The rate of return for those who keep their savings in a bank remains close to zero. The interest rate on a mortgage or loan can exceed 4%. In this void is the explanation - not the only one, but the main one - for the extraordinary state of health of the banks, which in Italy will close the first quarter accounts with a record profit of 5 billion, nearly double the 2022 figure. The ECB's rate hike has thus benefited only those who lend money, while not rewarding those who save it. The data from the banks will be released between May 3 and May 11. And several forecasting firms, including Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Kepler Cheuvreux, and Mediobanca, agree that the interest margin will be "the decisive factor of quarterly profits, allowing to revise upwards ratings and profit prospects." Bank balance sheets also improve because about two branches close their doors in Italy every day, resulting in the loss of 15 jobs. According to a union dossier, 664 branches closed in 2022. They were 27,000 five years ago and are now less than 21,000 today. Employees fell by 8%, with peaks of 20% in places like Liguria.