Core Insights - DNB Bank ASA (DNBBY) is expected to announce its second-quarter 2025 results, with net interest income (NII) showing an increase in the last reported quarter, alongside growth in loan and deposit balances, although total operating expenses rose as a challenge [1] Group 1: NII and Lending Activity - In Q2 2025, average interest rates were lower, leading to reduced deposit margins, which likely pressured NII for Nordic banks like DNBBY [2] - Overall lending activity improved across regions in Q2 2025, which is expected to support loan growth for DNBBY during the quarter [2] Group 2: Fee Income and Investment Banking - Global mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity in Q2 2025 exceeded expectations, with a rebound in deal-making following initial market volatility due to tariffs announced by Trump [3] - DNBBY's investment banking revenues, which accounted for 83% of total commission and fees as of March 31, 2025, are anticipated to show modest growth in the quarter [3] Group 3: Asset Management and Expenses - Increased market uncertainty has likely led to lower asset levels, impacting DNBBY's assets under management and associated management fees [4] - Higher personnel expenses, employee benefits, and restructuring costs are expected to keep DNBBY's expense base elevated in Q2 [4]