How Is HSBC Holdings Plc (LSE:HSBA) Trading Today?

HSBC Holdings Plc (LSE:HSBA) shares eased 0.35% to around 1,349.2p today, following third-quarter results on 27 October 2026 that showed a 32% rise in profit before tax to $9.6 billion.

Excluding notable items, profit before tax rose 10% to $10.0 billion, and Revenue grew 5% to $18.6 billion. Annualised RoTE was 17.7% in the quarter, or 18.2% excluding notable items.

The Board approved a third Interim Dividend of $0.10 per share and announced a new share buyback of up to $1 billion.

About HSBC Holdings Plc

HSBC is one of the world's largest banking and financial services groups, serving customers across Asia, the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the Americas. Its four businesses are Wealth and Personal Banking, Hong Kong, UK and Corporate and Institutional Banking.

The bank is a leading trade finance and international banking provider, and is described by management as Asia's number one wealth manager.

LSE:HSBA therefore offers exposure to global banking, trade flows and wealth management.

With a presence in dozens of markets and a client base ranging from individuals to multinational corporates, the bank connects customers to opportunities in the fastest-growing regions. Its international network is a distinguishing feature in trade, payments and foreign exchange.

Q3 2026 Results

Banking net interest income rose $0.6 billion to $11.7 billion, reflecting growth in loans and deposits. Fee and other income increased in Corporate and Institutional Banking, supported by higher customer activity, and in Investment Distribution and the Private Bank in Wealth.

Expected Credit losses were $0.8 billion, equivalent to an annualised charge of 31 basis points of loans and advances, with a very low net charge in Hong Kong commercial real estate. Cost growth was 1% on a target basis.

The quarter also saw growth in profit after tax of 38% to $7.6 billion. Management noted that revenue growth was supported by broad-based contributions across the businesses, and that cost discipline allowed the group to continue investing in technology and customer capabilities.

Wealth and Deposits

Net new money of $38 billion in Asia brought year-to-date flows to more than $100 billion. Deposits increased by $105 billion in the quarter, including held-for-sale balances, reflecting the strength of the bank's deposit franchise.

Management said consistent investment in wealth products, distribution channels and customer experience is translating into results.

Wealth is a central strategic priority, with investment in advisers, digital platforms and product shelf supporting client growth in Hong Kong, mainland China, Singapore and other markets. Growth in Assets under management may provide a recurring fee base alongside net interest income.

Capital Returns

On 28 September 2026, HSBC completed the $1 billion share buyback announced with its interim results, and it intends to begin a further buyback of up to $1 billion, expected to complete by the 2026 full-year results. The third interim dividend of $0.10 per share is in line with the previous quarter.

In total, the bank plans to distribute around $2.7 billion to shareholders for the quarter.

Outlook

HSBC maintained its guidance for banking net interest income of around $46 billion in 2026 and a RoTE of around 17%. It also expects revenue to grow annually through 2028, targeting 5% growth in that year compared with 2027.

Chief Executive Georges Elhedery said clients continue to turn to the bank in a complex world and that simplification is creating greater capacity to invest and grow.

Growth Catalysts

Possible catalysts for LSE:HSBA include growth in wealth, transaction banking and Capital markets activity, continued cost discipline, Balance Sheet growth and progress on portfolio simplification. The bank's international network supports clients with cross-border needs.

Digital investment and the use of AI may also support efficiency and customer experience.

The group's simplification programme, which has seen it focus its portfolio on areas where it has scale and competitive advantages, is intended to release capital and management attention for growth. Trade corridors between Asia, the Middle East and Europe are also a long-standing area of strength.

Factors to Monitor

Bank results are influenced by interest rates, credit conditions, currency movements, regulation and geopolitical developments. Net interest income depends on deposit mix and balance sheet growth.

Investors typically follow net interest income, fee growth, credit costs, capital ratios and Shareholder returns.

Conclusion

HSBC's 0.35% move to around 1,349.2p today follows third-quarter profit before tax of $9.6 billion, revenue growth of 5%, a $0.10 dividend and a new buyback of up to $1 billion.

Wealth, net interest income, costs and capital returns remain the central themes for LSE:HSBA.

Investors following LSE:HSBA will watch the evolution of net interest income, wealth flows and capital returns as the group moves towards its full-year results.