The non-linear effect of liquidity and debt repayment on banks profitability in Iraq

This paper seeks to explore the nonlinear association between liquidity indicators and debt repayment capacity in relation to asset returns. For this purpose, the Panel Smooth Transition Regression (PSTR) method was employed to examine the nonlinear impact of liquidity indicators (including the ratios of current assets to total deposits, total loans granted to total deposits, and total loans granted to total assets and debt payment capacity indicators (such as the debt ratio and interest coverage ratio) on asset returns from 2011 to 2020. The findings revealed a nonlinear effect of all calculated indicators on asset returns. The magnitude and manner of the independent variables' influence on asset returns varied at different levels, with noticeable distinctions in the effect before and after the threshold value of 1.0586. In light of these results, bank policymakers can strategically select an optimal liquidity level to enhance bank profitability based on asset returns.