FORM 6-K SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Report of Foreign Private Issuer Pursuant to Rule 13a - 16 or 15d - 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 For the month of July 2006 HSBC Holdings plc 42nd Floor, 8 Canada Square, London E14 5HQ, England (Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F). Form 20-F X Form 40-F ...... (Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934). Yes....... No X (If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82- ..............) THE HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION LIMITED 2006 INTERIM CONSOLIDATED RESULTS - HIGHLIGHTS - Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions up 15.0 per cent to HK$44,353 million (HK$38,576 million in the first half of 2005; up 14.8 per cent from HK$38,646 million in the second half of last year). - Pre-tax profit up 5.6 per cent to HK$25,516 million (HK$24,163 million in the first half of 2005; up 21.0 per cent from HK$21,086 million in the second half of last year). - Attributable profit up 5.2 per cent to HK$18,471 million (HK$17,564 million in the first half of 2005; up 20.7 per cent from HK$15,309 million in the second half of last year). - Return on average shareholders' funds of 34.9 per cent (39.7 per cent and 35.2 per cent in the first and second half of 2005 respectively). - Assets up 8.4 per cent to HK$2,898 billion (HK$2,673 billion at the end of 2005); risk-weighted assets up 5.4 per cent to HK$1,306 billion (HK$1,238 billion at 31 December 2005). - Total capital ratio of 13.1 per cent; tier 1 capital ratio of 12.1 per cent (12.4 per cent and 11.7 per cent at 31 December 2005). - Cost efficiency ratio of 39.4 per cent (38.4 per cent and 44.0 per cent for the first and second half of 2005 respectively). Within this document, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China has been referred to as 'Hong Kong'. Comment by Vincent Cheng, Chairman In the first half of 2006, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation reported solid results and continued to invest in the growth of its businesses both in Hong Kong and the rest of the Asia-Pacific region. Supported by a strong economy in Hong Kong, deepening links with mainland China, and generally favourable conditions in other parts of Asia, the group increased marketing activity and the recruitment of customer-facing staff to grow market share and customer penetration in its major businesses. The exceptions to this generally benign environment were deteriorating personal credit conditions in Taiwan and Indonesia. Net operating income before loan impairment charges was HK$44,353 million, an increase of HK$5,777 million, or 15.0 per cent, compared with the first half of 2005, and HK$5,707 million, or 14.8 per cent, higher than the second half of 2005. Net interest income benefited from rising interest rates that led to wider deposit spreads and an increase in demand for deposit and savings products in both Hong Kong and the rest of Asia-Pacific. Personal Financial Services' net operating income before loan impairment charges rose 14.2 per cent to HK$21,967 million compared with the same period in 2005. Net operating income before loan impairment charges in the second half of 2005 was 7.1 per cent higher. Mortgage market share increased significantly after an effective marketing campaign that focused on simplified and transparent pricing by the bank in Hong Kong. There was also increased mortgage lending in Singapore, Taiwan, India and Korea. Supported by increased investment in marketing, the number of cards in the region exceeded 9 million. Buoyant stock markets and favourable economic conditions in Hong Kong and many parts of the region drove demand for wealth management products. Commercial Banking's net operating income before loan impairment charges rose 22.3 per cent to HK$9,254 million compared with the first half of 2005, and by HK$459 million, or 5.2 per cent, compared with the second half of 2005. In Hong Kong, there was strong demand for credit in the property and Mainland manufacturing sectors. Insurance revenues continued to grow following the establishment of a dedicated commercial banking insurance division. In the rest of Asia-Pacific, corporate lending and trade finance grew strongly in India and asset spreads improved. Liability spreads improved across the region. Net operating income before loan impairment charges in Corporate, Investment Banking and Markets increased by 5.0 per cent to HK$12,513 million compared with the first half of 2005, and by 20.7 per cent, or HK$2,146 million, compared with the second half. Net interest income fell by HK$1,017 million, compared with the first half of 2005. In Global Markets, balance sheet management revenues declined as the cost of funding fixed rate asset positions, entered into in earlier periods, rose significantly. Flat yield curves made it difficult to generate income through position-taking. This was partially offset by a strong performance in Global Transactional Banking (trade services, payments and cash management and securities services). Fee income from asset management rose by 79.9 per cent, reflecting higher fund advisory and distribution fees. Foreign exchange profits were higher as currency volatility provided trading opportunities. Customer volumes increased in India, Korea and Taiwan. Our commercial and personal insurance businesses continued to make significant progress across the region. We continued to invest in our China businesses where there was strong growth in both our branch operations and investments. Net operating income before loan impairment charges in the first half of 2006 was 45.1 per cent higher than in the first half of 2005, at HK$1,155 million. Income from our investments was 44.0 per cent higher, at HK$1,283 million. The group's operating profit was HK$24,281 million, an increase of HK$1,038 million, or 4.5 per cent, compared with the first half of 2005, and an increase of HK$4,180 million, or 20.8 per cent, compared with the second half. In Hong Kong, a modest loan impairment charge for personal lending contrasted with net releases in the first half of 2005 and was offset by a reduction in charges in commercial lending. In the rest of Asia-Pacific, loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions were impacted by the deteriorating personal credit environment in Taiwan and Indonesia. In both Hong Kong and the rest of Asia-Pacific, costs increased to continue business expansion. The recruitment of customer-facing staff and investment in IT resources rose in all three of our major businesses. Marketing costs were higher in both Personal Financial Services and Commercial Banking. We will continue to identify opportunities for growing our business in the region. The regional economy is likely to benefit from robust external demand, although the pace of growth will be somewhat slower than in the first half due to the impact of higher interest rates and oil prices. Domestic demand in Asia remains buoyant and could help mitigate any slowdown in external demand such as a possible slowdown in the US economy. Results by Customer Group Corporate, Investment Personal Banking Financial Commercial and Private Figures in HK$m Services Banking Markets Banking Other Total Half-year ended 30JUN06 Net interest income 14,403 6,458 4,017 39 (1,327) 23,590 Net fee income 5,177 2,445 3,511 33 (252) 10,914 Net trading income 459 386 4,587 6 (976) 4,462 Net income/(loss) from financial instruments designated at fair value 63 (319) 18 - 266 28 Gains less losses from financial investments 84 (1) 195 - 872 1,150 Dividend income 3 2 23 - 563 591 Net earned insurance premiums 10,413 437 62 - - 10,912 Other operating income 836 71 148 7 1,388 2,450 Total operating income 31,438 9,479 12,561 85 534 54,097 Net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholder liabilities (9,471) (225) (48) - - (9,744) Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 21,967 9,254 12,513 85 534 44,353 Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions (2,480) (258) 155 - - (2,583) Net operating income 19,487 8,996 12,668 85 534 41,770 Operating expenses (9,046) (3,011) (5,222) (81) (129) (17,489) Operating profit 10,441 5,985 7,446 4 405 24,281 Share of profit in associates 116 723 296 - 100 1,235 Profit before tax 10,557 6,708 7,742 4 505 25,516 Share of profit before tax 41.4% 26.3% 30.3% - 2.0% 100.0% Advances to customers (net) 448,553 253,528 323,275 3,264 15,744 1,044,364 Customer accounts 1,042,668 375,923 388,996 7,139 3,542 1,818,268 Half-year ended 30JUN05 Net interest income 12,819 5,062 5,034 29 (1,534) 21,410 Net fee income 4,152 2,207 2,452 29 34 8,874 Net trading income 449 276 3,701 3 (233) 4,196 Net income/(loss) from financial instruments designated at fair value 163 (342) 152 - (29) (56) Gains less losses from financial investments 3 23 (35) - 356 347 Dividend income 3 2 106 - 138 249 Net earned insurance premiums 6,546 356 73 - - 6,975 Other operating income 1,028 150 472 7 1,063 2,720 Total operating income 25,163 7,734 11,955 68 (205) 44,715 Net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholder liabilities (5,932) (168) (39) - - (6,139) Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 19,231 7,566 11,916 68 (205) 38,576 Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions (60) (510) 54 - - (516) Net operating income 19,171 7,056 11,970 68 (205) 38,060 Operating expenses (7,912) (2,560) (4,701) (52) 408 (14,817) Operating profit 11,259 4,496 7,269 16 203 23,243 Share of profit in associates 93 566 231 - 30 920 Profit before tax 11,352 5,062 7,500 16 233 24,163 Share of profit before tax 47.0% 21.0% 31.0% - 1.0% 100.0% Advances to customers (net) 418,884 235,856 300,955 3,551 14,391 973,637 Customer accounts 992,860 336,228 334,524 6,234 1,587 1,671,433 Half-year ended 31DEC05 Net interest income 13,982 6,027 3,691 34 (1,653) 22,081 Net fee income 3,898 2,317 2,936 26 46 9,223 Trading income 234 362 3,514 7 (1,133) 2,984 Net income/(loss) from financial instruments designated at fair value 503 (306) (30) - 273 440 Gains less losses from financial investments (3) - 54 - 358 409 Dividend income 2 12 61 - 44 119 Net earned insurance premiums 11,891 400 74 - - 12,365 Other operating income 956 145 100 6 970 2,177 Total operating income 31,463 8,957 10,400 73 (1,095) 49,798 Net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholder liabilities (10,957) (162) (33) - - (11,152) Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 20,506 8,795 10,367 73 (1,095) 38,646 Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions (1,284) (386) 111 - 11 (1,548) Net operating income 19,222 8,409 10,478 73 (1,084) 37,098 Operating expenses (9,020) (2,864) (4,941) (61) (111) (16,997) Operating profit 10,202 5,545 5,537 12 (1,195) 20,101 Share of profit in associates 86 524 215 - 160 985 Profit before tax 10,288 6,069 5,752 12 (1,035) 21,086 Share of profit before tax 48.8% 28.8% 27.3% - (4.9%) 100.0% Advances to customers (net) 436,676 235,675 309,092 3,230 14,653 999,326 Customer accounts 984,734 374,370 366,752 7,405 1,849 1,735,110 Personal Financial