Synchrony profit rises to 805 million on strong spending

SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL reported an increase in first-quarter profit on Tuesday, as the lender was supported by resilient consumer spending at the start of the year. Spending remained robust during the first two months, particularly among higher-income households, which provided a stable environment for the company's co-branded credit card and financial products.

Economic data from the United States previously indicated a strong footing for the economy. However, the subsequent conflict involving Israel and Iran pushed gasoline prices higher in March and stoked fresh concerns regarding inflation. Despite these pressures, Synchrony's net interest income—the difference between what a lender earns on loans and pays on deposits—rose 4% to $4.6 billion in the first quarter.