London, Jan 18, 2026, 08:45 GMT — The market has closed.
- NatWest shares closed up Friday following the bank’s announcement of new buyback activity.
- Next week’s packed UK data schedule might shift rate expectations and move bank stocks.
- NatWest will release its annual results on Feb. 13, marking the next major company event.
NatWest Group (NWG.L) shares closed Friday 2.16% higher at 652.8 pence. This marked the final price before London markets resume on Monday, following the bank’s announcement of fresh share buybacks. 1
This matters now since buybacks can provide a steady bid under a stock at the margin. Yet, the bigger factor for UK banks remains investor expectations on the next move in interest rates. The calendar is packed this week, with NatWest set to release its annual results next month.
NatWest edged higher while the FTSE 100 slipped 0.04% on Friday, following a record close the previous day. 2
NatWest revealed in a regulatory filing on Jan. 16 that it acquired 827,502 ordinary shares, paying between 636.60 pence and 651.20 pence each. The volume-weighted average price came to 644.39 pence. The bank intends to cancel these shares, leaving 7,996,818,348 shares outstanding after settlement, excluding treasury stock. 3
A buyback occurs when a company buys back its own shares. If it cancels those shares, the total share count drops, potentially boosting earnings per share even if profits stay flat.
The next session kicks off a busy stretch of UK data that tends to shake up rate forecasts. The Office for National Statistics will release the labour market report Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 0700 GMT, followed by inflation figures on Wednesday, Jan. 21, also at 0700 GMT. Retail sales data come Friday, Jan. 23, same time. 4
The labour report draws attention again as the ONS revealed Friday it will decide this summer when to roll out its revamped jobs market survey, still targeting November 2026. Bloomberg reported contingency plans might delay that, and the ONS has acknowledged a 2027 launch is possible if preparations fall behind. 5
Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted that “a further drop in inflation will increase calls for further rate cuts from the Bank of England, especially if labour market data continue to disappoint.” S&P Global also highlighted the UK flash PMI business surveys set for release on Friday, Jan. 23. 6
But buybacks won’t eliminate the risk. If UK inflation or wage figures come in hotter than expected, bets on rate cuts could evaporate fast, sending bank shares on a rollercoaster. On the flip side, weaker data might raise fears over slower growth and rising loan defaults.
NatWest faces its next major test with annual results due Friday, Feb. 13. The bank plans to release figures at 0700 GMT, followed by a management presentation at 0900 GMT. Traders will zero in on any updates to guidance, signals on capital returns, and possible changes to buyback schemes. 7
