The return on equity (ROE) of U.S. banks has shown remarkable resilience, bouncing back to 11.14 percent in the second quarter of 2024 after experiencing significant fluctuations over the past two decades. This recent uptick represents a substantial recovery from the sharp decline during the financial crisis of 2007-2008 and the more recent setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The return on equity (ROE) of European banking sectors showed significant disparities in the last quarter of 2024, with Romania leading at 22.4 percent and Liechtenstein trailing at 5.8 percent. This wide range reflects the diverse financial landscapes across the continent, influenced by factors such as market conditions, regulatory environments, and economic stability. While ROE is a crucial indicator of banking efficiency, it's important to consider it alongside other metrics for a comprehensive view of the industry's health. Digital transformation reshaping European banking The banking sector in Europe is undergoing a digital revolution, with online banking penetration reaching impressive levels. In 2024, Denmark lead with a 97.76 percent penetration rate, closely followed by Norway at 96.8 percent. This shift towards digital banking is not only changing how traditional banks operate but also paving the way for the rise of digital-only banks. Neobanks like Revolut have seen rapid growth, with the UK-based fintech reaching 50 million users by November 2024, highlighting the increasing consumer preference for digital financial services. Consolidation and asset growth in European banking Despite the high number of banks operating in Europe, with 4,804 institutions in the EU as of December 2024, the industry is dominated by a few large players. In 2023, HSBC Holdings lead European banks with total assets exceeding 2.9 trillion U.S. dollars in 2023, followed closely by BNP Paribas SA with over 2.8 trillion U.S. dollars. This concentration of assets among top banks, coupled with the ongoing digital transformation, suggests a trend towards consolidation in the European banking sector, potentially impacting future ROE figures across the continent.

In the first half of 2024, JPMorgan Chase led the largest U.S. banks in terms of return on equity (ROE), reporting an impressive 15.79 percent. Fifth Third Bank secured the second position with a ROE of 11.66 percent. Citizens Bank and Wells Fargo followed in the ranking, with a ROE of 10.07 percent and 9.62 percent, respectively.

Graph and download economic data for Bank's Return on Equity for India (DDEI06INA156NWDB) from 2000 to 2021 about ROE, India, banks, and depository institutions.

Graph and download economic data for Return on Average Equity for all U.S. Banks (DISCONTINUED) (USROE) from Q1 1984 to Q3 2020 about ROE, banks, depository institutions, and USA.

The European Union's banking industry experienced significant fluctuations in its return on equity (ROE) over the past two decades. After a sharp decline in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the sector witnessed a remarkable recovery and growth. The ROE rebounded from a low of 2.31 percent in 2020 to 6.77 percent in 2021, followed by a further increase to 7.22 percent in 2022. By 2023, the ROE reached an impressive 9.29 percent, marking the highest level since 2007.

Georgia Commercial Banks: Return on Equity (ROE) data was reported at 31.217 % in Jun 2023. This records an increase from the previous number of 29.384 % for Mar 2023. Georgia Commercial Banks: Return on Equity (ROE) data is updated quarterly, averaging 15.967 % from Mar 2001 (Median) to Jun 2023, with 90 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 37.331 % in Sep 2021 and a record low of -64.423 % in Mar 2020. Georgia Commercial Banks: Return on Equity (ROE) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Bank of Georgia. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Georgia – Table GE.KB015: Financial Soundness Indicators: Commercial Banks.

Graph and download economic data for Bank's Return on Equity for Indonesia (DDEI06IDA156NWDB) from 2000 to 2021 about ROE, Indonesia, banks, and depository institutions.

Indonesia Financial Performance: Return on Equity (ROE) data was reported at 13.781 % in Dec 2024. This records a decrease from the previous number of 13.928 % for Nov 2024. Indonesia Financial Performance: Return on Equity (ROE) data is updated monthly, averaging 12.541 % from Jan 2015 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 120 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 16.988 % in Jan 2020 and a record low of 3.856 % in Feb 2021. Indonesia Financial Performance: Return on Equity (ROE) data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Indonesia Financial Services Authority. The data is categorized under Indonesia Premium Database’s Banking Sector – Table ID.KBB008: Multifinance Company: Finance Company: Financial Performance.

Graph and download economic data for Bank's Return on Equity for Angola (DDEI06AOA156NWDB) from 2002 to 2021 about Angola, ROE, banks, and depository institutions.

