London, Jan 18, 2026, 08:33 GMT — The market has closed.
Barclays (BARC.L) shares ended Friday 0.96% higher at 488.95 pence, sitting roughly 1% shy of their 52-week peak. With a busy week ahead featuring UK data and central bank updates, the lender’s stock has climbed around 73% over the last 12 months. (Hargreaves Lansdown)
As the market rests over the weekend, all eyes shift to Tuesday’s UK labour market figures, Wednesday’s inflation update, and Friday’s retail sales data, plus Friday’s flash PMI surveys—early indicators of business activity. These numbers often prompt swift adjustments to Bank of England rate expectations, with bank shares frequently reacting in kind. (S&P Global)
The Bank of England’s calendar has senior officials facing lawmakers this week. Governor Andrew Bailey and colleagues will appear Tuesday at a Treasury Select Committee hearing. The Prudential Regulation Authority’s top brass are set for a separate committee session on Wednesday. On Friday, MPC member Megan Greene is due to speak. (Bank of England)
Mortgage pricing remains volatile. Big names like Barclays, HSBC, Halifax, NatWest, TSB, and Nationwide have slashed rates and, in some instances, eased terms to capture early-year demand, according to a report. This push may boost volumes but could also tighten net interest margins — the difference between what banks earn on loans and what they pay on deposits. (Financial Times)
The Bank Rate is already on the decline. The Bank of England trimmed it to 3.75% last December, signaling a “gradual downward path” ahead but cautioning that each move might get tougher to justify. The next policy decision is set for Feb. 5. (Bank of England)
Banking sentiment worldwide has been shaped by U.S. earnings, where executives delivered a surprisingly positive outlook. Traders highlighted robust market activity. “Equity trading revenues have been the story of the earnings so far,” said Brian Mulberry, senior client portfolio manager at Zacks Investment Management, in a Reuters report. Barclays’ investment bank and markets division also benefit from shifts in risk appetite. (Reuters)
In London, the broader market closed the week largely unchanged. The FTSE 100 dipped 0.04% on Friday, ending at 10,235.29, after reaching a record high the day before. This suggests that in the short term, macroeconomic developments are likely to drive individual stock movements more than company-specific news. (Reuters)
But risks are obvious. Faster rate cuts squeeze lending margins, while political moves in the U.S. to cap credit card interest rates at 10% have unsettled bank stocks. Barclays’ U.S. card division, a major profit driver, accounts for roughly 11% of group earnings, according to Hargreaves Lansdown analyst Matt Britzman. (Reuters)
At Monday’s open, gilt yields and sterling take center stage, followed by the reaction of UK financials to the latest labour and inflation news. Expect mortgage pricing shifts—and any clues on the direction of competition—to remain closely scrutinized.
Barclays will release its full-year results on Feb. 10, unveiling new financial and operational targets through 2028. CEO C.S. Venkatakrishnan said he “look forward to sharing updated targets to 2028 alongside our FY25 Results.” (Investegate)
