RBS/Barcap: Question of timing

Heavyweights typically grandstand their muscle before squaring up. Bob Diamond, the head of Barclays’ investment bank, and his Royal Bank of Scotland counterpart, Johnny Cameron, are no exception. First half results show the pair, who are on opposite sides of the fight for ABN Amro, putting on a fine display. Cameron’s business punched well above its weight. By raising revenues 19%, despite a soft period for US asset-backed securities, it contributed more than half the group’s growth. What’s mor...