CHINA BANKING INDICATORS STRONG, BUT PROFITS SET TO DECLINE

BEIJING - The China Banking Regulatory Commission (CBRC) annual banking indicators show overall profit growth of 19% for the banking system, notwithstanding headwinds from the economic slowdown and narrowing interest margins. The indicators are for the overall banking system, consisting of both listed and non-listed banks - full-year financial results for the listed banks will be released at end-March.