Spain Opens Antitrust Proceedings Against Six Banks Over Mortgages

Spain's competition authority, CNMC, has initiated disciplinary action against six listed banks over potential anti-competitive conduct in the mortgage sector, including Santander (SAN) and BBVA (BBVA). The CNMC is investigating public statements made by executives regarding fixed-rate mortgage pricing, which could indicate future competitive behavior. The average Spanish mortgage rate was 2.81% in April, compared to 3.44% across the euro zone. Additionally, the average return on one-year deposits for Spanish banks was 1.78%, lower than the euro zone average of 1.87%. The CNMC has up to 24 months to conclude its investigation.