Germany’s Commerzbank posted preliminary figures for the first quarter on Tuesday that exceeded analysts’ expectations, despite making additional provisions for possible setbacks resulting from the war in Ukraine. “We have made a good start to the new financial year. Thanks to strong customer business we have improved our operating result, although the economic consequences of the Russian war against Ukraine have impacted on our risk result,” chief executive officer Manfred Knof said. Operating profit came in at €544 million ($580 million), up from €538 million in the first quarter last year, …