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HSBC and Barclays unveil profits

Banking giants HSBC and Barclays have reported stronger underlying profits so far this year as the gulf widens with their beleaguered taxpayer-supported counterparts. Barclays said a third-quarter haul of £1.5bn helped profits more than double in the first nine months on an adjusted basis, while HSBC reported results "significantly ahead" in the quarter to September 30.