Optimists still outnumber cynics though; the first issue has sold out. And the bank will pay dividends this year, though only to the new shareholders. The increase in its capital base has allowed the bank to shift a proportion of its bad debts to the central bank, in exchange for government paper. Last year it made a trading profit though its accumulated losses are in the region of $500 million.
No one is predicting any substantial increase in banking business this year or in the near future.
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