Aviva (LON:AV) shares fell in morning trading on Thursday, after reporting a slight fall in profit in the first half of the year.

Operating profit fell 2 percent to £1.44 billion, down from £1.47 billion a year earlier, with operating earnings per share increased 4 percent to 26.8 pence.

The insurance giant attributed the weak results to a slowdown in the Canadian motor insurance sector, alongside adverse weather and various business divestments. However, looking towards the second half the company is more positive.

“Aviva remains financially strong with a capital surplus of £11 billion. In the first half of 2018, we started a £600 million share buy-back and paid off €500 million of expensive debt,” said Mark Wilson, Group Chief Executive Officer.

The group boosted its interim dividend per share by 10 percent to 9.25 pence from 8.40 pence the year previously.