HSBC reported a 23 percent increase in first-half profit, exceeding analysts' expectations. The bank also raised its cost-savings target and announced a new 1 billion dollar share buyback programme.

The buy-back was announced after HSBC’s second-quarter pre-tax profit rose 60 per cent to US$10.15 billion, beating analysts’ estimate of US$9.5 billion.

The buy-back was announced after HSBC’s second-quarter pre-tax profit rose 60 per cent to US$10.15 billion, beating analysts’ estimate of US$9.5 billion.

Net new inflows reached $64bn with most assets sourced from the region