Banks have increased their profitability and are projecting greater absolute income during this year in comparison to 2004, as a result of the reduction in interest rates. Listin Diario reports that during the first semester of this year, consolidated profit of commercial banking operations without restriction increased RD$2.511 billion, compared to utilities of 2004 when consolidated profit reached RD$5.215 billion. The last quarter of the year is traditionally the best for the banking system as there is usually a greater demand for credit. Meanwhile, Banco Popular reported total assets of RD$84.723 billion at the end of September, a RD$4.134 billion increase compared to the end of 2004. The bank’s total deposits reached RD$72.607 billion, a RD$2.889 billion increase compared to the end of 2004. The General Administrator of Banco de Reservas reported that after deducting provisions to cover risky assets, paying the corresponding income tax and having made reserves for payment of bonuses and premiums to its employees, the bank has accumulated a net profit of RD$1.451 billion, which represents a 27.5% increase compared to the whole of 2004, which was RD$1.138 billion. This profit is almost 67% more than the profit earned at the end of September 2004. Banreservas ended the third quarter of 2005 with total assets of RD$107.4 billion, a 32.4% increase compared to December 2004. Deposits increased by 31.6%.