HSBC shares tumble after 'messy' update as Iran war blots copybook

HSBC Holdings PLC (LSE:HSBA) shares fell 5.4% to 1,286p in early trading in London on Tuesday after the biggest lender in Europe was forced into making heavier credit losses than expected due to the war in the Middle East.  Pre-tax profit of $9.37 billion was down from $9.48 billion a year earlier and below the $9.59 billion average analyst forecast.