By Jesus Calero (Reuters) -Finnish lender Nordea Bank reported fourth-quarter operating earnings slightly above estimates on Thursday, saying that while lower interest rates did help the housing market,

Nordea's 2025 target is ROE above 15%, slightly higher than the current 14.7% market consensus. The bank will maintain its 60-70% dividend payout ratio and a 150 basis point capital buffer above regulatory requirements.

Finnish lender Nordea Bank reported fourth-quarter operating earnings slightly above estimates on Thursday and said the Nordic mortgage and corporate lending markets remained slow amid declining interest rates and an improving housing market.

Nordea Bank Abp reported better-than-expected net interest income in the fourth quarter with its core business demonstrating resilience in the face of declining interest rates.