This isn't what is publicly being given as the reason that Deutsche Bank is considering a capital raising exercise but it is the underlying reason--the generally low interest rates in the eurozone. And while it's true that banks live on interest differentials, not a specific interest rate, a low interest rate does generally mean that they earn not that much. Thus sell off parts and issue more stock and in general stock up that capital base. This profit to make from the float compresses, perhaps to the point of not actually covering costs, when interest rates are as low as they are. Pensions funds are hurting bad because future liabilities are rising, in a low interest rate environment, faster than asset prices.

Source: Forbes March 05, 2017 16:59 UTC