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Moody's ratings and assessments are probably already baked into current UK banking sector share prices, credit impaired loans within UK banks are rising but manageable at present.

UK banks paying shareholders special dividends in the middle of a national cost of living crisis and high interest rates..... not a wise move by the banks, the media would crucify the sector especially with a General Election imminent in 2024.

Lloyds Banking Group are not alone, share buybacks are definitely back in fashion across the entire index, latest data suggests 37 FTSE100 companies will return approximately £46.6Bn to their shareholders via buybacks this year.

Paves the way for another bumper 2024 share buyback programme ?

More like Tony Blair than Thatcher, labourPart

More like Tony Blair than Thatcher, Labour Party charm offensive now begins in earnest to woo the electorate and the city ahead of next year's general election.

With no further company acquisitions on the horizen, expect Lloyds current buyback and dividend policy to continue into 2024.

December draw £325, giving me a 2023 annualised return of 3.92% on a £50.000 stake with instant access to my cash, still a good investment with no tax liability especially for higher rate taxpayers.

Positive market start to December, eventual protracted sale and cash proceeds from the Telegraph will certainly strengthen cash flow and working capital for the bank.

Shareholders taken to the cleaners, a busted flush of a bank with an unsustainable business model and cost base for the size of it's balance sheet.

Weaker Dollar, signalling to the market, 22 year high American interest rates have now finally peaked.

Hardup

It's very much in Lloyds interest to reach a swift settlement with the Barclays and their financial backers, otherwise it may be a case of jumping through expensive time consuming regulatory hoops for the bank if alternative overseas buyers are eventually successful in clinching a deal to buy the Telegraph.

May all turn out to be pretty academic, expect Labour when in power next year will want to reverse many of Hunt's future spending and taxation plans particularly on any move to slash inheritance tax.

Jcb208

Yes, mortgage and savings rates have now probably peaked and will start to fall soon, NS&I are the latest financial institution to slash savings rates reducing their green savings bond from 5.7% to 3.95%.

Ukraine War Update

Supply of Russian munitions, military equipment and manpower, are the numbers finally beginning to stack up in Putin's favour against Ukraine ?

Solid performer, extremely low current valuation and very attractive dividend yield, along with Aviva and M&G must become takeover targets at some point in the very near future attracting bids particularly from European Asset Management and cash laden American Private Equity Companies.

Markets and investors slowly but surely losing patience with this share, to much idle cash sat on the balance not earning a decent rate of return, Lloyds need to hit the acquisition trail and grow the business once again, huge overseas opportunities out there particularly in international retail banking, capital markets and european personal wealth management businesses.

A fairly punchy Q3 performance by the bank despite numbers coming in below analyst expectations and rising balance sheet costs. On the positive side an extra $3Bn dollars added to the share buy pot taking the total share buyback to $7Bn dollars for 2023.

Asset quality and impairment charges holding up well despite weak economic growth, full -year NIM guidance hopefully remains on track for Q4 and 2023 year -end financial reporting.

Overall Lloyds posted a half decent set of Q3 results with key metrics remaining in line with 2023 full year expectations despite industry wide NIMs remaining under pressure and falling further due to deposit and mortgage book repricing costs.

Latest data suggests Lloyds are sitting on £2.4 Bn of excess capital above its 13.5% return target or equivalent of around 9% of its current market cap of £25.7Bn, barring any mishaps this should in theory pave the way for above average returns of excess capital for investors most likely in the form of further share buybacks at 2023 full year end results.

( Metro Bank mortgage book sale ) ..... stay clear !

Lloyds already dominant share of the UK mortgage market will not sit well with an incoming Labour Government who are already planning the biggest radical shake up to the UK rental and mortgage market in decades which will help to ease the financial strain on households and first - time buyers.

A clear demonstration of pro - union tactical voting by both Labour and Conservative voters to keep the SNP out of power in Scotland.