The figure was in line with Abbey’s own forecasts and analysts predictions but the bank said losses on asset disposals and bad loans had dented its bottom line.
Following the shock resignation of chief executive officer, Ian Harley last week, Abbey’s shares still climbed to 664.5p this morning when the market opened.
Abbey National has suffered after lending money to troubled US corporations including bankrupt energy giant Enron and ailing industrial conglomerate Tyco.
