Societe Generale, France's second-largest lender by market capitalisation after BNP Paribas, on Wednesday said second-quarter net profit more than trebled, buoyed by strong retail operations, especially in France and the Mediterranean, and by lower provisions and toxic assets, which offset a weaker investment-banking business.

Despite the robust results, Societe Generale sounded a cautious note about its outlook, saying that while the economic recovery that began at the end of 2009 is growing stronger, it still remains fragile and patchy. "In Europe, in particular, growth prospects remain moderate," the lender said.