AIB said it expected growth in underlying earnings per share for this year of around 7% - in line with general market forecasts.
In a trading statement issued today, AIB said that while the outlook for next year remained uncertain, it expected to see high single digit earnings per share growth in 2002 as well.
The bank said that business volume momentum has weakened after a particularly strong performance in 2000. 'Following the tragic events of September 11, we expect this trend to continue for the rest of the year and into at least the first half of next year,' it said.
'While all of the economies in which we are operating have experienced slower growth rates this year than in 2000, some more so than others, we continue to have a strong position in each of our franchises,' the statement said.
AIB said its exceptional costs would rise by about 11% this year. This includes one-off items such as euro conversion costs, market related salary adjustments in both Ireland and the US. The bank also incurred significant investment costs in its Polish and US franchises.
AIB shares closed nine cents higher at 10.84 euros in Dublin this evening.
