Over time, we have observed that banks have increasingly diversified into securities trading, investment banking and asset management. Although much was expected from this diversification strategy, the market correction was a reminder that fee income generated by these businesses also carries risks. Looking back, I think we can also say that some banks entered the businesses too late and at too high a price.
In 2005, 45.3 per cent of women aged 15 to 64 were employed in Italy, 11 points below the EU average, higher only than Malta’s figure and far short of the 60 per cent target set in the Lisbon Agenda.