Europe’s biggest bank beats forecasts despite $5 billion charges

HSBC Holdings (HSBA.L) lifted a key earnings target after its annual profit beat expectations, a decision which reflects that most of the bank’s planned overhaul has now been completed and further growth is in its sights. Buffeted by $4.9 billion in one-off charges, Europe’s largest lender’s pretax profit slipped 7 per cent to $29.9 billion […]