Just a few days after launching a bid, Macquarie Bank withdrew from the hotly contested takeover battle for Patrick , Australia's biggest cargo handler.

ECONOMIST: Business this week

On Wednesday, German bank Helaba withdrew from the stress tests to avoid public failure.

BBC: Eight banks fail EU stress test with 16 in danger zone

The bank has previously maintained it withdrew from the feeder fund after a wide-ranging review of its hedge fund exposure.

FORBES: Madoff Trustee Sues JPMorgan Chase For $6.4 billion

Banks had seen deposits grow at annual rates of up to 13% in the early part of the decade, as consumers withdrew cash from their homes and stashed it at the bank, for lack of more attractive investment options.

ECONOMIST: American banks