Banking Profitability Determinants

Notwithsanding the enormously complex and dynamic nature of the environment in which they compete, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests it is possible to discern relevant indicators of profitability for the banking industry today. The purpose of this study was to develop an appropriate econometric model whereby the primary determinants of profitability of the top five bank holding companies in the United States could be examined and understood. To accomplish this purpose, an econometric model based on internal aspects of the banking organizations as they related to their return on assets and external aspects of the environment in which they compete as measured by growth in GDP was developed based on guidance provided by economists and industry experts to determine the impact of the external national economy of these five leading banks according to their size as measured by total assets. A critical review of the relevant peer-reviewed, scholarly and organizational literature is followed by an analysis of the statistical data for these bank holding companies using the econometric model. A summary of the research and salient conclusions are provided in the concluding chapter.