The Bank of China’s net profit in the third quarter grew by a surprising 17% to CNY34.8 billion, accelerating from 5.3% in the second quarter. The bank’s net interest income jumped 15% annually to CNY65.4 billion in the third quarter. BOC’s non-performing loans rose to CNY64.1 billion from CNY63.6 billion in the period. The Agricultural Bank of China (ABC) posted a 16% rise in third-quarter net earnings, beating analysts’ estimates. Net profit at the nation’s third-largest lender by assets rose to CNY39.6 billion in the July-September period. The bank tapped the rising demand for credit over the past quarter as a seven-quarter slowdown in China’s economic growth may be ending. Its net interest income rose 8.8% to CNY85.5 billion in the third quarter and net fee and commission income gained 8.4% to CNY19.2 billion. The lender’s net interest margin widened by 2 basis points to 2.82% in the first nine months of this year.