Bank of America's return on equity (ROE) - calculated by dividing net income by shareholders' equity - fluctuated significantly between 2007 and 2024. The ROE was 8.65 percent in 2024, down from 8.71 percent in 2023. In the observed period, the ROE of the bank was the highest in 2021, and the lowest in 2010, at negative 1.56 percent.

Brazil Return on Equity - ROE data was reported at 14.560 % in Dec 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 15.320 % for Nov 2018. Brazil Return on Equity - ROE data is updated monthly, averaging 15.765 % from Jan 2001 (Median) to Dec 2018, with 216 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 25.160 % in Mar 2008 and a record low of -2.860 % in Jun 2001. Brazil Return on Equity - ROE data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Central Bank of Brazil. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Brazil – Table BR.KBA001: Banking System: Financial Stability. This indicator comprises information from Consolidated Bank I and II. Consolidated Banking I is the sum of the accounting positions of Banking Conglomerate I and Independent Banking Institutions I. Independent Banking Institutions I are Financial Institutions such as Commercial Bank, Multiple Bank with Commercial Portfolio or Savings Bank that are not part of a conglomerate; the Bank Conglomerates I are Conglomerates composed of at least one institution of the Commercial Bank type or Multiple Bank with Commercial Portfolio. Consolidated Banking II is the sum of the accounting positions of Banking Conglomerate II and Independent Banking Institutions II. The Independent Banking Institutions II are Financial Institutions of the type Multiple Bank without Commercial Portfolio and Investment Bank, that do not integrate conglomerate; Bank Conglomerates II may not contain Commercial Banking and Multiple Bank Commercial Portfolio institutions, and are composed of at least one institution of the Multiple Bank type without a Commercial Portfolio or Investment Bank.

Graph and download economic data for Bank's Return on Equity for Zimbabwe (DDEI06ZWA156NWDB) from 2001 to 2021 about Zimbabwe, ROE, banks, and depository institutions.

Graph and download economic data for Bank's Return on Equity for Turkey (DDEI06TRA156NWDB) from 2000 to 2021 about ROE, Turkey, banks, and depository institutions.

Bank's Return on Equity for United States was 12.52% in January of 2021, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, Bank's Return on Equity for United States reached a record high of 16.95 in January of 1999 and a record low of 1.45 in January of 2008. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for Bank's Return on Equity for United States - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on March of 2025.

The return on equity (ROE) of the banking industry in the Netherlands showed a fluctuating pattern between 2014 and 2024. The lowest ROE was reported in the first quarter of 2020. Due to the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, the economic performance of the Dutch banking sector dropped notably, with a ROE of 1.4 percent, down from 7.7 percent in the previous quarter. After the initial shock, the ROE of the sector stabilized, reaching pre-pandemic values by the third quarter of 2021. In 2024, the Dutch banking industry reported exceptionally high returns on equity, with 12.3 percent in the third quarter of 2024.

United States FDIC Commercial Banks: Return on Equity data was reported at 11.147 % in Dec 2024. This records an increase from the previous number of 11.044 % for Sep 2024. United States FDIC Commercial Banks: Return on Equity data is updated quarterly, averaging 10.377 % from Dec 2001 (Median) to Dec 2024, with 93 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 15.530 % in Dec 2003 and a record low of -10.150 % in Dec 2008. United States FDIC Commercial Banks: Return on Equity data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. The data is categorized under Global Database’s United States – Table US.KB088: Performance and Condition Ratios.

Graph and download economic data for Bank's Return on Equity for Congo (DDEI06CGA156NWDB) from 2008 to 2013 about Congo, ROE, banks, and depository institutions.

India DBS Bank: Return on Equity data was reported at -11.590 % in 2018. This records a decrease from the previous number of 0.280 % for 2017. India DBS Bank: Return on Equity data is updated yearly, averaging 6.600 % from Mar 1999 (Median) to 2018, with 20 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 20.380 % in 2009 and a record low of -11.590 % in 2018. India DBS Bank: Return on Equity data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Reserve Bank of India. The data is categorized under India Premium Database’s Banking Sector – Table IN.KBR020: Foreign Banks: Selected Financial Ratios: DBS Bank.

Graph and download economic data for Bank's Return on Equity for Austria (DDEI06ATA156NWDB) from 2000 to 2021 about ROE, Austria, banks, and depository institutions.