Danske Bank Q4 2025 Pre-Close Call Summary Company Overview - **Company**: Danske Bank (OTCPK:DNKE.Y) - **Date of Call**: January 08, 2026 Key Points Macroeconomic Environment - Euro area growth prospects for 2025 are better than expected despite tariff announcements and geopolitical uncertainty [2] - Nordic economies are expected to improve in 2026, driven by rising real incomes and investments [2] - Danish economy shows solid Q4 performance with low unemployment and growing real wages, but low consumer confidence may dampen spending [3] Financial Performance - **Net Interest Income (NII)**: A non-recurring benefit of approximately DKK 0.2 billion is expected to be booked in Q4 due to tax assessments [3] - **Central Bank Policy Rates**: ECB expected to maintain a policy rate of 2% in 2026; Riksbanken and Norway's bank also expected to keep rates unchanged [4] - **Lending Volumes**: Overall credit demand remained stable in Q4, with a day effect estimated at DKK 65-DKK 70 million [4] Currency and Funding - Currency fluctuations noted: Swedish krona appreciated by 2% against Danish krona; Norwegian krona depreciated by 1% [5] - Wholesale funding issuance reached DKK 90 billion, exceeding the full-year plan of DKK 60 billion-DKK 80 billion [5] Fee Income and Trading - Fee income diversified, benefiting from healthy corporate activity; performance fees in Q4 2024 were DKK 0.7 billion [7] - Trading income expected to be lower due to typical year-end customer activity [8] Insurance Activities - A net negative P&L effect of around DKK 200 million expected in Q4 due to model calibration for health and accident claims [9] - Full-year income expectations for normalized net insurance income revised below guidance of DKK 1.4 billion-DKK 1.6 billion [9] Costs and Impairments - Total costs for the year expected to be just shy of DKK 26 billion; loan impairment guidance remains at no more than DKK 600 million [10] Capital and Risk Management - Temporary CT1 reduction of around 40 basis points expected to continue reflecting in Q4 numbers [11] - Market risk remains subject to volatility; growing lending volumes may increase credit risk [12] Regulatory and Political Environment - Discussions around potential fee gaps and overcharging by banks noted, especially in light of upcoming elections in 2026 [17][18] - No immediate decisions on government proposals regarding CRE risk rates in Denmark [15] Upcoming Events - Silent period begins on January 15; annual report to be published on February 5, 2026 [13] Additional Insights - Pre-funding for 2026 wholesale funding is a standard procedure to capitalize on market opportunities [19]