The first half of 2008 has seen Lloyds TSB profits fall 70 percent compared with the same period last year, at GBP599 million.
The biggest cause of the reduced profit figures was a devaluation of the banks assets thanks to the global economic downturn. Taking this factor out of the equation Lloyds TSB has actually performed very well, especially in the retail banking sector. On this basis they actually increased their shareholder dividend, putting it up by 2 percent to 11.4 pence per share.
A Lloyds TSB spokesman, discussing the results, said that the bank was not directly associated with the American sub-prime market that collapsed so spectacularly and so has been quite well sheltered. The actual performance of the bank when their asset devaluations are removed has been an increase in pre tax profit of 11 percent, something that bodes very well for the future.
The annual survey carried out by the Natwest Bank claims that over 40 percent of the 750,000 undergraduates will be working part time during the forthcoming academic year.
The study, called the Natwest Student Living Index, also concluded that working students will earn approximately GBP2 billion over the year, a substantial sum by anyones calculation. The reality of student life is that they have to take on a part time job in order to have enough money to get by.
The Natwest Bank survey is also helpful for students considering where to study as it highlights the best places money wise. Plymouth is deemed to be the best place to be a student where money is concerned, while Exeter is seen as the most expensive.
The Legal and General is reporting that economic indicators are flagging up a 95 percent chance of economic slowdown and subsequent recession.
According to an analyst at the company these indicators are even more pronounced than in 2001, the last time the UK economy fell upon hard times. This time the country is even more reliant on borrowing and the criteria for lending money is tighter than before. It has also been said that, even if access to credit becomes easier the startlingly fast rise in the price of fuel will keep the pressure on consumers and the economy.
The Legal and General analysts are factoring in the global slowdown that is needed, saying that countries such as the UK and USA will be hardest hit. All in all these look like trying times for the economy and consumers.
