HSBC's first-half net income more than doubles, and the bank announces a $2 billion share buyback.

In the six months ended in June, HSBC's net income more than doubled from $9 billion to $18.1 billion, a significant increase compared to the same period a year prior.

The bank's profit before taxes increased by 147% year-over-year, from $8.78 billion in the first half of 2022 to $21.7 billion.

This figure was comprised of a $2.1 billion reversal of an impairment related to the intended sale of its retail banking op....