Mubasher: Deutsche Bank has reported annual profits during 2018, recording negative results for the fourth quarter of the year.

Last year, the bank posted a net profit of EUR 341 million ($390 million), according to a statement.

The German bank registered a net loss of EUR 409 million in Q4-18.

"Our return to profitability shows that Deutsche Bank is on the right track. Now, our priority is to take the next step. In 2019 we aim not only to save costs but also to make focused investments in growth," Deutsche Bank’s CEO Christian Sewing said.

Net revenue reached EUR 25 billion in 2018, recording EUR 5.5 billion in the last quarter of the year.

Deutsche Bank has faced major difficulties due to a variety of troubles including money-laundering allegations.

Some reports stated that the bank may be merged with Commerzbank, with Bloomberg revealing that such a merger could take place mid-2019.

“We are executing on the plan that we have defined, and as Christian said I think a number of times, we are wholly focused on our own business and on executing the plans we defined," Deutsche Bank’s CFO James von Moltke commented.