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HSBC profits rise despite drop in revenues HSBC profits rise despite drop in revenues
(35 minutes later)
HSBC has seen profits rise in the first half of the year despite a drop in revenues as it streamlined its business and cut operating costs. HSBC has seen profits rise in the first half of the year, despite a drop in revenues, as it streamlined its business and cut operating costs.
Pre-tax profit at the bank rose 10% to $14.1bn (£9.2bn), despite a 7% drop in revenues to just under $35bn.Pre-tax profit at the bank rose 10% to $14.1bn (£9.2bn), despite a 7% drop in revenues to just under $35bn.
The bank said it had shaved 8% from its costs, helped by the sale of non-core businesses. The bank shaved 13% from its operating costs, helped by the sale of non-core businesses and lower bad debts.
"We have successfully progressed the repositioning of the business," said chief executive Stuart Gulliver."We have successfully progressed the repositioning of the business," said chief executive Stuart Gulliver.
HSBC is aiming to streamline the bank's operations by focusing on high-growth markets in Asia. The firm, which makes an estimated 90% of its profits outside the UK, said it had closed or sold 11 non-core businesses since the start of the year.
In total, it has sold or closed 54 businesses since 2011.
The profit was slightly below analysts' expectations and the shares fell more than 3% after the results were issued.
HSBC was boosted by a 35% drop in loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions, compared with the same period last year.
"These results confirm the value which is being delivered from the continuing reshaping of the group and enforcing appropriate cost discipline," added Mr Gulliver.
HSBC said that despite the slower worldwide economic growth currently, it was "well positioned" to take advantage, once it picked up.