Services reported profit before tax of HK$10,557 million, a decrease of 7.0 per cent over the first half of 2005 as strong growth in operating income of 14.2 per cent was offset by higher credit card impairment allowances in Taiwan and Indonesia, and investment expenditure in the rest of Asia-Pacific. Net interest income increased by HK$1,584 million, or 12.4 per cent, compared with the first half of 2005. In Hong Kong, net interest income rose by HK$967 million, or 9.9 per cent, as effective management of deposit pricing amid the continued trend of rising interest rates resulted in a further widening of liability spreads. The local mortgage market remained highly competitive as sales volumes in the housing market slowed, but a significant increase in market share of new business was achieved, largely as a result of a simplified pricing campaign launched by the bank in Hong Kong in the first quarter of 2006. Credit card lending in Hong Kong grew, but net interest income fell as the benefit of higher receivables was more than offset by a rise in funding costs. Average customer deposit balances remained flat, reflecting a competitive market and customer preference for investment in unit trusts and structured deposit products. In the rest of Asia-Pacific, net interest income rose by HK$617 million, or 20.2 per cent, reflecting strong balance sheet growth across the region. The deposit base expanded in a number of countries, particularly Singapore, mainland China and Indonesia, reflecting a more focused strategy on HSBC Premier customers, and deposit spreads improved on the back of higher interest rates. Mortgage lending increased in Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and India, led by competitive pricing and increased marketing activity. These volume benefits were, however, partly offset by lower spreads resulting from higher funding costs and reduced yields. Interest earned on credit cards was higher in the Philippines, Indonesia and India, reflecting growth in receivables, but spreads narrowed in the face of increased funding costs. Income from personal instalment loans rose, notably in India, Korea and Indonesia, following the successful launch of these products in mid-2005. Net fee income of HK$5,177 million was 24.7 per cent higher than the first half of 2005, driven by increased stock market activity in Hong Kong and the region and greater demand for wealth management products. While the investment environment proved volatile, the group continued to develop and market a diversified wealth management product set to suit a variety of customer appetites in changing markets. In Hong Kong, fee income was up by HK$637 million, or 20.8 per cent. Fee income from stockbroking and custody services rose by 88.7 per cent, as transaction volumes were higher reflecting buoyant stock market conditions in the first quarter of 2006. Sales of unit trusts increased significantly as investors switched to equity-related products, encouraged by improved markets and the launch of new investment funds. In the rest of Asia-Pacific, fee income rose by 35.7 per cent on the back of strong demand for investment products in India, Singapore, Taiwan and Korea, with revenue from wealth management sales in the region increasing by HK$193 million, or 41.8 per cent. Fee income from credit cards was HK$313 million, or 25.3 per cent, higher than the first half of 2005 as the group strengthened its position as the largest card issuer in Hong Kong, with 4.4 million cards in force. In the rest of Asia-Pacific, particularly India and the Philippines, expansion of the cards business continued. This was supported by extensive marketing campaigns and sales efforts, resulting in a rise of 19.6 per cent in the number of cards to a total of 5.0 million issued, as well as a 17.3 per cent increase in cardholder spending. Insurance income rose by 27.1 per cent, with continued focus on the development of the group's retirement planning proposition and supported by increased levels of marketing activity. Sales of other life assurance products also grew and revenues from general insurance, particularly medical, travel and home insurance increased. Gains from financial investments principally comprise profit realised from the partial disposal of an operational investment. The charge for loan impairment increased by HK$2,420 million to HK$2,480 million, primarily attributable to higher credit card delinquency levels in Taiwan and Indonesia. Delinquency rates and write-offs rose in Taiwan as a result of government measures to control excessive consumer credit growth. Indonesia has been affected by higher minimum repayment rules, coupled with a hefty reduction in the government subsidy of fuel prices. Volume growth in personal lending and credit card receivables also contributed to the increased charge. The prior period benefited from non-recurring releases of provisions against mortgage lending and restructured facilities in Hong Kong. Operating expenses were HK$1,134 million, or 14.3 per cent, higher than in the first half of 2005, principally driven by continued investment to develop and expand the business in the rest of the Asia-Pacific region. Compared with the second half of 2005, however, expenses were flat. In Hong Kong, operating expenses rose by 7.5 per cent, largely in relation to a major credit card marketing campaign and headcount growth in customer-facing roles. Technology costs were also higher, reflecting investment in customer portfolio management systems and the enhancement of channel capabilities. In the rest of Asia-Pacific, costs increased by HK$779 million, or 24.4 per cent, notably in India and Korea, as the group continued to pursue organic growth in the region. Headcount rose by 30.7 per cent as sales and support functions were expanded, and premises costs rose as new branches were opened in Korea, India, and mainland China. Higher marketing costs were incurred to drive sales and promote the HSBC brand, with specific campaigns targeted to increase customer numbers and raise market share in credit cards, mortgages and personal loans, and to attract new deposits. In addition, costs were incurred in the start-up of the consumer finance business in the region. Income from associates of HK$116 million includes improved results from Bank of Communications and Industrial Bank. Commercial Banking reported profit before tax of HK$6,708 million, an increase of 32.5 per cent over the first half of 2005, driven by improved deposit spreads and balance sheet growth. Operating profit, excluding loan impairment charges, grew by 22.2 per cent in Hong Kong to HK$4,873 million, and in the rest of Asia-Pacific by 34.4 per cent to HK$1,370 million. Net interest income increased by HK$1,396 million, or 27.6 per cent, compared with the first half of 2005. This reflected growth in average advances and deposits as well as improvements in deposit spreads following further rises in interest rates this year. In Hong Kong, net interest income rose by HK$941 million, or 24.2 per cent, as strong demand for credit continued in the property sector and from manufacturers with operations on the Mainland, but lending margins were compressed due to keen market competition. Liability balances increased, reflecting the active promotion of the 'BusinessVantage' account in Hong Kong and the widening of deposit spreads. Emphasis on the small and medium-sized enterprises ('SME') segment was strengthened with the opening of new dedicated SME centres, more relationship managers and the launch of a new criteria-based lending programme. Cross-border relationships continue to be developed. A new dedicated Taiwan team was set up to pursue business growth from the Taiwanese segment in Hong Kong and mainland China, and the alignment of resources to support customer needs in mainland China led to an increase in inter-office referrals. In the rest of Asia-Pacific, net interest income grew by 38.5 per cent. In India, corporate lending and trade finance grew strongly and asset spreads improved, and in Singapore continued effort was made to gain new customers and deepen relationships with existing customers in the mid-market and SME segments. Liability spreads improved across the region. The deposit base expanded in various countries, particularly in India due to the receipt of IPO funds and in Singapore which benefited from the introduction of new distribution channels and marketing campaigns. In addition, the offshore business in Mauritius performed well. Net fee income rose by HK$238 million, or 10.8 per cent, largely attributable to higher fees from account services and remittances, particularly in Hong Kong as a result of the successful marketing of new payment services, and in India where the SME business was repositioned to focus on the provision of transactional banking services. Credit card fee income grew as the number of merchant relationships increased. Income from sales of foreign exchange products increased by 39.9 per cent, benefiting from an increase in cross-border remittances. Fees from trade services were marginally higher as increases in India, Bangladesh and Indonesia were offset by lower revenues in Hong Kong due to intense market competition. Income from the sale of wealth management products in Hong Kong fell in line with a shift in market demand away from guaranteed funds to shorter-term deposit products. Insurance revenues, particularly from life insurance products, continued to grow following the establishment of a dedicated commercial banking insurance division last year. Income increased by 56.1 per cent. The charge for loan impairment was HK$252 million lower than the first half of 2005, reflecting a decrease in new specific provisions in Hong Kong, although new charges in mainland China were higher. Credit quality generally remained stable elsewhere in the region, despite the more volatile external environment in which interest rates and commodity prices have continued to rise. Operating expenses increased by 17.6 per cent over the first half of 2005, as the number of sales and back-office staff increased in support of SME initiatives, insurance business expansion and product development. Expenditure increased on marketing campaigns to win new business and increase market penetration. Ongoing investment in the development and promotion of internet banking and other lower-cost delivery channels also incurred higher IT and infrastructure costs. Business Internet Banking in Hong Kong continued to show impressive growth and was enhanced to support sales of unit trusts and structured deposits. User numbers increased by over 40 per cent and the proportion of online transactions grew by 56 per cent. Staff costs and marketing expenditure rose in Korea and mainland China in order to develop our commercial banking business in these countries. Income from associates of HK$723 million includes improved results from Bank of Communications and Industrial Bank. Corporate, Investment Banking and Markets reported profit before tax of HK$7,742 million, 3.2 per cent higher than the first half of 2005. An excellent performance