Lloyds Bank H1 profits jump 23pc, Shell Q2 profits more than double

Lloyds Bank reported a 23% jump in half-year profits and held its annual guidance, driven by higher net interest income and announcing a £1bn share buyback. Pre-tax profit rose to £4.3bn for the six months ended 30 June, helped by higher total income and controlled costs, though operating lease depreciation and impairment charges increased. Shell launched a $3bn share buyback after more than doubling second-quarter profits, citing soaring oil prices and record upstream production levels in Brazil. Shell’s adjusted earnings were $9.84bn for the three months ended 30 June. Rolls-Royce also delivered strong first-half results, raising full-year guidance as underlying operating profits climbed 46% to £2.5bn in the period ended 30 June, with free cash flow up to £2.0bn.