(Yicai Global) March 11 -- China’s four biggest banks, including Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and China Construction Bank, have announced stable or improving operations this year despite the stock market rout.

The group that also has Agricultural Bank of China and Bank of China each released statements yesterday to say that business is sound even though none of them disclosed any 2022 numbers.

Chinese lenders' shares have not been excluded from the 2022 stock market downturn. But they are not the biggest losers. The CSI Banks Index is 2.4 percent down this year while the SSE Composite Index is 11.2 percent down.

ICBC said that it actively adapted to changes in the environment in the first two months of this year. The lender made progress while ensuring stable operations, it said. ICBC obtained better-than-usual growth in deposit and loan business.

ABC had adjusted its credit structure based on the national strategy. It maintained good loan growth, strengthened risk management, and had better-than-usual performance in its main business, said the Beijing-based lender.

CCB announced that it had enhanced its financial services in key areas such as inclusive finance, green development, technological innovation, and high-end manufacturing. It made progress in major operational indicators while maintaining stability, it added.

From January to February, BOC adapted to changes in the environment. The lender made progress while ensuring stability and had a good start to 2022, it added.

Trading of the four financial institutions' shares was tepid in the morning. ICBC [SHA: 601398] opened 0.2 percent lower at CNY4.55 (70 US cents). CCB [SHA: 601939] slid 0.3 percent to CNY5.97. Shares of ABC [SHA: 601288] and BOC [SHA: 601988] were flat.

Editor: Emmi Laine, Xiao Yi