Dutch banks suffered a slight loss in profits in 2011, after showing signs of growth in 2010 following the previous financial crisis in 2008, the Dutch central bank announced on Tuesday.

The banking sector as a whole booked net profit of €7.8bn, 13% down on 2010. Returns on their own investments also fell from 7.3% to 6.3%, says the central bank, adding this is comparable to the eurozone average.
Costs and credit losses rose in 2011 making higher provisions necessary. However, banks did make savings in operational costs. Capital buffers remained the same as in 2010, says the central bank.