interim report January - September 1998

Handelsbanken's interim report January - September 1998 In the comparative figures for 1997, Stadshypotek is included in the Handelsbanken Group from 26 February 1997. Summary * The Handelsbanken Group's profits increased by 5 % to SEK 6.1bn * Return on shareholders' equity was 20.5 % * Net interest income in branch office operations rose by 11 % * Net commission income rose by 9 % * Loan losses still at low level * Low exposure to risk areas Result continues to be strong Although the third quarter has been very much affected by turbulence on the financial markets with falling share prices and high volatility on fixed income and foreign exchange markets, the impact on the Handelsbanken Group has been limited. The Handelsbanken Group's profits for January - September 1998 increased by 5 % to SEK 6 100m. Return on shareholders' equity was 20.5 % (20.6). Earnings per share rose to SEK 20.51 (18.95) and as a 12-month moving total to SEK 26.71 (25.69). ------------------------------------------------------------ Please visit http://www.bit.se for further information The following files are ready for download: http://www.bit.se/bitonline/1998/10/27/19981027BIT00240/bit0001.doc