** Shares in Handelsbanken SHBa.ST are up 5.5% after the Swedish bank posted net profit of SEK 6.32 billion ($657.19 million) for the first quarter, beating mean analyst forecast by over 6%
** It has also announced that Marten Bjurman will take over as CFO no later than September
** 3% higher-than-forecast net interest income offset fees income that was about as much lower, Jefferies says
** The bank said in the report that it has established a lower cost base as the expenses in the quarter were 5% better than expected, according to Jefferies
** The shares are on track for best day since October 2024
** Shares in peers Swedbank SWEDa.ST, SEB