in Global Transaction Banking and strong trading profits were largely offset by a decline in net interest income in Global Markets. Net interest income fell by HK$1,017 million, or 20.2 per cent, compared with the first half of 2005. In Global Markets, balance sheet management revenues declined as the cost of funding fixed rate asset positions, put on in earlier periods, rose significantly. In addition, flat yield curves made it difficult to generate income through position-taking. These asset positions had, however, largely run off by the period end. Net interest income in Global Transaction Banking increased by 90.3 per cent, notably in Hong Kong and India, as deposit spreads improved as a result of interest rate rises across the region, coupled with business growth. Deposit balances grew by 27.9 per cent as the payments and cash management business successfully completed the implementation of several cross-border cash management solutions. The securities services business performed well, particularly in India, Taiwan and Korea and settlement balances increased due to higher stock market transaction volumes, which were in part boosted by a rise in foreign investment. Trade finance revenues grew, notably in Japan and Korea. Net interest income from corporate lending was flat as the benefit of balance sheet growth in Hong Kong was offset by competitive pressures on spreads. Strong growth in advances to corporates in mainland China was achieved, reflecting investment made in expanding customer relationships and inflow of business into the group's new branches on the Mainland. Net fee income increased by HK$1,059 million, or 43.2 per cent. The securities services business continued to broaden capabilities across the region. Volumes benefited from buoyant local stock markets in the first quarter, particularly in Hong Kong, India and Korea, resulting in a rise in fee income of 60.2 per cent. Fee income from the asset management business increased by 79.9 per cent, reflecting higher fund advisory and distribution fees and growth in funds under management. The investment banking division arranged a number of structured finance transactions in Hong Kong, but underwriting income was lower as adverse market sentiment in Hong Kong in the second quarter of 2006 caused the postponement of several local IPOs. Net trading income rose by 23.9 per cent to HK$4,587 million. Foreign exchange profits were higher as currency volatility provided good trading opportunities and customer volumes increased in India, Korea and Taiwan, which also benefited from inward foreign investment in the local stock markets. Expansion of the product range in the equities and equity derivatives business, together with more active stock markets, produced strong trading results. However, the stock market decline late in the period did have some negative impact in reducing the flow of deals. Good positioning for interest rate rises resulted in strong gains in interest rate derivatives and government securities trading. Private equity investments also performed strongly. However, corporate bond trading in Hong Kong was adversely affected by lower turnover of fixed rate products in the rising rate environment and price falls in emerging markets securities. Gains on the disposal of financial investments largely comprised profits made on the sale of Philippine government securities. There was a net release of loan impairment provisions of HK$155 million, compared with a release of HK$54 million in the first half of 2005, as the corporate credit environment throughout the region remained benign. Operating expenses increased by 11.1 per cent compared with the first half of 2005, reflecting headcount increases and IT investment to support business expansion in all areas and higher performance-related remuneration in the investment banking division and in Global Markets. The transfer of HSBC Securities Japan to the group in the second quarter of 2005 also contributed to the increase in expenses as a full period of costs was reflected this year. Cost growth has slowed, however, as total expenses were 5.7 per cent up compared to the second half of 2005. Income from associates of HK$296 million includes improved results from Bank of Communications and Industrial Bank. Other includes income and expenses relating to certain funding, investment, property and other activities that are not allocated to other customer groups, together with the elimination of inter-segment transactions. Gains from financial investments largely comprise profit on the disposal of part of the group's stake in UTI Bank, and other operating income includes profits made on property sales. These gains were partially offset by lower revaluation gains on investment property. Consolidated Income Statement Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended Figures in HK$m 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 Interest income 53,745 35,859 44,340 Interest expense (30,155) (14,449) (22,259) Net interest income 23,590 21,410 22,081 Fee income 13,185 10,579 11,092 Fee expense (2,271) (1,705) (1,869) Net fee income 10,914 8,874 9,223 Net trading income 4,462 4,196 2,984 Net income/(loss) from financial instruments designated at fair value 28 (56) 440 Gains less losses from financial investments 1,150 347 409 Dividend income 591 249 119 Net earned insurance premiums 10,912 6,975 12,365 Other operating income 2,450 2,720 2,177 Total operating income 54,097 44,715 49,798 Net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholder liabilities (9,744) (6,139) (11,152) Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 44,353 38,576 38,646 Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions (2,583) (516) (1,548) Net operating income 41,770 38,060 37,098 Employee compensation and benefits (10,109) (8,425) (9,311) General and administrative expenses (6,317) (5,402) (6,693) Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (934) (927) (898) Amortisation of intangible assets (129) (63) (95) Total operating expenses (17,489) (14,817) (16,997) Operating profit 24,281 23,243 20,101 Share of profit in associates 1,235 920 985 Profit before tax 25,516 24,163 21,086 Tax expense (4,569) (4,248) (3,803) Profit for the period 20,947 19,915 17,283 Attributable to shareholders 18,471 17,564 15,309 Attributable to minority interests 2,476 2,351 1,974 Consolidated Balance Sheet At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Figures in HK$m restated ASSETS Cash and short-term funds 563,169 493,159 502,730 Placings with banks maturing after one month 113,890 94,560 69,554 Items in the course of collection from other banks 34,247 37,980 17,782 Certificates of deposit 62,182 55,427 53,831 Hong Kong SAR Government certificates of indebtedness 97,774 94,804 97,344 Trading assets 216,433 159,447 215,681 Financial assets designated at fair value 38,379 35,647 37,073 Derivatives 93,118 77,137 72,039 Advances to customers 1,044,364 973,637 999,326 Financial investments 427,326 410,442 394,497 Amounts due from fellow subsidiaries 84,472 67,243 101,173 Investments in associates 24,733 20,508 23,061 Goodwill and intangible assets 8,371 6,222 7,252 Property, plant and equipment 28,893 28,685 29,805 Deferred tax assets 1,426 1,238 1,272 Retirement benefit assets 1,641 1,229 1,788 Other assets 57,407 22,031 48,324 Total assets 2,897,825 2,579,396 2,672,532 LIABILITIES Hong Kong SAR currency notes in circulation 97,774 94,804 97,344 Deposits by banks 108,416 115,254 83,802 Customer accounts 1,818,268 1,671,433 1,735,110 Items in the course of transmission to other banks 43,273 44,578 20,927 Trading liabilities 270,742 218,652 250,198 Financial liabilities designated at fair value 33,975 31,567 33,291 Derivatives 95,505 75,929 72,009 Debt securities in issue 65,605 59,600 61,468 Retirement benefit liabilities 415 359 394 Amounts due to fellow subsidiaries 31,130 23,367 22,275 Amounts due to ultimate holding company 2,649 748 2,502 Other liabilities 48,833 20,802 46,628 Liabilities under insurance contracts issued 50,517 32,525 41,845 Current taxation 3,834 4,085 2,044 Deferred taxation 4,055 3,032 3,729 Subordinated liabilities 17,038 12,569 12,561 Preference shares 72,104 62,978 71,980 Total liabilities 2,764,133 2,472,282 2,558,107 EQUITY Share capital 22,494 22,494 22,494 Other reserves 14,002 4,745 6,037 Retained profits 73,791 57,583 64,303 Proposed dividend 5,500 6,000 4,500 Shareholders' funds 115,787 90,822 97,334 Minority interests 17,905 16,292 17,091 133,692 107,114 114,425 Total equity and liabilities 2,897,825 2,579,396 2,672,532 Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 Figures in HK$m restated Called up share capital 22,494 22,494 22,494 Property revaluation reserves Balance at the beginning of the period 4,082 3,065 3,847 Unrealised surplus on revaluation 1,253 1,360 693 Transfer of depreciation from retained profits (100) (78) (95) Transfer from/(to) retained profits - 164 (164) Realisation on disposal of properties (447) (441) (82) Deferred tax and other movements (106) (223) (117) Share of associates' unrealised surplus on revaluation 103 - - Balance at the end of the period 4,785 3,847 4,082 Other reserves Balance at the beginning of the period 1,955 4,297 898 Available-for-sale investments: Fair value gains/(losses) taken to equity 5,533 (836) (481) Transfer to income statement on disposal (1,081) (312) (275) Transfer to income statement on change in fair value of hedged items 574 310 673 Deferred tax and other movements 187 97 (91) Share of associates' available-for-sale reserves 106 (111) 668 Cash flow hedges: Fair value gains/(losses) taken to equity 58 (2,588) 66 Transfer to income statement 859 - 538 Deferred tax and other movements (143) 456 (114) Exchange differences arising on monetary items that form part of a net investment in a foreign operation 852 (540) ( 250) Employees' options granted cost free by ultimate holding company 334 125 182 Exchange and other movements (17) - 141 Balance at the end of the period 9,217 898 1,955 Retained profits Balance at the beginning of the period 64,303 50,445 57,583 Profit for the period attributable to shareholders 18,471 17,564 15,309 Dividends (9,257) (10,600) (9,700) Transfer of depreciation to property revaluation reserve 100 78 95 Transfer to property revaluation reserve - (164) 164 Realisation on disposal of properties 447 441 82 Actuarial (losses)/gains on defined benefit plans (280) (168) 241 Deferred tax and other movements 7 (13) 529 Balance at the end of the period 73,791 57,583 64,303 Dividend declared but not yet approved 5,500 6,000 4,500 Changes in equity attributable to minority interests Balance at the beginning of the period 17,091 16,658 16,292 Profit attributable to minority interests 2,476 2,351 1,974 Dividends (2,248) (2,374) (1,609) Increase in stake and other movements 586 (343) 434 Balance at the end of the period 17,905 16,292 17,091 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Half-year ended Half-year ended Figures in HK$m 30JUN06 30JUN05 Operating activities Cash generated from operations 118,945 2,921 Interest received on financial investments 