What does the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) measure?

The capital adequacy ratio (CAR) measures a bank's capital relative to its risk-weighted assets, which is crucial for assessing the bank's financial stability and its ability to absorb potential losses. This ratio is a key metric for regulators and financial analysts, as it ensures that a bank has enough capital to cover its risks and adhere to regulatory requirements.

A higher CAR indicates that a bank is better positioned to withstand financial difficulties, ensuring that it can meet its obligations even during times of economic stress. It essentially reflects the level of risk a bank can take on with its existing capital base, highlighting how well-capitalized the bank is to support its lending activities while maintaining a cushion against potential defaults on loans.

The other options refer to different financial metrics: the interest margin on loans relates to the profitability from lending activities, the liquidity ratio of current assets measures the bank's ability to meet short-term obligations, and profitability of bank investments assesses returns on various investments. None of these options connect directly to the core purpose of measuring a bank’s capital in relation to its risk, which is the primary focus of the capital adequacy ratio.