OSLO, July 12 Reuters Norway39;s largest bank DNB said on Wednesday momentum was still good across much of the Norwegian business sector as it reported a biggerthanexpected rise in quarterly earnings helped by a robust economy and higher interest rates.

Net profit rose 19 to 9.46 billion crowns 918 million against analysts39; average forecast of 9.05 billion crowns, according to a poll compiled by the bank.

The result was due to profitable volume growth and higher interest rates, DNB said.

Norway39;s central bank was the first major central bank to begin raising policy rates, from zero, in September 2021. Last month, it lifted its key policy rate to a 15year high of 3.75, and expects to keep raising it.

We39;re growing in both the personal and corporate customer market, CEO Kjerstin Braathen said in a statement.

Danske Bank, the third biggest player in the Norwegian market, said last month it would exit the Norwegian retail market to focus on large businesses in the Nordic country instead, a move Braathen said highlighted fierce competition.

We don39;t comment on potential MA opportunities but we note that Danske has put their business up for sale we do see it as a sign of the strong competitive environment, Braathen told a conference call.

Net interest income increased 4.3 to 15.2 billion crowns, above analysts39; average forecast of 15.1 billion.

DNB booked impairment provisions of 871 million crowns in the quarter, mainly related to a legacy portfolio in…