RBS retains earnings focus despite Amro distraction

Royal Bank of Scotland today said earnings in the first half of the year were rising “slightly” higher than expected in a sign that it is business as usual for the group despite its tense takeover battle for Dutch rival ABN Amro.

Strong performances in corporate and retail banking and a tight control on costs had driven “profitable organic growth” in the year so far, according to the NatWest parent group.