The liquidity coverage ratio of EU banks declined in the first half of 2022 but is still well above the minimum requirement
The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published its Report on liquidity measures, which monitors and evaluates the liquidity coverage requirements currently in place in the EU. The liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) declined to 166% in June 2022. The fall was due to an increase in outflows driven by higher interest rates and volatility which led to a decline in asset prices during the first half of the year. The evolution of banks’ LCR levels is particularly relevant given the uncertain economic outlook with high levels of inflation and the process of normalisation of the monetary policy. EU banks hold materially lower liquidity buffers in foreign currencies, particularly the USD, which requires enhanced monitoring by banks and supervisors to avoid excessive vulnerability to disruptions in the foreign exchange markets.