Danske Bank raises 2026 forecast as profit hits 6.2 billion kroner; Texas floods kill two

Danske Bank has announced a strong second quarter, with a net profit of 6.2 billion Danish kroner. The bank also increased its earnings forecast for the full year 2026, now expecting between 23 and 25 billion kroner, up from the previous 22 to 24 billion kroner projection. CEO Carsten Egeriis attributed the positive results to growth in lending and deposits, solid core business income, and effective cost management.

Meanwhile, a study highlights a disconnect between young Danes' desires for children and actual birth rates. Eight out of ten men and women aged 20-28 wish to have children, averaging 2.46 for women and 2.43 for men, and ideally starting around age 27-28. However, in reality, Danish women had an average of 1.5 children in 2025, with first-time mothers averaging 30.4 years old and fathers 31.9. The research, part of the EU-funded BIOSFER project, surveyed 20,000 women and 11,000 men to understand the causes of low fertility.

In other news, severe flooding in Texas has resulted in two fatalities and prompted the evacuation of over 200 people. Approximately 3,500 rescue workers are involved in the response. State Governor Greg Abbott warned of record rainfall and dangerous conditions, stating, "We are facing record-breaking rainfall amounts that are causing very dangerous flooding. We will do everything we can to protect lives."