These results reflect increasing economic confidence and improvements in asset values seen in RBS's core UK and Irish markets. Economic growth is expected to continue, although the pace may moderate.

NIM is expected to remain close to H1 levels, with the majority of deposit re-pricing benefits having now taken place.

Income from the fixed income product suite is expected to be lower in the second half of 2014, reflecting both normal seasonal trends and the continuation of the bank's reduced balance sheet risk appetite.

RBS remains on track to deliver its target of £1 billion cost reductions in 2014. Restructuring costs are expected to be higher in the second half of 2014 as the pace of activity to reduce costs in later years picks up. A restructuring charge of around £1.5 billion is expected for 2014, with overall restructuring costs still expected to be around £5 billion over 2014 to 2017 as the change agenda across the bank from economic, legal and regulatory perspectives remains very full.

Credit impairment charges in the second half of the year are expected to remain low, subject to macro economic conditions, resulting in a full year charge of around £1 billion, although at these low levels there will be volatility from quarter to quarter.

RCR funded assets are expected to be down from £29 billion at its inception to around £15 to £18 billion at the end of 2014. The overall cost (comprising impairments, disposal losses and running expenses) for RCR to achieve its goals was originally expected to be around £4.0 to £4.5 billion between 2014 and 2016. In light of the strong performance in the first half and the more favourable economic environment, these costs are now expected to total around £2.5 to £3.0 billion, of which c.£0.8 billion in 2014, although outcomes are subject to significant potential volatility.

The bank is making good progress towards achieving its target CET1 ratio of 11% by the end of 2015 and at least 12% by the end of 2016. However, ongoing conduct and regulatory investigations and litigation continue to present challenges and uncertainties and are expected to be a drag on capital generation over the coming quarters. The timing and amounts of any further settlements or redress remain uncertain and could be significant.

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