Private banks' Q2 profit soars 26% as economy shows signs of recovery

Helped by lower provisions and contingencies, which fell 26%; asset quality was broadly stable with 1% rise in GNPAs

The net profit of private banks rose 26 per cent (year-on-year) in the July-September 2021 quarter (Q2) and 21.9 per cent sequentially over March-June 2021 (Q1), marking a phase of recovery in the economy and credit demand.

According to an analysis of the performance of 12 banks, their net interest income (NII) — interest income minus expenses — was up 10.8 per cent (y-o-y) and 2.5 per cent (q-o-q). The yield on advances, especially wholesale loans, was under pressure amid a system flush with liquidity and low demand for credit, bankers said.

Weighted average lending rates on rupee loans were