Overview
- Lloyds Banking Group's pre-tax profits fell to £1.6 billion from £2.3 billion in the same period last year, marking a 28% decrease.
- The decline in profits was driven by a 10% drop in net interest income due to competitive pressures in both the mortgage and savings markets.
- Despite the profit drop, Lloyds maintains a positive outlook, forecasting a 1.5% rise in house prices and steady economic growth for 2024.
- The bank has set aside £57 million for bad debt provisions, significantly lower than the previous year's £243 million, reflecting an improved economic forecast.
- Lloyds faces ongoing scrutiny from the Financial Conduct Authority regarding potential overcharges in its car loan division.