UK Banks releasing earnings

British banks are reporting their first half earnings this week, showing how they have weathered the global recession over the last six months.

Investors will be watching for rising levels of bad debt, but there is also likely to be controversy over big profits being made in risky investment banking, which could leave some executives in line for substantial bonuses.

Barclays and HSBC, neither of which accepted a UK government bailout, release their figures on Monday.

Richard Scott reports.