Lloyds flags strong start to 2026 and sticks to full-year guidance

Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LSE:LLOY) reported strong growth in first-quarter profit as higher income and improved margins met slightly lower costs. The UK lender posted statutory profit before tax of £2.0 billion for the three months to 31 March 2026, up 2% from the final quarter of last year and 33% from the first quarter.