S&P says banks can largely fend off tougher 2020

A scenario of slower economic growth--primarily driven by the U.S.-China trade and strategic confrontation--and a weaker outlook for corporate earnings may ultimately take its toll on global bank asset quality and test ratings at current levels.

KUALA LUMPUR: Credit conditions remain broadly supportive of global bank asset quality, even if economic growth slows, S&P Global Ratings said in a series of reports.

"Most banks globally should be able to contend with challenging credit conditions in 2020 at current rating levels," said Emmanuel Volland, a Europe-based credit analyst at S&P Global Ratings.