Supervisors rely extensively on these policies and guidance as they conduct examinations and assign supervisory ratings. Beginning in the summer of 2007, the U.S. and global economies entered a period of intense financial turmoil that has presented significant challenges for the financial services industry. These challenges intensified in the latter part of 2008 as the global economic environment weakened further.
The growth has been sufficient to stabilise unemployment at a level that is very low by European standards. Thus, so far the international economic slowdown has not presented noticeable problems for Denmark. The economic slowdown has generated debate within the EU with regard to the Stability and Growth Pact.