9,095 6,313 Dividends received on financial investments 206 228 Dividends received from associates 33 22 Taxation paid (2,019) (1,971) Net cash inflow from operating activities 126,260 7,513 Investing activities Purchase of financial investments (201,753) (140,786) Proceeds from sale or redemption of financial investments 174,201 153,904 Purchase of property, plant and equipment (568) (634) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 707 837 Purchase of other intangibles (532) - Net cash outflow in respect of acquisition of and increased shareholding in subsidiary companies - (1,247) Net cash inflow in respect of sale of subsidiary companies - 323 Net cash outflow in respect of purchase of interest in associates - (1,166) Net cash (outflow)/inflow from investing activities (27,945) 11,231 Net cash inflow before financing 98,315 18,744 Financing Issue of cumulative irredeemable preference shares - 7,376 Increase in non-equity minority interests 322 - Issue of subordinated liabilities 4,485 2,392 Ordinary dividends paid (8,257) (9,400) Dividends paid to minority interests (3,043) (3,160) Interest paid on preference shares (1,856) - Interest paid on loan capital (383) (213) Net cash outflow from financing (8,732) (3,005) Increase in cash and cash equivalents 89,583 15,739 1. Net interest income Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended Figures in HK$m 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 Net interest income 23,590 21,410 22,081 Average interest-earning assets 2,179,207 2,008,241 2,054,010 Net interest spread 1.76% 1.95% 1.83% Net interest margin 2.18% 2.15% 2.13% Net interest income of HK$23,590 million was HK$2,180 million, or 10.2 per cent, higher than the first half of 2005. The contribution from balance sheet growth and improved deposit spreads throughout the region was partially offset by significantly lower balance sheet management income which was impacted by higher funding costs and flat yield curves. Net interest income in Personal Financial Services rose by HK$1,584 million, or 12.4 per cent, partly due to improved liability spreads earned in the higher interest rate environment, coupled with strong growth in the deposit base outside of Hong Kong. Lending growth also contributed to the increase in interest income, particularly personal loans in India, Korea and Indonesia, credit cards in the Philippines, Indonesia and India, and mortgages in Taiwan and Singapore. Net interest income in Commercial Banking was HK$1,396 million, or 27.6 per cent, ahead of the prior period due to balance sheet growth, notably in Hong Kong, India and Singapore, and improved deposit spreads. In Corporate, Investment Banking and Markets, net interest income from Global Transaction Banking increased significantly, due to higher deposit balances and spreads, notably in Hong Kong and India. Average interest earning assets rose by HK$171.0 billion, or 8.5 per cent, to HK$2,179.2 billion. Average advances to customers grew by HK$77.1 billion, or 8.1 per cent, with strong increases in corporate loans in Hong Kong, mainland China, India and Singapore, and rises in mortgage lending in Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and India. Average credit card balances rose in all areas, notably Hong Kong and Indonesia, and personal instalment loans grew, most significantly in Korea. Average placements with banks were HK$28.1 billion higher, and holdings of available-for-sale securities rose by HK$18.9 billion, reflecting the deployment of the commercial surplus. Lending to fellow HSBC subsidiaries increased by HK$35.3 billion. The group's net interest margin of 2.18 per cent for the first half of 2006 was three basis points higher than the comparable period in 2005. Net interest spread declined by 19 basis points, while the contribution from net free funds increased by 22 basis points. The reduction in balance sheet management income negatively affected net interest margin by 26 basis points when compared to the first half of 2005. For the bank in Hong Kong, net interest margin decreased by 16 basis points to 2.08 per cent for the first half of 2006. Spread fell by 29 basis points, primarily due to the negative impact of lower balance sheet management income as fixed rate asset positions faced an increase in funding costs. Spreads on mortgages and credit cards were also impacted by a higher cost of funds, and competitive pressures on pricing affected corporate lending margins. The average yield on the residential mortgage portfolio, excluding Government Home Ownership Scheme ('GHOS') and staff loans, dropped slightly to 234 basis points below Best Lending Rate ('BLR') in the first half of 2006, compared with 233 basis points below BLR in the same period last year. The contribution from net free funds increased by 13 basis points due to the increase in market interest rates. At Hang Seng Bank, net interest margin improved by 24 basis points as the increase in contribution from net free funds outweighed the fall in spread. Net interest spread declined by 17 basis points as returns on treasury products were affected by rising funding costs and flat yield curves, and spreads narrowed on non-BLR corporate and personal loans due to competitive pressures on pricing. The average yield on the residential mortgage portfolio, excluding GHOS and staff loans, was 228 basis points below BLR for the first half of 2006, compared with 223 basis points for the same period last year. The contribution from net free funds increased by 41 basis points, benefiting from the rise in market interest rates and from higher balances of structured deposits which are classified as trading liabilities, the related interest expense being included within 'net trading income'. In the rest of Asia-Pacific, net interest margin at 2.15 per cent was 15 basis points higher than the first half of 2005. Spread decreased by 10 basis points to 1.76 per cent. All major sites faced an increase in funding costs due to higher interest rates across the region. This was coupled with competitive pressures on mortgage lending rates in Korea, Taiwan and Australia, and lower yields on credit card advances in Taiwan and Indonesia. Margins did rise, however, in several other countries, notably in India due to an increase in higher-yielding personal loans and credit cards, favourable pricing on commercial banking loans, and a rise in low cost current account balances from custody and clearing customers. In addition, margins were higher in mainland China from higher spreads on corporate lending as deposit rate rises lagged lending rate increases, and in Singapore due to rises in mortgage lending rates. The contribution from net free funds rose by 25 basis points, benefiting from higher market interest rates. 2. Net fee income Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended Figures in HK$m 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 Account services 709 642 672 Credit facilities 640 584 575 Import/export 1,400 1,345 1,432 Remittances 684 591 657 Securities/stockbroking 2,572 1,595 1,807 Cards 2,348 2,027 2,204 Insurance 154 161 119 Unit trusts 1,227 959 668 Funds under management 1,658 1,017 1,216 Other 1,793 1,658 1,742 Fee income 13,185 10,579 11,092 Fee expense (2,271) (1,705) (1,869) 10,914 8,874 9,223 Net fee income was HK$2,040 million, or 23.0 per cent, higher than the first half of 2005. Securities broking and custody fees rose by 61.3 per cent, reflecting higher stock market turnover in Hong Kong and the region. The buoyant stock markets which prevailed throughout most of the period also stimulated customer demand for unit trusts. Funds under management increased, in part due to institutional business transferred from another HSBC Group entity in the second quarter of 2005. Related fee income also includes significant fund advisory and performance fees, reflecting the success of certain emerging markets funds. Credit card fees rose by 15.8 per cent due to the increase in the number of cards in circulation and higher cardholder spending. Trade finance income, although higher, was affected by tougher market competition, whilst remittance and other account fees grew, reflecting the group's strong transactional capabilities. 3. Net trading income Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended Figures in HK$m 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 Dealing profits 4,947 4,721 3,839 Gain/(loss) from hedging activities 8 (11) 10 Net interest expense (605) (568) (916) Dividend income 112 54 51 4,462 4,196 2,984 Trading income rose by 6.3 per cent to HK$4,462 million. Foreign exchange profits benefited from exchange rate volatility, coupled with higher customer volumes as foreign investors sought to participate in local stock markets. Revenues grew strongly in the equities and equity derivatives business due to an expanded product range and more active stock markets in the first few months of the year. Strong gains were also made on the revaluation of private equity investments. Interest rate derivatives and government securities trading achieved good results, profiting from correct positioning for interest rate rises. The rising rate environment, however, negatively impacted corporate bond trading, and the increase in structured deposit products resulted in higher interest expense. 4. Gains less losses from financial investments Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended Figures in HK$m 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 Profit on disposal of available-for-sale securities 1,236 348 414 Impairment losses on available-for-sale securities (86) (1) (5) 1,150 347 409 The profit on the disposal of available-for-sale securities largely comprises the gain on the sale of part of the group's stake in UTI Bank, reducing the group's interest to 4.99 per cent. Profits were also made on the sale of Philippine government securities. An impairment charge was taken against an available-for-sale equity investment in Taiwan. 5. Other operating income Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended Figures in HK$m 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 Rental income from investment properties 109 104 111 Movement in present value of in-force insurance business 632 490 695 Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment 448 19 85 Profit/(loss) on disposal of subsidiaries and associates - 58 (5) Surplus arising on property revaluation 337 1,038 499 Other 924 1,011 792 2,450 2,720 2,177 Profit on the disposal of property, plant and equipment principally comprises the gain made on the disposal of a commercial property in Hong Kong. The surplus arising on property revaluation was lower due to a slowdown in property price rises in Hong Kong. 6. Insurance income Included in the consolidated income statement are the following revenues earned by the group's insurance business: Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended Figures in HK$m 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 Net interest income 1,074 771 944 Net fee income 299 222 262 Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value (255) (57) 73 Gains less losses from financial investments 29 29 24 Dividend income - 1 1 Net earned insurance premiums 10,912 6,975 12,365 Movement in present value of in-force business 632 490 695 Other operating income 41 80 10 12,732 8,511 14,374 Net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholder liabilities (9,744) (6,139) (11,152) Net operating income 2,988 2,372 3,222 Premium income rose by HK$3,937 million, or 56.4 per cent, over the first half of 2005, primarily attributable to growth in the life assurance business in Hong Kong. The product range was expanded with the launch of new retirement and other investment-linked products. Investment income was higher, reflecting the growing portfolio size and higher interest yields. The movement in the present value of in-force business increased due to the rise in the number of life policies in force. Claims and movement in policyholder liabilities comprise returns owed to investment policyholders as well as general insurance claims. The increase is largely in line with the rise in premium income. 7. Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended Figures in HK$m 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 Net charge for impairment of customer advances - Individually assessed impairment allowances: New allowances 815 1,222 905 Releases (553) (1,249) (506) Recoveries (133) (161) (106) 129 (188) 293 - Net charge for collectively assessed impairment allowances 2,434 706 1,255 - Country risk allowances (3) (8) 10 2,560 510 1,558 Net charge/(release) of other credit risk provisions 23 6 (10) Net charge for loan impairment and other credit risk provisions 2,583 516 1,548 The net charge for loan impairment and other credit risk provisions was HK$2,067 million higher than in the first half of 2005. The environment for corporate credit remained stable in contrast to more difficult credit conditions for personal lending in some parts of the region. The charge for new individually assessed allowances was lower, attributable to a decrease in charges against corporate lending, as the prior period included a significant one-time charge. Releases and recoveries were also lower, largely relating to corporates in Hong Kong, mainland China and India, and against mortgage lending in Hong Kong. The net charge for collectively assessed allowances rose significantly, due to higher provisions against credit card lending, most notably in Taiwan and Indonesia. Delinquency rates and write-offs rose in Taiwan as a result of government measures to curb excessive consumer credit growth. These included increasing the minimum monthly repayment amount while at the same time introducing a debt renegotiation scheme which offers extended repayment periods at substantially reduced rates. Indonesia was also affected by higher minimum repayment rules, coupled with rises in inflation largely as a result of the reduction of government fuel price subsidies. 8. Employee compensation and benefits Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended Figures in HK$m 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 Wages and salaries 6,852 5,949 6,362 Performance-related pay 2,655 1,933 2,184 Social security costs 143 109 129 Retirement benefit costs 459 434 636 10,109 8,425 9,311 Staff numbers by region^ At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Hong Kong 25,655 24,240 24,842 Rest of Asia-Pacific 29,052 22,942 25,956 Americas/Europe 17 16 18 Total 54,724 47,198 50,816 ^ Full-time equivalent Staff costs increased by HK$1,684 million, or 20.0 per cent, compared with the first half of 2005. Salaries rose by 15.2 per cent in line with increases in headcount throughout the region. Staff numbers rose in all customer groups, notably in Personal Financial Services in Hong Kong, India, Indonesia and Korea, in Commercial Banking in Hong Kong, mainland China, Indonesia and Korea, and in Corporate, Investment Banking and Markets in Hong Kong, India, mainland China and Korea due to expansion of the payments and cash management and securities businesses. Headcount in the Group Service Centre in Guangdong rose by more than 1,300 in order to support the expansion in processing work. Performance-related remuneration increased in line with improved operating revenues. 9. General and administrative expenses Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended Figures in HK$m 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 Premises and equipment - Rental expenses 756 627 672 - Other premises and equipment 1,124 855 1,234 1,880 1,482 1,906 Marketing and advertising expenses 1,395 1,039 1,801 Other administrative expenses 3,039 2,677 2,877 Litigation and other provisions 3 204 109 6,317 5,402 6,693 The increase in general and administrative expenses of HK$915 million, or 16.9 per cent, reflected additional costs incurred in business expansion throughout the region. Premises and equipment costs rose, in part due to new branch openings in several countries. Technology costs also increased, reflecting ongoing investment in new systems and channel development. Marketing and advertising expenditure was higher in Hong Kong, India, Korea and mainland China, and comprised specific product campaigns and other drives to increase brand awareness. 10. Share of profit in associates Share of profit in associates in the first half of 2006 included the group's share of post-tax profits from Bank of Communications and Industrial Bank, and amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition, for the six months to 31 March 2006. 11. Taxation The charge for taxation in the consolidated income statement comprises: Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended Figures in HK$m 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 Current income tax - Hong Kong profits tax 2,797 2,663 2,311 - Overseas taxation 1,709 1,300 1,298 Deferred taxation 63 285 194 4,569 4,248 3,803 The effective rate of tax for the first half of 2006 was 17.9 per cent, compared with 17.6 per cent for the first half of 2005. The increase was attributable to a higher proportion of the group's taxable profits being generated in higher tax rate jurisdictions and a rise in interest payable on preference shares for which no tax relief is available. It was partially offset by certain tax-free gains on the disposal of financial investments. 12. Dividends Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended 30JUN06 30JUN005 31DEC05 HK$ HK$m HK$ HK$m HK$ HK$m per per per share share share Dividends on ordinary share capital - Paid 0.42 3,757 0.51 4,600 0.58 5,200 - Proposed 0.61 5,500 0.67 6,000 0.50 4,500 1.03 9,257 1.18 10,600 1.08 9,700 13. Trading assets Figures in HK$m At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Debt securities 109,842 117,682 108,687 Equity shares 16,133 5,860 22,677 Treasury bills 78,291 34,979 69,880 Other 12,167 926 14,437 216,433 159,447 215,681 14. Financial assets designated at fair value Figures in HK$m At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Debt securities 15,289 15,884 15,070 Equity shares 21,304 15,524 18,320 Treasury bills - 34 94 Other 1,786 4,205 3,589 38,379 35,647 37,073 Financial assets designated at fair value largely comprise investments held by the group's insurance companies. 15. Advances to customers Figures in HK$m At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Gross advances to customers 1,051,435 980,912 1,005,902 Impairment allowances: - Individually assessed (2,578) (4,114) (2,963) - Collectively assessed (4,483) (3,158) (3,600) - Country risk (10) (3) (13) (7,071) (7,275) (6,576) 1,044,364 973,637 999,326 Allowances as a percentage of gross advances to customers: Individually assessed 0.25% 0.42% 0.29% Collectively assessed 0.43% 0.32% 0.36% Country risk - - - Total allowances 0.68% 0.74% 0.65% 16. Impairment allowances against advances to customers Individually Collectively Country assessed assessed risk Figures in HK$m allowances allowances allowances Total At 1 January 2006 2,963 3,600 13 6,576 Amounts written off (618) (1,808) - (2,426) Recoveries of advances written off in previous years 133 219 - 352 Net charge/(release) to income (Note 7) 129 2,434 (3) 2,560 Unwinding of discount of loan impairment (41) (11) - (52) Exchange and other adjustments 12 49 - 61 At 30JUN06 2,578 4,483 10 7,071 17. Impaired advances to customers and allowances The geographical information shown below, and in notes 18, 19, 21 and 23, has been classified by location of the principal operations of the subsidiary company or, in the case of the bank, by location of the branch responsible for advancing the funds. Rest of Americas/ Figures in HK$m Hong Kong Asia-Pacific Europe Total Half-year ended 30JUN06 Impairment charge 514 2,046 - 2,560 At 30JUN06 Advances to customers which are considered to be impaired are as follows: Gross impaired advances 3,918 4,306 - 8,224 Individually assessed allowances (1,275) (1,303) - (2,578) 2,643 3,003 - 5,646 Individually assessed allowances as a percentage of gross impaired advances 32.5% 30.3% - 31.3% Gross impaired advances as a percentage of gross advances to customers 0.6% 1.1% - 0.8% Impaired advances to customers are those advances where objective evidence exists that full repayment of principal or interest is considered unlikely. Individually assessed allowances are made after taking into account the value of collateral held in respect of such advances. Half-year ended 30JUN05 Impairment charge/(release) 455 67 (12) 510 At 30JUN05 Advances to customers which are considered to be impaired are as follows: Gross impaired advances 5,436 3,438 - 8,874 Individually assessed allowances (2,230) (1,884) - (4,114) 3,206 1,554 - 4,760 Individually assessed allowances as a percentage of gross impaired advances 41.0% 54.8% - 46.4% Gross impaired advances as a percentage of gross advances to customers 0.9% 0.9% - 0.9% Half-year ended 31DEC05 Impairment charge 701 857 - 1,558 At 31DEC05 Advances to customers which are considered to be impaired are as follows: Gross impaired advances 3,920 3,079 - 6,999 Individually assessed allowances (1,335) (1,628) - (2,963) 2,585 1,451 - 4,036 Individually assessed allowances as a percentage of gross impaired advances 34.1% 52.9% - 42.3% Gross impaired advances as a percentage of gross advances to customers 0.6% 0.8% - 0.7% 18. Overdue advances to customers Rest of Americas/ Figures in HK$m Hong Kong Asia-Pacific Europe Total At 30JUN06 Gross advances to customers which have been overdue with respect to either principal or interest for periods of: - three to six months 1,158 1,299 - 2,457 - six months to one year 750 403 - 1,153 - over one year 1,008 1,020 - 2,028 2,916 2,722 - 5,638 Overdue advances to customers as a percentage of gross advances to customers: - three to six months 0.2% 0.3% - 0.2% - six months to one year 0.1% 0.1% - 0.1% - over one year 0.2% 0.3% - 0.2% 0.5% 0.7% - 0.5% At 30JUN05 Gross advances to customers which have been overdue with respect to either principal or interest for periods of: - three to six months 814 886 - 1,700 - six months to one year 307 379 - 686 - over one year 1,546 1,272 - 2,818 2,667 2,537 - 5,204 Overdue advances to customers as a percentage of gross advances to customers: - three to six months 0.1% 0.2% - 0.2% - six months to one year 0.1% 0.1% - 0.1% - over one year 0.2% 0.4% - 0.2% 0.4% 0.7% - 0.5% At 31DEC05 Gross advances to customers which have been overdue with respect to either principal or interest for periods of: - three to six months 1,073 891 - 1,964 - six months to one year 272 430 - 702 - over one year 1,053 1,071 - 2,124 2,398 2,392 - 4,790 Overdue advances to customers as a percentage of gross advances to customers: - three to six months 0.2% 0.2% - 0.2% - six months to one year - 0.1% - 0.1% - over one year 0.2% 0.3% - 0.2% 0.4% 0.6% - 0.5% 19. Rescheduled advances to customers Rest of Americas/ Figures in HK$m Hong Kong Asia-Pacific Europe Total At 30JUN06 Rescheduled advances to customers 2,016 1,862 - 3,878 Rescheduled advances to customers as a percentage of gross advances to customers 0.3% 0.5% - 0.4% At 30JUN05 Rescheduled advances to customers 2,327 552 - 2,879 Rescheduled advances to customers as a percentage of gross advances to customers 0.4% 0.1% - 0.3% At 31DEC05 Rescheduled advances to customers 1,941 623 - 2,564 Rescheduled advances to customers as a percentage of gross advances to customers 0.3% 0.2% - 0.3% Rescheduled advances are those advances which have been restructured or renegotiated because of a deterioration in the financial position of the borrower, or because of the inability of the borrower to meet the original repayment schedule. Rescheduled advances to customers are stated net of any advances which have subsequently become overdue for over three months and which are included in overdue advances to customers (Note 18). 20. Repossessed assets Figures in HK$m At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Repossessed assets 480 403 478 Repossessed assets are non-financial assets acquired in exchange for loans in order to achieve an orderly realisation, and are included in 'Other assets' at the lower of fair value (less costs to sell) and the carrying amount of the loan (net of any impairment allowance). 21. Analysis of advances to customers based on categories used by the HSBC Group The following analysis of advances to customers is based on categories used by the HSBC Group, including The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited and its subsidiaries, for risk management purposes. Rest of Americas/ Figures in HK$m Hong Kong Asia-Pacific Europe Total At 30JUN06 Residential mortgages 188,585 122,572 4 311,161 Hong Kong SAR Government's Home Ownership Scheme, Private Sector Participation Scheme and Tenants Purchase Scheme mortgages 33,863 - - 33,863 Credit card advances 26,524 17,957 - 44,481 Other personal 29,138 32,388 1 61,527 Total personal 278,110 172,917 5 451,032 Commercial, industrial and international trade 138,577 122,447 - 261,024 Commercial real estate 103,403 35,462 - 138,865 Other property-related lending 47,777 13,746 - 61,523 Government 3,247 7,557 - 10,804 Other commercial 49,325 40,088 - 89,413 Total corporate and commercial 342,329 219,300 - 561,629 Non-bank financial institutions 19,363 11,263 - 30,626 Settlement accounts 6,197 1,951 - 8,148 Total financial 25,560 13,214 - 38,774 Gross advances to customers 645,999 405,431 5 1,051,435 Impairment allowances (3,039) (4,032) - (7,071) Net advances to customers 642,960 401,399 5 1,044,364 At 30JUN05 Residential mortgages 184,740 108,582 3 293,325 Hong Kong SAR Government's Home Ownership Scheme, Private Sector Participation Scheme and Tenants Purchase Scheme mortgages 39,131 - - 39,131 Credit card advances 22,205 14,467 - 36,672 Other personal 26,016 28,323 1 54,340 Total personal 272,092 151,372 4 423,468 Commercial, industrial and international trade 126,034 112,301 - 238,335 Commercial real estate 80,473 29,560 - 110,033 Other property-related lending 47,560 15,426 - 62,986 Government 3,349 9,309 - 12,658 Other commercial 57,113 36,308 - 93,421 Total corporate and commercial 314,529 202,904 - 517,433 Non-bank financial institutions 13,381 19,828 - 33,209 Settlement accounts 3,358 3,444 - 6,802 Total financial 16,739 23,272 - 40,011 Gross advances to customers 603,360 377,548 4 980,912 Impairment allowances (3,871) (3,404) - (7,275) Net advances to customers 599,489 374,144 4 973,637 At 31DEC05 Residential mortgages 182,257 117,211 4 299,472 Hong Kong SAR Government's Home Ownership Scheme, Private Sector Participation Scheme and Tenants Purchase Scheme mortgages 36,291 - - 36,291 Credit card advances 29,882 16,539 - 46,421 Other personal 27,480 31,316 1 58,797 Total personal 275,910 165,066 5 440,981 Commercial, industrial and international trade 129,774 110,668 - 240,442 Commercial real estate 97,364 32,615 - 129,979 Other property-related lending 47,661 17,340 - 65,001 Government 2,347 5,891 - 8,238 Other commercial 53,681 37,851 - 91,532 Total corporate and commercial 330,827 204,365 - 535,192 Non-bank financial institutions 15,246 11,987 - 27,233 Settlement accounts 2,173 323 - 2,496 Total financial 17,419 12,310 - 29,729 Gross advances to customers 624,156 381,741 5 1,005,902 Impairment allowances (3,092) (3,484) - (6,576) Net advances to customers 621,064 378,257 5 999,326 Net advances to customers increased by HK$45.0 billion, or 4.5 per cent, since the end of 2005. Net advances in Hong Kong grew by HK$21.9 billion, or 3.5 per cent, since the end of 2005. Excluding the impact of lending under the Government Home Ownership Scheme which remained suspended, mortgage lending rose by 3.5 per cent due to the successful launch of HSBC's simplified pricing campaign. Credit card advances dropped back from seasonally high balances at the end of December which were inflated by personal tax payments. Corporate and commercial lending increased, buoyed by demand for credit in the manufacturing and property sectors, although lending to large corporations declined. In the rest of Asia-Pacific, net advances rose by HK$23.1 billion, or 6.1 per cent, since the end of 2005. Mortgage balances grew by 4.6 per cent with increases in Taiwan, India and Australia. Credit card advances increased by 8.6 per cent, mainly in Australia, India, Thailand, the Philippines and Sri Lanka. Lending to corporate and commercial customers rose by HK$14.9 billion, largely in mainland China, Australia, Japan, India and Mauritius. 22. Analysis of advances to customers by geographical area according to the location of counterparties, after risk transfer Rest of Americas/ Figures in HK$m Hong Kong Asia-Pacific Europe Others Total At 30JUN06 Gross advances to customers 581,542 378,801 83,748 7,344 1,051,435 Overdue advances to customers 2,782 2,551 305 - 5,638 At 30JUN05 Gross advances to customers 550,724 357,221 63,356 9,611 980,912 Overdue advances to customers 2,865 2,269 69 1 5,204 At 31DEC05 Gross advances to customers 570,329 354,626 73,959 6,988 1,005,902 Overdue advances to customers 2,337 2,222 223 8 4,790 23. Analysis of advances to customers by industry sector based on categories and definitions used by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority ('HKMA') The following analysis of advances to customers is based on the categories contained in the 'Quarterly Analysis of Loans and Advances and Provisions' return required to be submitted to the HKMA by branches of the bank and by banking subsidiary companies in Hong Kong. Figures in HK$m At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Gross advances to customers for use in Hong Kong Industrial, commercial and financial Property development 43,643 37,417 41,141 Property investment 107,883 92,976 104,214 Financial concerns 10,410 13,704 12,667 Stockbrokers 776 983 1,094 Wholesale and retail trade 35,315 34,679 34,256 Manufacturing 18,283 18,588 17,847 Transport and transport equipment 29,878 33,145 31,202 Others 43,868 47,570 44,697 290,056 279,062 287,118 Individuals Advances for the purchase of flats under the Hong Kong SAR Government's Home Ownership Scheme, Private Sector Participation and Tenants Purchase Scheme 33,863 39,131 36,291 Advances for the purchase of other residential properties 170,374 168,042 165,148 Credit card advances 26,524 22,205 29,882 Others 24,776 22,557 23,826 255,537 251,935 255,147 Gross advances to customers for use in Hong Kong 545,593 530,997 542,265 Trade finance 55,639 54,439 49,902 Gross advances to customers for use outside Hong Kong made by branches of the bank and subsidiary companies in Hong Kong 44,767 17,924 31,989 Gross advances to customers made by branches of the bank and subsidiary companies in Hong Kong 645,999 603,360 624,156 Gross advances to customers made by branches of the bank and subsidiary companies outside Hong Kong - Rest of Asia-Pacific 405,431 377,548 381,741 - Americas/Europe 5 4 5 Gross advances to customers 1,051,435 980,912 1,005,902 24. Cross-border exposure The country risk exposures in the tables below are prepared in accordance with the HKMA Return of External Positions Part II: Cross-Border Claims (MA(BS)9) guidelines. Cross-border claims are on-balance sheet exposures to counterparties based on the location of the counterparties after taking into account the transfer of risk. The tables show claims on individual countries and territories or areas, after risk transfer, amounting to 10 per cent or more of the aggregate cross-border claims. Cross-border risk is controlled centrally through a well-developed system of country limits and is frequently reviewed to avoid concentration of transfer, economic or political risk. Banks and other Public financial sector Figures in HK$m institutions entities Other Total At 30JUN06 Americas United States 44,625 77,197 29,906 151,728 Other 41,320 7,775 49,033 98,128 85,945 84,972 78,939 249,856 Europe United Kingdom 113,869 14 24,447 138,330 Other 369,449 5,267 32,383 407,099 483,318 5,281 56,830 545,429 Asia-Pacific excluding Hong Kong 175,332 12,084 102,108 289,524 At 30 June 2005 Americas United States 51,906 75,139 28,191 155,236 Other 40,686 13,491 47,349 101,526 92,592 88,630 75,540 256,762 Europe United Kingdom 91,103 27 26,182 117,312 Other 335,154 3,746 21,533 360,433 426,257 3,773 47,715 477,745 Asia-Pacific excluding Hong Kong 159,828 12,047 97,209 269,084 At 31DEC05 Americas United States 38,673 72,477 34,515 145,665 Other 39,328 9,909 50,744 99,981 78,001 82,386 85,259 245,646 Europe United Kingdom 111,377 14 22,232 133,623 Other 338,060 5,842 39,509 383,411 449,437 5,856 61,741 517,034 Asia-Pacific excluding Hong Kong 154,135 33,897 108,476 296,508 25. Financial investments Figures in HK$m At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Debt securities - available-for-sale 375,115 379,876 350,624 - held-to-maturity 30,873 23,671 28,102 405,988 403,547 378,726 Equity shares - available-for-sale 21,338 6,895 15,771 427,326 410,442 394,497 26. Customer accounts Figures in HK$m At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Current accounts and demand deposits 969,450 959,723 925,008 Savings accounts 703,023 563,002 664,478 Other deposit accounts 145,795 148,708 145,624 1,818,268 1,671,433 1,735,110 Customer accounts increased by HK$83.2 billion, or 4.8 per cent, since the end of 2005. In Hong Kong, customer accounts rose by HK$42.2 billion, or 3.3 per cent, in the first half of 2006, largely from personal customers. In the rest of Asia-Pacific, customer accounts grew by HK$41.2 billion, or 9.0 per cent. Deposits from personal customers increased by 12.0 per cent, notably in Singapore, Australia, mainland China, Taiwan and Indonesia. Deposits from commercial and corporate customers rose by 7.6 per cent, with increases in Taiwan, Singapore, mainland China and India, attributable to expansion of the payment and cash management business and higher balances from securities custody and clearing customers. The group's advances-to-deposits ratio dropped slightly to 57.4 per cent at 30 June 2006 from 57.6 per cent at 31 December 2005. 