The bank's net interest margin for the quarter squeezed 6 basis points sequentially to 5.5% given a 20 basis points rise in cost of funds to 6.9% amid tight liquidity and intense competition for mobilising deposits. Its pre-provision operating profit for the third quarter was 18% higher at Rs 657 crore compared with the year-ago period's Rs 556 crore, backed by a 15% rise in net interest income at Rs 1,325 crore.