Finance

NatWest Encouraged by UK Economy Outlook After Earnings Beat

CEO Thwaite sees some sectors growing, challenges in leisure
Bank expects bad loans to stay below 20 basis points this year

The Natwest Group headquarters in London.Photographer: Jason Alden/Bloomberg

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By Marion Dakers and Anna Edwards

February 14, 2025 at 2:20 AM EST

Updated on

February 14, 2025 at 3:25 AM EST

NatWest Group Plc’s customers are continuing to borrow and repay even as the UK economy shows some signs of strain, helping the lender beat earnings estimates for 2024.

The bank reported an annual pretax operating profit of £6.2 billion ($7.8 billion), a rise of 0.3% compared to the prior year and ahead the £6.1 billion in analyst estimates compiled by Bloomberg.