From the BBC.........
Banks 'show first recovery signs'
Confidence among banks is growing for the first time since June 2007
Financial firms may be recovering, with business volumes growing for the first time in two years, a survey has shown.
Business increased in three months to early September, said 7% of those surveyed by PricewaterhouseCoopers and business organisation the CBI.
But building societies returned to feeling "downbeat" and business levels were weak in other areas, suggesting the recovery still has a way to go.
"Future demand is still a major concern," said the researchers.
'Upswing'
On balance, 36% of financial services firms are more optimistic about the general business situation than in June.
Signs of stabilisation in the housing market... have provided some cause for 'cautious cheer'
CBI/PwC report
"For the first time since June 2007, banks are experiencing an upswing in confidence," said Andrew Gray, head of financial services consulting at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
"Confidence is, in part, offset by concerns of further impairments and the impact of 'tougher' regulation."
The UK's five largest banks recently accepted curbs on bonuses agreed by G20 leaders at the recent Pittsburgh summit, and stronger rules on overall banking are likely to follow.
Building societies
Building societies were feeling downbeat about their prospects, partly because of difficulties with funding.
The survey found that profitability at building societies was "broadly flat" over the three months, with a resumption of declines expected in the current quarter.
"Signs of stabilisation in the housing market, however, have provided some cause for 'cautious cheer'," the report said.
But it added that almost all societies were cutting operating costs and staff.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8289407.stm