Standard Chartered Bank continued its strong growth in the first half of current year, says a press release.

Its trading profit was up by eight per cent, reaching GBP 434 million at actual exchange rates; up 16 per cent at constant exchange rates. The profit was GBP 402 million last year.

Cost to income ratio was slightly down, to 54 per cent from 55 per cent In 1996. Dividend was up by 24 per cent, from 4.25 per cent to 5.25 per cent.

Headline earnings per share rose by 1.5 per cent to 28.8 per cent. Return on ordinary share holders’ funds was 25 per cent

The Group Chairman, Patrick J Gillam said, "Standard Chartered's results for the first half are good and reflect yet another consistently strong performance. They demonstrate the continuing success of our strategy."

Commenting on the results, Geoff Williams. Chief Executive of the Bank in Bangladesh, said. These are excellent re-sultsfor the Group, reflecting increasing efficiency and tm vestment in our key buH1 nesses."