The profits increase came on the back of higher banking net interest income and growth in fee and other income, the lender said in its earnings report. RelatedIn a sign of confidence, HSBC announced a share buy-back of up to $1 billion (€0.86bn) after its board approved a second interim dividend of US$0.10 (€0.09) per share. The move comes after the bank paused buy-backs for three quarters as it rebuilt capital following the privatisation of Hang Seng Bank. It also announced on Sunday the sale of its retail banking business in Egypt. RelatedThe disposals are expected to free up capital for investment in the bank's strategic growth areas, HSBC said.