(Reuters) -Commonwealth Bank of Australia,, the country's biggest lender, said on Wednesday first-half profit rose slightly as an improving economy enabled it to slash loan impairment charges, sending its shares to a record high. Income tax cuts that took effect last July and rising wages have increased the amount people can save and spend, CBA said, adding that loan hardship cases had declined 15% from June to December and most borrowers were still ahead on repayments. "We expect Australia will follow offshore economies with an easing cycle starting in 2025", said CEO Matt Comyn.