HSBC reported its fourth-quarter earnings for 2024, posting earnings per share of $1.45, exceeding market expectations of $1.25, despite a revenue decline to $11.56 billion from $13.02 billion year-over-year. The bank also announced a $2 billion share buyback program to be completed before its next earnings filing. In India, HSBC's pre-tax profit reached $1.68 billion, reflecting an 11.27% increase from $1.51 billion the previous year, driven by strong performance in wealth and personal banking, as well as commercial and global banking sectors. However, HSBC has postponed its net-zero emissions target by 20 years, a move that has drawn criticism and reflects a broader trend among banks distancing themselves from climate commitments. The bank's profit before tax for 2024 was reported at $32.3 billion, with $26.9 billion returned to shareholders through buybacks and dividends.