From: ian.tomes@gmail.com
Newsgroups: uk.finance
Subject: Re: First Direct has started the ball rolling
Date: 16 Nov 2006 15:32:36 -0800
   posting-account=gTalSQ0AAAClKf7DPaFkfrkl-PWIXinG

For info, from HSBC Holdings plc Interim Report 2006 (www.hsbc.com)

For the half year to 30 June 2006 total group profit before tax was
$12517m, of which $3600m originated from European business (28.8%), of
this $2347m was from the UK (65%), of which $629m resulted from serving
personal customers with requirements of less than =A31m (26.8%).

So as a total figure $629m over $12517m means that UK personal
customers represented 5.0% of pre tax profit for the period.

So 5% is the so called 'secret figure' you're looking for...

Ian



linkuk wrote:
> > I was wrong.HSBC made 6.6billion on a 6 month period. FD is part of hsb=
c=2E
> > they are not alone of course as all the banks make a fortune in profits
> > which helps fill the treasury coffers with taxes and why we shouldnt ho=
ld
> > our breath for the government to try and change anything.
> > I dont know what the tax would be on 13 billion but it would be sorely
> > missed and perhaps mp's expenses might evev have to be reduced.
> > But then against this isnt alice in wonderland.
>
> What % of profits come from personal banking...?
>
> The banks never give the figures, they just say "of course most profits c=
ome
> from our overseas operations".
> If they have no conscience they would issue them.
> It might be 51% overseas and 49% personal in which case they would "only"=
 be
> making a mere =A36.5billions a year.
> If you have the actual figures and show them here and the sources i would
> certainly consider changing my mind about banks.
> When a bank makes 13 billion profit every year it still take some justify=
ing
> to charge the least well off on the pretence that its to get rid of dorma=
nt
> account but im happy to listen to the figures.