Lower interest rates help Just Group pre-tax profits hit £305m in H1

It said the increase was driven by investment and economist profits due to the fall in interest rates and stable underlying operating profit. Underlying operating profit was stable at £117m (£114m in 2019) "as improved in-force return offset lower new business profit from reduced sales".   The business said it anticipated sales in the second half of the year will be significantly higher than the first half. Adjusted operating profit was 18% down at 362m (£75m in 2019) due to higher finance charges, the results showed. Chief executive David Richardson said the group was focused o...