The Guardian: Lloyds profits fall as it prepares for mortgage arrears jump amid rising rates

Lloyds, which is UK’s largest mortgage lender and owns Halifax, said pre-tax profits fell to £1.6bn in the second quarter. That marked a drop from £2.3bn a year earlier, and was slightly slower than average analyst estimates for £1.7bn.

While the bank’s net interest margin – which accounts for the difference between what is charged for loans and mortgages and what is paid out for savers – was broadly flat at £3.5bn, the bank’s profits were hit by its predictions for the British economy.

The lender said that although its own economists were expecting “stronger” GDP growth compared with six months ago, that was offset by fears that higher interest rates would lead to “increased losses”. It put aside £419m to cushion the blow of any defaults, where mortgage or loan borrowers fall behind, or potentially default, on their payments.

However, Lloyds, which is considered a bellwether for the UK economy, said its “asset quality remains resilient and the portfolio is well positioned in the context of cost of living pressures”.

Some homeowners who are already being squeezed by food and fuel costs and have had to renew their mortgages, have seen payments soar after 13 consecutive interest rate rises by the Bank of England, where policymakers have been trying to get soaring inflation under control.

Lloyds’ chief executive, Charlie Nunn, said: “We know that rising interest rates, cost of living pressures and an uncertain economic outlook are proving challenging for many people and businesses.”

However, he said the bank, which “delivered a robust financial performance in the first half of the year”, was “fully focused on proactively supporting our customers and helping them navigate the current environment”.