UK's British Land rises as it expects higher half-year profit

** Shares of commercial property firm British Land BLND.L up 2.4% at 417.6p

** Co expects half-year underlying profit of £166 mln ($219.78 million), up from previous year's £155 mln

** BLND expects strong interim profit and rental income growth, driven by property demand and cost savings that offset higher interest costs and lower lease surrender premiums

** YTD, stock has risen ~3%

($1 = 0.7553 pounds)