27. Trading liabilities Figures in HK$m At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Certificates of deposit in issue 76,450 83,048 83,937 Other debt securities in issue 23,184 22,976 20,361 Short positions in securities 65,500 52,402 55,025 Deposits by banks 10,100 5,044 13,488 Customer accounts 95,508 55,182 77,387 270,742 218,652 250,198 Trading liabilities include customer deposits and certificates of deposit with embedded options or other derivatives, the market risk of which is managed in the trading book. The increase in customer accounts represents growth in structured deposit products in Hong Kong. 28. Financial liabilities designated at fair value Figures in HK$m At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Deposits by banks 371 - 360 Customer accounts 1,678 1,192 1,600 Subordinated liabilities 949 995 967 Liabilities to customers under investment contracts 30,977 29,380 30,364 33,975 31,567 33,291 29. Debt securities in issue Figures in HK$m At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Certificates of deposit 47,926 43,397 49,068 Other debt securities 17,679 16,203 12,400 65,605 59,600 61,468 30. Reserves At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Figures in HK$m restated Other reserves - Property revaluation reserve 4,785 3,847 4,082 - Available-for-sale investments reserve 8,218 2,399 2,899 - Cash flow hedge reserve (993) (2,248) (1,767) - Foreign exchange reserve 905 303 53 - Other 1,087 444 770 14,002 4,745 6,037 Retained profits 73,791 57,583 64,303 Total reserves 87,793 62,328 70,340 The property revaluation reserve includes an amount of HK$149 million in relation to properties classified as assets held for sale, included in 'Other assets' in the consolidated balance sheet, at 30 June 2006 (30 June 2005 and 31 December 2005: nil). 31. Contingent liabilities, commitments and derivatives Credit Risk- Contract equivalent weighted Figures in HK$m amount amount amount At 30JUN06 Contingent liabilities - Guarantees 90,745 66,286 54,298 - Other 32 32 32 90,777 66,318 54,330 Commitments - Documentary credits and short-term trade-related transactions 66,335 24,512 13,620 - Undrawn note issuing and revolving underwriting facilities 427 214 - - Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines and other commitments: - one year and over 89,723 44,861 39,771 - under one year 803,823 - - 960,308 69,587 53,391 Derivatives Exchange rate contracts - Spot and forward foreign exchange 3,246,950 43,787 11,447 - Other exchange rate contracts 1,111,295 51,188 15,497 4,358,245 94,975 26,944 Interest rate contracts - Interest rate swaps 5,551,438 70,576 18,506 - Other interest rate contracts 995,880 5,938 1,799 6,547,318 76,514 20,305 Forward asset purchases and forward forward deposits placed 4,971 4,971 1,682 Other derivative contracts 377,211 16,929 5,195 382,182 21,900 6,877 Impact of counterparty netting agreements on derivatives exposure - (68,506) (14,666) At 30JUN05 Contingent liabilities - Acceptances and endorsements 22,273 4,875 4,762 - Guarantees 157,375 134,910 48,035 - Other 40 40 40 179,688 139,825 52,837 Commitments - Documentary credits and short-term trade-related transactions 58,058 19,828 11,658 - Undrawn note issuing and revolving underwriting facilities 3,982 1,991 1,614 - Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines and other commitments: - one year and over 99,653 49,826 44,479 - under one year 715,575 - - 877,268 71,645 57,751 Derivatives Exchange rate contracts - Spot and forward foreign exchange 2,545,957 41,632 10,641 - Other exchange rate contracts 971,018 42,392 12,576 3,516,975 84,024 23,217 Interest rate contracts - Interest rate swaps 4,367,557 53,818 13,740 - Other interest rate contracts 679,471 5,560 1,714 5,047,028 59,378 15,454 Forward asset purchases and forward forward deposits placed 9,710 9,710 8,746 Other derivative contracts 163,291 8,805 3,116 173,001 18,515 11,862 Impact of counterparty netting agreements on derivatives exposure - (58,343) (12,693) At 31DEC05 Contingent liabilities - Guarantees 83,114 60,166 48,893 - Other 37 37 37 83,151 60,203 48,930 Commitments - Documentary credits and short-term trade-related transactions 55,402 20,650 10,905 - Undrawn note issuing and revolving underwriting facilities 3,249 1,625 975 - Undrawn formal standby facilities, credit lines and other commitments: - one year and over 97,207 48,604 41,115 - under one year 752,797 - - 908,655 70,879 52,995 Derivatives Exchange rate contracts - Spot and forward foreign exchange 2,536,795 36,655 9,753 - Other exchange rate contracts 884,046 41,124 12,481 3,420,841 77,779 22,234 Interest rate contracts - Interest rate swaps 4,775,236 55,580 14,442 - Other interest rate contracts 815,110 4,159 1,340 5,590,346 59,739 15,782 Forward asset purchases and forward forward deposits placed 1,849 1,849 775 Other derivative contracts 289,019 15,885 5,649 290,868 17,734 6,424 Impact of counterparty netting agreements on derivatives exposure - (55,354) (11,915) The tables above give the nominal contract amounts, credit equivalent amounts and risk-weighted amounts of contingent liabilities, commitments and derivatives. The credit equivalent amounts are calculated for the purposes of deriving the risk-weighted amounts. These are assessed in accordance with the Third Schedule of the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance on capital adequacy and depend on the status of the counterparty and maturity characteristics. The risk-weights used range from 0 per cent to 100 per cent for contingent liabilities and commitments, and from 0 per cent to 50 per cent for derivatives. Contingent liabilities and commitments are credit-related instruments. The contract amounts represent the amounts at risk should the contract be fully drawn upon and the client default. Since a significant portion of guarantees and commitments is expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total of the contract amounts is not representative of future liquidity requirements. Derivatives arise from futures, forward, swap and option transactions undertaken by the group in the foreign exchange, interest rate and equity, credit and commodity markets. The contract amounts of these instruments indicate the volume of transactions outstanding at the balance sheet date; they do not represent amounts at risk. Fair value of derivative assets Figures in HK$m At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Exchange rate contracts 38,552 35,368 31,074 Interest rate contracts 51,004 39,518 38,319 Other derivative contracts 3,562 2,251 2,646 93,118 77,137 72,039 Less: netting adjustments (42,248) (34,831) (32,038) 50,870 42,306 40,001 The fair value of derivative assets represents the mark-to-market amounts of all derivative contracts with a positive value. These assets arise from contracts with third parties and fellow subsidiaries and are included in the balance sheet as 'Derivatives'. Fair value is a close approximation of the credit risk for these contracts at the balance sheet date. The actual credit risk is measured internally as the sum of positive mark-to-market values and an estimate for the future fluctuation risk, using a future risk factor. The netting adjustments represent amounts where the group has in place legally enforceable rights of offset with individual counterparties to offset the gross amount of positive mark-to-market assets with any negative mark-to-market liabilities with the same customer. These offsets are recognised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in the calculation of risk assets for the capital adequacy ratio. 32. Foreign exchange exposure Foreign exchange exposures may be divided broadly into two categories: structural and non-structural. Structural exposures are normally long term in nature and include those arising from investments in overseas subsidiaries, branches, associates and strategic investments as well as capital instruments denominated in currencies other than Hong Kong dollars. Non-structural exposures arise primarily from trading positions and balance sheet management activities. Non-structural exposures can arise and change rapidly. Foreign currency exposures are managed in accordance with the group's risk management policies and procedures. The group had the following structural foreign currency exposures which exceeded 10 per cent of the net structural foreign currency exposure in all currencies: Figures in HK$m Net structural position At 30JUN06 Chinese renminbi 39,995 United States dollars 10,613 At 30JUN05 Chinese renminbi 21,128 Indian rupees 7,603 United States dollars 10,381 At 31DEC05 Chinese renminbi 32,510 Indian rupees 7,979 United States dollars 11,780 The increase in the Chinese renminbi structural position during the first half of 2006 was principally attributable to the rise in the market value of the group's shareholding in Ping An Insurance, while the Indian rupee exposure fell to below 10 per cent of the group's total foreign currency structural exposure following the disposal of shares in UTI Bank. The group had the following non-structural foreign currency positions which exceeded 10 per cent of the group's net foreign currency non-structural positions in all currencies: United States Singapore Brunei Figures in HK$m dollars dollars dollars At 30JUN06 Spot assets 1,144,826 105,727 6,359 Spot liabilities (1,119,320) (93,803) (14,929) Forward purchases 1,953,665 176,817 24,193 Forward sales (1,972,119) (180,365) (24,055) Net options position (1,170) - - 5,882 8,376 (8,432) At 30JUN05^ Spot assets 85,892 5,470 Spot liabilities (77,505) (16,318) Forward purchases 147,882 - Forward sales (145,643) - Net options position - - 10,626 (10,848) At 31DEC05 Spot assets 1,229,340 107,578 5,523 Spot liabilities (1,188,737) (90,549) (18,062) Forward purchases 1,507,086 157,007 43 Forward sales (1,558,902) (161,647) - Net options position 3,361 - - (7,852) 12,389 (12,496) ^ At 30 June 2005, the net US dollar non-structural position was less than 10 per cent of the group's total net position in all currencies, and is therefore not required to be disclosed. 