StanChart brings back dividend as profits jump

London

STANDARD Chartered Plc restored its dividend after a two-year suspension and came close to analysts' forecasts for revenue and profit, suggesting that chief executive officer Bill Winters is gaining ground in getting the bank back on track.

The lender's shares rose as much as 3.3 per cent in Hong Kong after it announced a full-year dividend of 11 US cents per share and said it plans to increase payouts as its performance improves.