The overall outlook for banks in developed European countries is stable for this year, according to Fitch Ratings. Fitch noted, however, that about 25% of bank issuer default ratings have a negative outlook. In two new reports, the credit rating agency stated that the financial positions of most banks in northern Europe, Italy and the larger Spanish banks are either stable or improving, while the economic environment in Ireland, Greece, Portugal, and to some extent Spain, may result in further rating actions this year.