33. Segmental analysis The allocation of earnings reflects the benefits of shareholders' funds to the extent that these are actually allocated to businesses in the segment by way of intra-group capital and funding structures. Common costs are included in segments on the basis of the actual recharges made. Geographical information has been classified by the location of the principal operations of the subsidiary company or, in the case of the bank, by the location of the branch responsible for reporting the results or advancing the funds. Due to the nature of the group structure, the analysis of profits shown below includes intra-group items between geographical regions. Income statement Rest of Americas/ Figures in HK$m Hong Kong Asia-Pacific Europe Total Half-year ended 30JUN06 Interest income 38,238 18,852 402 57,492 Interest expense (22,167) (11,378) (357) (33,902) Net interest income 16,071 7,474 45 23,590 Fee income 8,491 4,998 - 13,489 Fee expense (1,518) (1,051) (6) (2,575) Net trading income 1,816 2,660 (14) 4,462 Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value 64 (36) - 28 Gains less losses from financial investments 945 205 - 1,150 Dividend income 579 12 - 591 Net earned insurance premiums 10,218 694 - 10,912 Other operating income 3,183 511 12 3,706 Total operating income 39,849 15,467 37 55,353 Net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholder liabilities (9,253) (491) - (9,744) Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 30,596 14,976 37 45,609 Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions (544) (2,039) - (2,583) Net operating income 30,052 12,937 37 43,026 Operating expenses (10,762) (7,963) (20) (18,745) Operating profit 19,290 4,974 17 24,281 Share of profit in associates 81 1,154 - 1,235 Profit before tax 19,371 6,128 17 25,516 Tax expense (2,968) (1,591) (10) (4,569) Profit for the period 16,403 4,537 7 20,947 Attributable to shareholders 14,006 4,458 7 18,471 Attributable to minority interests 2,397 79 - 2,476 Half-year ended 30JUN05 Interest income 23,529 14,225 275 38,029 Interest expense (8,122) (8,366) (131) (16,619) Net interest income 15,407 5,859 144 21,410 Fee income 7,057 3,701 1 10,759 Fee expense (1,035) (845) (5) (1,885) Net trading income 2,381 1,928 (113) 4,196 Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value (163) 107 - (56) Gains less losses from financial investments 359 (12) - 347 Dividend income 223 26 - 249 Net earned insurance premiums 6,746 229 - 6,975 Other operating income 3,555 518 11 4,084 Total operating income 34,530 11,511 38 46,079 Net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholder liabilities (5,851) (288) - (6,139) Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 28,679 11,223 38 39,940 Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions (459) (69) 12 (516) Net operating income 28,220 11,154 50 39,424 Operating expenses (9,754) (6,406) (21) (16,181) Operating profit 18,466 4,748 29 23,243 Share of profit in associates 28 892 - 920 Profit before tax 18,494 5,640 29 24,163 Tax expense (2,873) (1,372) (3) (4,248) Profit for the period 15,621 4,268 26 19,915 Attributable to shareholders 13,342 4,196 26 17,564 Attributable to minority interests 2,279 72 - 2,351 Half-year ended 31DEC05 Interest income 31,610 15,388 254 47,252 Interest expense (16,027) (8,970) (174) (25,171) Net interest income 15,583 6,418 80 22,081 Fee income 7,180 4,220 1 11,401 Fee expense (1,217) (958) (3) (2,178) Net trading income 771 2,270 (57) 2,984 Net income from financial instruments designated at fair value 94 346 - 440 Gains less losses from financial investments 355 54 - 409 Dividend income 127 (8) - 119 Net earned insurance premiums 11,394 971 - 12,365 Other operating income 2,925 613 11 3,549 Total operating income 37,212 13,926 32 51,170 Net insurance claims incurred and movement in policyholder liabilities (10,151) (1,001) - (11,152) Net operating income before loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions 27,061 12,925 32 40,018 Loan impairment charges and other credit risk provisions (702) (846) - (1,548) Net operating income 26,359 12,079 32 38,470 Operating expenses (10,760) (7,592) (17) (18,369) Operating profit 15,599 4,487 15 20,101 Share of profit in associates 150 835 - 985 Profit before tax 15,749 5,322 15 21,086 Tax expense (2,538) (1,262) (3) (3,803) Profit for the period 13,211 4,060 12 17,283 Attributable to shareholders 11,302 3,995 12 15,309 Attributable to minority interests 1,909 65 - 1,974 Interest income and interest expense for the first half of 2006 include intra-group interest of HK$3,747 million (first half of 2005: HK$2,170 million; second half of 2005: HK$2,912 million). Fee income and fee expense for the first half of 2006 include intra-group fees of HK$304 million (first half of 2005: HK$180 million; second half of 2005: HK$309 million). Other operating income and operating expenses for the first half of 2006 include intra-group items of HK$1,256 million (first half of 2005: HK$1,364 million; second half of 2005: HK$1,372 million). 34. Capital adequacy The table below sets out an analysis of regulatory capital and capital adequacy ratios for the group: Figures in HK$m At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Composition of capital Tier 1: Shareholders' funds 115,787 93,216 97,334 Less: proposed dividend (5,500) (6,000) (4,500) property revaluation reserves^ (8,027) (7,158) (7,892) available-for-sale investments reserve^^ (8,198) (2,395) (3,051) classified as regulatory reserve^^^ (1,362) (1,017) (1,319) goodwill (3,865) (6,043) (3,784) others 989 2,244 1,769 Irredeemable non-cumulative preference shares 51,676 51,718 51,587 Minority interests^^^^ 16,172 14,666 14,808 Total qualifying tier 1 capital 157,672 139,231 144,952 Tier 2: Property revaluation reserves (@70%) 5,619 5,011 5,524 Available-for-sale investments reserves (@70%) 5,739 1,677 2,136 Collective impairment provision and regulatory reserve 6,038 4,351 5,112 Perpetual subordinated debt 9,352 9,404 9,359 Term subordinated debt 10,588 4,160 6,117 Term preference shares 3,884 3,887 3,877 Irredeemable cumulative preference shares 16,544 7,373 16,516 Total qualifying tier 2 capital 57,764 35,863 48,641 Deductions (44,987) (25,640) (39,528) Total capital 170,449 149,454 154,065 Risk-weighted assets 1,305,529 1,221,620 1,238,164 ^ Includes the revaluation surplus on investment properties which is reported as part of retained profits. ^^ Includes adjustments made in accordance with guidelines issued by the HKMA. ^^^ The regulatory reserve is maintained for satisfying the Banking Ordinance for prudential supervision. Movements in this reserve are made in consultation with the HKMA. ^^^^ After deduction of minority interests in unconsolidated subsidiary companies. The group's capital adequacy ratios adjusted for market risks calculated in accordance with the HKMA Guideline on 'Maintenance of Adequate Capital Against Market Risks' are as follows: At 30JUN06 At 30JUN05 At 31DEC05 Total capital 13.1% 12.2% 12.4% Tier 1 capital 12.1% 11.4% 11.7% The group's capital adequacy ratios calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Third Schedule of the Banking Ordinance, which does not take into account market risks, are as follows: Total capital 12.8% 12.1% 12.0% Tier 1 capital 11.8% 11.2% 11.2% 35. Liquidity ratio The Banking Ordinance requires banks operating in Hong Kong to maintain a minimum liquidity ratio, calculated in accordance with the provisions of the Fourth Schedule of the Banking Ordinance, of 25 per cent. This requirement applies separately to the Hong Kong branches of the bank and to those subsidiary companies which are Authorised Institutions under the Banking Ordinance in Hong Kong. Half-year ended Half-year ended Half-year ended 30JUN06 30JUN05 31DEC05 The average liquidity ratio for the period was as follows: Hong Kong branches of the bank 49.1% 48.6% 47.8% 36. Property revaluation The group's premises and investment properties were revalued at 30 June 2006 on the basis of open market value. Premises and investment properties in the Hong Kong SAR were valued by DTZ Debenham Tie Leung at 30 June 2006. The valuations were carried out by independent qualified valuers who are members of the Hong Kong Institute of Surveyors. Management considered that there had either been no material changes in the values of the properties located outside Hong Kong since 30 September 2005, when the properties were last revalued or reviewed, or that the values of the properties were not material. The property revaluation has resulted in an increase in the group's revaluation reserves of HK$1,036 million, net of deferred taxation of HK$217 million, as at 30 June 2006. In addition, there was a credit to the income statement of HK$337 million, of which HK$320 million represents the surplus on the revaluation of investment properties and HK$17 million relates to the reversal of previous revaluation deficits that had arisen when the value of certain premises fell below depreciated historical cost. 37. Accounting policies The accounting policies applied in preparing this news release are the same as those applied in preparing the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2005, as disclosed in the Annual Report and Accounts for 2005. 38. Restatement of comparative figures Leasehold land As disclosed on page 31 of the 2005 Annual Report and Accounts, in the second half of 2005 the group revised its accounting policy for land held on leases expiring after more than 500 years and which are not eligible to be treated as finance leases. Such interests in land were reclassified from 'Property, plant and equipment' to 'Other assets' and were remeasured on a historical cost basis. In order to reflect this, certain comparative figures for the half-year ended 30 June 2005 have been restated as follows: total assets and equity as at 30 June 2005 have been reduced by HK$2,902 million and HK$2,394 million respectively, and the deferred tax liability as at 30 June 2005 has been reduced by HK$508 million. 39. Statutory accounts The information in this news release is not audited and does not constitute statutory accounts. Certain financial information in this news release is extracted from the statutory accounts for the year ended 31 December 2005 which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. The Auditors expressed an unqualified opinion on those statutory accounts in their report dated 6 March 2006. The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 December 2005, which include the statutory accounts, can be obtained on request from Group Public Affairs, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, 1 Queen's Road Central, Hong Kong, and may be viewed on our website: www.hsbc.com.hk. 40. Ultimate holding company The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is an indirectly-held, wholly-owned subsidiary of HSBC Holdings plc. 41. Statement of compliance The information in this news release for the half-year ended 30 June 2006 complies with Hong Kong Accounting Standard 34 on Interim Financial Reporting and the module on Interim Financial Disclosure by Locally Incorporated Authorised Institutions under the Supervisory Policy Manual issued by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. HSBC Holdings plc By: Name: P A Stafford Title: Assistant Group Secretary Date: 31 July 2006