HSBC reports a 23% increase in first-half profit to $19.5 billion (£19.5 billion as reported by some outlets). Multiple sources say the higher earnings are driven by growth in banking net interest income and higher fee and other income, with support from wealth management and insurance businesses in Hong Kong. Following the results, HSBC resumes share buybacks. The bank declares it will buy back up to $1 billion of shares, which several outlets describe as a restart of buybacks. HSBC also announces a dividend of $0.10 per share, according to one report. Financial Times and other outlets link the improvement to performance in parts of HSBC’s wealth-related operations in Hong Kong, alongside broader income gains. Overall, the coverage focuses on the same sequence: stronger first-half profits, the bank’s explanation for the profit increase, and the subsequent shareholder return measures—both the cash dividend and the planned repurchase program.