The decline in profitability has affected the investment of SMEs

The 2008 crisis dealt a severe blow to SMEs, and they are still struggling to get back to the growth rates seen before the global turmoil. After improving slightly between 2010 and 2011, profit margins have since deteriorated again, placing a drag on investment. Nonetheless, since 2010, SMEs have managed to strengthen their financial structure and increase their levels of shareholders’ equity.