NatWest and Lloyds tipped to lead as UK banks enter Q1 results

NatWest Group PLC (LSE:NWG), Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LSE:LLOY) and Barclays PLC (LSE:BARC) are expected to anchor a steady set of first-quarter results from the UK banking sector at the end of April, with analysts expecting steady earnings but a sharper focus on the outlook. Income is set to remain supported by higher interest rates, with RBC Capital Markets noting that recent moves in swap rates should “result in higher structural hedge income”, as markets have moved to factor in a potentially longer pause from the Bank of England due to inflation worries stemming from the war in Iran.