Albert Ploegh

KBC Profit Beats Estimates as Funding Costs Drop, Fees Increase

KBC Groep NV, Belgium’s biggest bank and insurer by market value, reported fourth-quarter profit that beat analyst estimates as lower funding costs halted a slide of its interest margin and sales of fee-generating products rose.

SNS Nationalized in Netherlands After Real Estate Losses

The 3.7 billion-euro ($5 billion) nationalization of SNS Reaal NV, the fourth-largest Dutch bank, was the only way to protect savers and the banking system, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said.

SNS Nationalized in Netherlands After Real Estate Losses

The 3.7 billion-euro ($5 billion) nationalization of SNS Reaal NV, the fourth-largest Dutch bank, was the only way to protect savers and the banking system, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said.

SNS May Sell Shares, Involve Bond Holders in Rescue Plan

SNS Reaal NV, a Dutch bank and insurer struggling with real estate losses, plans to strengthen capital buffers by selling a stake to private investors and involve bond holders to help limit the burden on taxpayers.

Delta Lloyd Rises Most in Year on Stake Sale: Amsterdam Mover

Delta Lloyd NV, the Dutch insurer which sells life insurance in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, rose the most in more than a year after Aviva Plc sold its 19.4 percent stake in the company for 433.8 million euros ($568 million).

Dexia Has Most Peripheral Exposure of Benelux Banks, ING Says

Dexia SA and KBC Groep NV are the biggest Benelux holders of corporate and government debt of Europe’s so-called peripheral states as a percentage of shareholder equity, ING Groep NV said in an assessment of banks and insurers in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

Ageas Insurance Net Tops Estimates as Combined Ratio Drops

Ageas SA, the majority owner of Belgium’s biggest life insurer, reported insurance profit that beat analyst estimates and announced a stock buyback as a lockup on 78.9 million shares held by BNP Paribas SA expires.

Ageas Posts Biggest Gain Since May 2010 on Buyback Plan

Ageas, the insurer formerly known as Fortis, posted the biggest gain in 15 months in Brussels trading after announcing plans to buy back as much as 250 million euros ($360 million) of stock.

KBC Net Tops Estimates on Insurance Gains, Loan Provisions

KBC Groep NV, Belgium’s biggest bank and insurer by market value, reported a smaller-than-estimated drop in profit on capital gains in the Belgian insurance unit and lower loan losses in all regions except Ireland.

KBC’s Sale of Private Bank to Hinduja Blocked by Regulator

KBC Groep NV ’s sale of its private bank to India’s Hinduja Group for 1.35 billion euros ($1.88 billion) failed to get regulatory approval, setting back the firm’s plan to boost capital and repay bailout funds.

Belgium

The Hague

Netherlands

London

European Stocks Little Changed as Banks, Carmakers Gain

U.S. Stock Futures Rise Before Leading Indicators Data

Tesla Plans to Raise $1.08 Billion While Paying Back U.S.

American Capital Fights Fed Exit Worry as Investors Flee

Gold Heads for Worst Slump Since March 2009 as Holdings Contract