Canada's National Bank profit rises 18 percent

TORONTO, Aug 28 (Reuters) - National Bank of Canada (NA.TO) said on Thursday that third-quarter profit climbed on better results in its financial markets and retail banking units, as well as a gain on a Canadian exchange merger.

Net income rose to C$286 million ($272 million), or C$1.73 a share, compared to C$243 million, or C$1.48 a share, in the same period the year before.

($1=$1.04 Canadian) (Reporting by Lynne Olver; editing by Ted Kerr)