K's big banks.

Barclays profits fell much less than expected.

For 2020 they dropped to about $4.3 billion.

That was way better than forecast.

The lender was helped by a strong year for its investment bank.

It will now resume paying dividends.

As a result, Barclays shares still tumbled, though down over 3.5% by early afternoon.

Investors noted the banks vague outlook for the year, which gave no set profit targets.

Barclays would only say it's returns are set to improve meaningful E.

Some industry watchers also question whether the investment banks strong performance can last.

Barclays, meanwhile, warned that its loss making consumer business was still under pressure.

Even so, analysts say the forecast beating numbers bode well for other UK banks set to report in the coming days.