Investments by banks operating in the UAE exceeded 660 billion dirhams at the end of March, achieving the highest level in their history, according to the latest statistics from the Central Bank of the UAE. The data showed an annual increase in bank investments of 21.1%, reaching 664.4 billion dirhams at the end of March, compared to approximately 548.5 billion dirhams in March 2023, an increase equivalent to 115.9 billion dirhams over 12 months, as reported by WAM News Agency.
On a monthly basis, bank investments grew by 1.8% from 652.7 billion dirhams in February, while they increased by about 4.7% during the first quarter of the current year, compared to approximately 634.4 billion dirhams at the end of the previous year.
Bonds held to maturity accounted for the largest share of bank investments, around 49%, amounting to 325.6 billion dirhams at the end of March, a monthly increase of 1.6% and an annual increase of about 37.8%.
The share of investments in securities representing debts to others, or "debt securities," was approximately 41.2% of total investments, reaching 274.1 billion dirhams at the end of March, reflecting a monthly increase of about 2.7% and an annual increase of 9.6%.
Bank investments in equities reached 15.7 billion dirhams in March, showing an annual increase of about 37.8% compared to 11.9 billion dirhams in March 2023, although there was a monthly decline of 0.6% compared to about 15.8 billion dirhams in February 2024.
Other bank investments stood at around 49 billion dirhams at the end of March, showing a monthly decline of 0.6% and an annual decline of about 2.4%. It is noteworthy that bank investments do not include deposits with the central bank in the form of certificates of deposit and cash bonds.
