Bank profits stood at over half a billion Leva (250 million euro) at the end of May, Bulgarian National Bank data indicate. Banks’ profits are up by 28 million euro compared to the first five months of last year. However, the credit portfolio has shrunk by 0.1 percent. Credits taken out by households are up, whereas corporate credits are down and this pushes this index down. Deposits by households are still on their way up, though at a slower rate. The level of liquid assets within the system is high. The share of debt securities in banks’ portfolios, which are considered to be high-security investments, is increasing.