London, Feb 13, 2026, 11:46 GMT — Regular session
Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY.L) slipped roughly 1.4% to 100.95 pence as of 11:46 GMT Friday, following a previous close at 102.40 pence. During the session, the shares have moved between 100.90 and 104.00 pence, market data show.
Markets edged down as traders balanced concerns over UK economic growth with speculation about rates. Britain’s economy eked out just 0.1% growth in the last quarter of 2025, missing forecasts, and that miss pushed bets on a Bank of England rate cut in March. Luke Bartholomew, deputy chief economist at Aberdeen, pointed out “tentative signs” of better sentiment since last year’s budget, but flagged persistent risks from political uncertainty. Reuters
Rate expectations go straight to Lloyds’ net interest margin—the spread between loan income and what’s paid out on deposits. If that spread tightens, investors focus more on costs, credit quality, and the size of any excess capital that might be returned.
The lender rolled out its annual report and accounts for the year to Dec. 31, 2025, announcing the submission to the UK’s National Storage Mechanism and flagging that investors can find the document on its website. No fresh financial figures showed up in the filing notice.
Lloyds disclosed a buyback of 10 million ordinary shares on Feb. 12, executed via Goldman Sachs International. Prices for the shares fell between 102.50 pence and 105.55 pence. The bank put the volume-weighted average price at 104.2224 pence — a metric that factors in trade size. Lloyds plans to cancel these shares.
NatWest posted a 24% increase in annual profit on Friday and lifted its profitability targets, driven by deeper moves into wealth management. “We are raising our ambition and sharpening our strategic focus,” CEO Paul Thwaite said. Reuters
Lloyds signaled back in late January a 12% jump in annual profit, while bumping up its return on tangible equity goal—now aiming for above 16% by 2026. “Our continued business momentum and strategic delivery enable us to upgrade guidance,” CEO Charlie Nunn said then, unveiling a £1.75 billion share buyback as well. Reuters
But it isn’t a simple bet in one direction. Uncertainty lingers over the industry’s motor finance mis-selling bill, which hasn’t gone away. Faster rate cuts would also squeeze lending margins, right as banks work to protect returns.
Investors are eyeing Lloyds’ Q1 interim management statement, set for April 29, for fresh insight into margins, costs and credit trends. The next big dividend date comes earlier, with shares going ex-dividend on April 9, as shown on the bank’s financial calendar.
