Swai, Tobias A.Lwiza, Daudi R.Ndanshau, Michael O.2019-03-112019-03-112016-10http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11810/5099This study examined the portfolio behaviour of commercial banks in Tanzania by using panel financial data of 14 banks from 1998 to 2010 on a quarterly basis, making 52 quarters and 728 observations. The sampled banks had more than 85% of the total commercial banks assets on average for the time of study. The study objectives were to analyze the portfolio behaviours of commercial banks in Tanzania with respect to the size of the bank and ownership. Financial statements data was collected from quarterly mandatory publication of the bank data for the individual banks and were analysed based on an ordinary least squares model. Findings revealed that banks do hold their portfolios with very little differentiation amongst themselves which indicates that there is little or same innovation patterns. The assets allocation is more with the loan products and investment in government securities. Large banks and foreign banks enjoy returns from the interbank lending due to their relatively large capital and assets base. The study calls for innovation, organizational learning and specialization of banks, and more oversights on the foreign bank entry as well as for the large banks.enCommercial BanksPortfolio BehaviourForeign BanksBank SizeBank OwnershipJournal Article