Why do UK banks seem so optimistic despite the cost of living crisis?

Analysis: High street lenders have shrugged off their concerns, announcing payouts for investors

UK banking bosses gave off an unexpected air of calm when they released second quarter earnings over the past week, defying wider anxiety over the cost of living crisis and its impact on businesses and consumers.

Major high street lenders, including NatWest, Barclays, Lloyds and HSBC, largely shrugged off concerns over potential defaults linked to weaker economic forecasts, with most announcing fresh payouts for investors and instead releasing money they previously put aside for bad loans.