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Podcast · 50 episodes

Barclays Brief

by Barclays Investment Bank · English

In a world of constant change, Barclays Brief is your weekly source for differentiated perspectives that cut through the noise. Each bite-sized episode delivers clear insights into the structural trends transforming sectors – from technology and healthcare to energy, industrials and beyond. Through sharp dialogue and scenario-based analysis, we help you navigate complexity, make meaningful connections and anticipate what’s next – whether you’re managing a portfolio or leading a business. Each week we dig deep into a key market theme, spanning equities, macro, credit and more, uncovering the forces shaping tomorrow to help you make smarter decisions today. Stay sharp. Stay briefed. Published by Barclays Investment Bank: https://www.ib.barclays/ Important content disclosures: https://www.ib.barclays/disclosures/important-content-disclosures.html Important non-Research content disclosures: https://www.ib.barclays/disclosures/important-nonresearch-content-disclosures.html

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Negative headlines, resilient marketsDespite negative macro headlines (higher bond yields, central banks tightening again, elevated oil), global growth and markets have surprised to the upside; the episode argues the “self-correcting”…30 Sep 2026 · 13 min · 6 chapters
Trump-Xi: Stability without resolutionTrump-Xi meeting impact and implications for markets, with an Asia-focused discussion of FX, rates, oil/inflation vulnerability, and the AI race.29 Sep 2026 · 13 min · 6 chapters
Pacing the Frontier: What’s next for AI?“Pacing the frontier” means adding extra safety and alignment monitoring during AI model training and after release (inference), effectively slowing development slightly to prevent models from doing…21 Sep 2026 · 13 min · 4 chapters
US Rates: Higher for longerWhy US Treasury yields are rising (“higher for longer”), despite an economy that remains resilient; implications for mortgages, housing, global rates, and investor positioning.14 Sep 2026 · 11 min · 5 chapters
The Multi-Trillion-Dollar Energy RaceThe “Multi-Trillion-Dollar Energy Race” argues energy is becoming a capital-intensive addition race (not a simple replacement of fossil fuels by renewables).8 Sep 2026 · 12 min · 7 chapters
European equities heat upWhy European equities have outperformed in 2026 and what could sustain or derail the rally, focusing on earnings vs valuation, interest-rate dynamics, and US-vs-Europe diversification.1 Sep 2026 · 12 min · 6 chapters
Nuclear fusion: Tomorrow's solution to today's problem​Nuclear fusion as a strategic, low-carbon energy source; what’s changed recently; who’s leading; commercialization timelines; investor ways to gain exposure.18 Aug 2026 · 12 min · 8 chapters
Japan: Why the world is watchingJapan’s yen weakness, Bank of Japan (BOJ) rate hikes, and coordinated FX intervention—and why these moves matter for global investors.11 Aug 2026 · 10 min · 4 chapters
US equities: Beyond the pullbackUS equities outlook after the late-March Iran sell-off; why the S&P target stayed above 15% and what to watch now (rates, AI capex, credit, correlation). Guest: Venu Krishna, Head of U.S.4 Aug 2026 · 11 min · 6 chapters
AI credit supply tests market capacityWhy AI-driven hyperscaler borrowing is stressing investment-grade (IG) credit markets—shifting focus from AI equity enthusiasm to credit spreads, supply capacity, and financing complexity.28 Jul 2026 · 10 min · 4 chapters
Challenging market consensusBrian Kuritzsky argues the “macro consensus” is wrong and that markets are missing political and structural risks/opportunities across rates, FX, energy, and AI capex.21 Jul 2026 · 10 min · 5 chapters
Cooling the AI buildoutData center cooling and water use as key execution risks for AI infrastructure buildout, including how heat removal works, why water is used (evaporative cooling), and how this affects permitting,…14 Jul 2026 · 8 min · 3 chapters
Opportunities in Asian EquitiesHow investors are positioning across Asian equities for the AI boom, comparing Korea, Japan, and China, and outlining key risks and near-term catalysts.7 Jul 2026 · 9 min · 4 chapters
Brexit, Burnham and Britain's Next DecadeTen years after the Brexit referendum, the episode assesses Brexit’s economic impact, the UK’s current macro outlook, and the economic case for Andy Burnham’s proposed Labour agenda—especially…30 Jun 2026 · 11 min · 6 chapters
Can football fever lift the economy?The 2026 FIFA World Cup’s economic effects—especially whether “World Cup fever” can lift the economy—plus which sectors investors should watch.23 Jun 2026 · 10 min · 9 chapters
The rise of the consumer health economyThe rise of the consumer health economy—how “food as medicine” and self-care are expanding the prescription-free health market, accelerated by COVID-era behavior changes and e-commerce.16 Jun 2026 · 11 min · 7 chapters
US equities: short-term pain, long-term gain?Barclays Equity Tactical Strategies’ head Alex Altman argues US equities face short-term downside (tactically bearish) despite a still-robust economy, driven by higher financing costs/real yields,…9 Jun 2026 · 12 min · 7 chapters
The Fed’s next moveHow markets’ expectations for U.S. Fed policy shifted from multiple 25bp cuts in 2026 to a possible pause and even rate hikes in early 2027, and what data would determine the next Fed move (cut vs…2 Jun 2026 · 9 min · 5 chapters
AI goes economy-wideEconomy-wide impact of combining generative AI with physical AI/humanoid robotics, using Barclays’ Equity Guilt Study research and macro/market implications.26 May 2026 · 12 min · 4 chapters
Decoding the bond sell-offGlobal bond sell-off and rising long-end yields, linked first to the Iran war’s energy/inflation expectations, then to Middle East geopolitical risk and country-specific factors (ECB tone, UK…19 May 2026 · 11 min · 3 chapters
Inflation crosscurrents: Energy vs AIInflation outlook in 2026—whether a new energy-driven shock resembles 2022, and whether AI-driven disinflation could dominate longer-term core inflation.12 May 2026 · 12 min · 5 chapters
Jet fuel shortage: Holidays at risk?Jet fuel supply squeeze and how it could affect European holiday travel, especially if shipping routes through the Gulf/straits are blocked.5 May 2026 · 10 min · 5 chapters
Credit: the signals markets can’t ignoreHow credit markets signal broader economic and equity conditions during volatility, using indices, spreads, and liquidity across investment grade, high yield, and loans.28 Apr 2026 · 9 min · 5 chapters
Robots deliver dinner and profitsAutonomous food delivery is rapidly expanding beyond human riders, using drones and sidewalk ground robots to cut delivery times and labor costs.21 Apr 2026 · 10 min · 6 chapters