(Reuters) - Bank of America Corp (BAC.N) reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter profit as higher interest income and loan growth eclipsed declines in revenue from investment banking and bond trading, sending its shares up 3 percent. Loans to consumers rose 4 percent, while those to businesses rose 2 percent, the bank said. Total net interest income - the difference between what a lender earns on loans and pays on deposits - rose 7.3 percent to $12.3 billion.