PwC report: China's listed banks stable in first half

China's listed banks entered a period of stability with steady growth and lower non-performing loan ratios and overdue loan ratios in the first half of the year, but pressure for competition may mount and lenders need to increase their pricing and cost control abilities, according to a report.

The report by PwC, which surveys financial results for the first half of the year for 39 A-share and H-share listed banks, said the pace of growth of net profit slowed year-on-year, and profit margins also shrank.

Except for large commercial banks, which are Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Ltd, China Construction Bank Corp, Agricultural Bank of China Ltd, Bank of China Ltd, Bank of Communications Co Ltd, and Postal Savings Bank of China Co Ltd, the overall return on assets has dropped to less than 1 percent due to tightened market conditions and regulation.