Safari, the Founder Summit, the Fintech Forum, and the EY Academy. Moreover, young entrepreneurs and companies have access to contacts and established networks of Eschborn’s Economic Development Agency. We are committed to the start-up economy of the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region and hence, are becoming more and more active. Promoting the cities start-ups in the local magazine “Standortmagazin” draws the regional founder’s attention to the business location Eschborn.

How will the business location Eschborn look like in the coming years?

The integrative urban development plan “Eschborn 2030+” is currently being worked on. It contains a management plan for the future of the city and the business location Eschborn. Thus, it is a prerequisite and framework laying out the conditions for companies and start-ups. Eschborn’s Economic Development Agency actively engages with political decision-making bodies in order to bring attention to the interests of the companies while taking the global megatrends into account. Only if these interests are taken into consideration, companies and the closely associated city and region can continue to develop in a positive direction.

 

 

 

CFS survey: German financial industry now clearly expecting a “no-deal” Brexit

/in , /by

The new UK government under Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to leave the EU on 31 October, with no agreement in place. Now the majority of the German financial industry is also expecting a “no-deal” Brexit. This was shown in a recent survey by the Center for Financial Studies. Of those surveyed, 55% consider a disorderly Brexit to be probable, and 31% even see it as very probable. Only 11% are more optimistic in this regard.

The majority of respondents (63%) believe the German financial sector is sufficiently prepared for a “no-deal” Brexit, while 36% see a need for further measures.

“Considering how likely a ‘no deal’ Brexit has become, the survey results are rather worrying, as there is little time left for market participants to make adjustments,” Professor Volker Brühl, Managing Director of the Center for Financial Studies, interprets the survey results.

The EU has ruled out any renegotiation of the Brexit deal and should not offer any further compromises in the hope of avoiding a “no-deal” Brexit. This opinion is held by the majority (70%) of the German financial sector. Nonetheless, the respondents also agree (61%) that the financial markets have not yet fully anticipated a “no-deal” Brexit scenario and that market distortions may therefore occur.

“The survey indicates that the financial industry is prepared to accept the potential drawbacks of a ‘no deal’ Brexit if it means finally obtaining clarity about future framework conditions,” Professor Brühl adds.

There is also a broad consensus among respondents (88%) that if the UK leaves the EU in a disorderly fashion, more business activities and employees will be relocated to continental Europe.

Hubertus Väth, Managing Director of Frankfurt Main Finance e.V., highlights: “Should there be a Hard Brexit, which the majority of respondents assumes is the most likely scenario, it will be important for the Financial Centres in continental Europe to demonstrate their efficiency. If we succeed in cooperating across borders, Europe could emerge from the crisis even stronger.”

 

 

CFS Index remains on downward trend

/in , /by

Financial industry records a significant decline in investment volume growth / Financial institutions report rising earnings growth accompanied by weaker revenue growth and fewer job cuts

The CFS Index, which measures the business climate of the German financial sector on a quarterly basis, falls by 2.5 points to 109.9 points. The index thus remains on a downward trend that began a year ago. The current decline can be attributed in particular to significantly lower growth in the investment volume of the financial industry. In addition, the financial institutions report lower revenue growth, though this is offset by higher earnings growth and fewer job cuts. The service providers also indicate a low level of revenue growth. This is coupled with a decline in earnings growth, which is at a very low level compared to the previous year. The service providers are optimistic about the current quarter.

“The declines in the core indicators of revenue, earnings and investment, with overall employment remaining unchanged, underscore the difficult situation faced by the sector, where the deteriorated outlook is now affecting the service providers as well as the banks,” Professor Jan Pieter Krahnen, Director of the Center for Financial Studies, interprets the results.

The future international importance of the Financial Centre Germany continues to consolidate, repeating its decline of 3.6 points from the previous quarter, yet remains at a positive level of 119.7 points. The latest decrease reflects the assessment of the service providers. Their index value falls by 11.8 points to 121.8 points. After dropping sharply in the first quarter, the assessment of the financial institutions has been revised upwards again. Their sub-index rises by 4.4 points to 117.6 points. This means the assessments of the financial institutions and the service providers have largely converged.

Dr. Lutz Raettig, President of Frankfurt Main Finance e.V., emphasises: “The differing trends of financial institutions and service providers appear to reflect a wait-and-see attitude. We will probably not know which direction we are heading until after 31 October – the next possible Brexit day.”

Revenue growth of financial institutions declines

The growth of revenues/business volume among the financial institutions declined in the second quarter. The corresponding sub-index falls by 3.0 points to 112.0 points. A further slight decline is expected in the current quarter. The revenues of the service providers, at 110.9 points, remain almost unchanged at the low level of the previous quarter (-0.3 points), though they remain optimistic regarding the current quarter.

Considerable earnings growth among financial institutions / Falling earnings growth among service providers accompanied by a positive outlook for the current quarter

Earnings growth among the financial institutions was positive in the second quarter, as anticipated. The sub-index rises by 3.4 points to 104.4 points. By contrast, the sub-index for the service providers falls by 3.7 points to 103.5 points, which is very low compared to one year ago (-24.2 points). As with their revenues, the service providers remain optimistic about their earnings growth in the current quarter. The financial institutions are anticipating a decline in earnings growth.

Financial industry investment volume is down

The financial industry reports lower growth in investment volume in product and process innovations in the second quarter. The corresponding sub-index for the financial institutions falls by 5.8 points to 106.1 points. The service providers register a decline of 4.9 points to 109.9 points. For the current quarter, the financial institutions are expecting another slight decline; the service providers are more optimistic.

Fewer job cuts at financial institutions / Employee growth among service providers remains constant

Job cuts at the financial institutions have eased slightly. The employee numbers sub-index therefore rises by 2.5 points to 98.7 points. An almost unchanged level of job cuts is expected in the current quarter. The service providers report stable employee growth, with the corresponding sub-index remaining unchanged from the previous quarter at 112.4 points. Employee numbers among the service providers are expected to increase slightly in the current quarter.