London, Feb 8, 2026, 08:53 GMT — The market is closed.
- Barclays finished Friday’s session up 2.71% at 479.1 pence. The market closed for the weekend.
- Tuesday brings full-year results and a fresh targets update—an important moment for UK bank stocks.
- Investors have a fresh angle to watch: M&A talk swirling around wealth manager Evelyn Partners.
Barclays wrapped up Friday at 479.1 pence, up 2.71%. That puts the stock just shy of its February 4 high—about 5% off the 506 pence mark—as the UK’s big bank earnings loom after the weekend break in London. 1
This is significant: banks have been the engine behind the FTSE 100’s recent momentum, with the index closing up on Friday and notching its second weekly advance in a row. Speculation that UK interest rates could be near a pivot has caught traders’ attention, often causing a rethink in how lender earnings get valued. 2
Barclays’ range of businesses is part of what’s fueling the optimism, according to Richard Hunter, head of markets at interactive investor. He called out the bank’s “financial strength” and “business diversity,” saying those factors make it his “preferred play” among UK bank stocks. 3
Deal chatter lingers, with both Barclays and NatWest putting in bids for wealth manager Evelyn Partners, according to a Sky News report cited by Reuters on Saturday. An announcement could land as soon as early this week. 4
Barclays announced Friday that Mary Francis plans to leave her role as a non-executive director on May 6, stepping aside from both the pay and sustainability committees as well. The board thanked her for what it called a “significant contribution” and said it was “extremely grateful”. 5
Earnings take center stage. According to Barclays’ investor calendar, the bank is set to release its full-year 2025 results and updated targets at 7 a.m. UK time on Feb. 10. Shortly after, CEO C.S. Venkatakrishnan will lead a live webcast for investors at 9 a.m. 6
Investors are zeroing in on costs, credit quality, and capital returns. One thing they’re keen to hear: Barclays’ strategy for protecting earnings if the Bank of England moves to cut rates. Lower policy rates tend to eat into net interest margins — that’s the difference between what the bank brings in from loans and what it pays out on deposits.
Markets are still adjusting their outlook on rates. The Bank Rate holds at 3.75%, with the Bank of England set to announce its next policy move on March 19, its official calendar shows.
Still, it’s not all smooth sailing this week. Sluggish trading and advisory numbers could drag on Barclays’ investment bank revenue. On top of that, a rise in consumer credit losses would put fresh scrutiny on the U.S. card business. Pair that with any disappointing update to targets, and the shares’ run could lose steam fast.
Barclays heads into Monday with investors eyeing if it builds on Friday’s rally alongside other banks. Focus then shifts to Barclays’ earnings out Tuesday, and NatWest’s report lands later in the week. 7
