Barclays profit up to almost £3bn

Profits at Barclays' investment banking arm doubled Barclays has announced an 8% rise in first-half profits, boosted by its investment banking division.

Pre-tax profits for the first six months came in at £2.98bn ($5bn), although this was slightly below analysts' forecasts.

Its investment bank Barclays Capital saw profits double to more than £1bn, having picked up some still-successful operations from Lehman Brothers.

But profits at Barclays' UK retail banking arm more than halved.

Profits at Barclays' investment banking arm doubled