The impact of banking and macroeconomic indicators on the profitability of the banks in the Republic of North Macedonia

Authors

  • Levent Ajrula
  • Marija Gogova Samonikov
  • Ljupco Davcev
  • Aleksandar Davcev

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46763/

Keywords:

profitability, banking sector, ROA, ROE, NIM, macroeconomic indicators, Republic of North Macedonia

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of key banking and macroeconomic 
indicators on the profitability of the banking sector in the Republic of North Macedonia. The study is based on a quantitative approach and uses secondary quarterly data for the period 2010–2024. The study elaborates the conceptual framework of profitability through the three basic indicators: return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and net interest margin (NIM) as dependent variables. Profitability is analyzed depending on internal bank specific factors as independent variables, such as capital adequacy (CAR), liquid assets (LA), loan to deposit (LTD), non performing loan (NPL) and macroeconomic variables such as economic growth (GDP) and inflation. Methodologically, the paper is based on a combination of inductive and deductive approaches, whereb general conclusions about the behavior of the banking system are drawn from specific empirical results, and then they are linked to the theoretical models SCP (Structure–Conduct–Performance) and ESH (Efficient Structure Hypothesis). The analysis applies descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis and multiple linear regression. The findings indicate that the hypotheses for liquid assets, loan to deposit, non performing loan and inflation are confirmed like crucial for the stability and efficiency of the banking sector. The regression results indicate that the profitability of banks in the Republic of North Macedonia is largely determined by internal bank-specific structural factors, while macroeconomic variables have a limited and indirect impact. Thus, the paper contributes to a better understanding of the stability and efficiency of the banking sector in small and open economies, offering a theoretical and practical basis for further research and the advancement of financial 
stability policies. 

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Published

2026-09-29

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Section

Banking and Finance