Barclays Private Bank Podcasts

The major central banks kept interest rates unchanged in July, but what happens next? The latest policy meetings were all about the message (or lack of) from central bankers. In this week’s podcast, Michel Vernier, Head of Fixed Income Strategy, joins host Julien Lafargue, our Chief Market Strategist, as they analyse the latest interest rate decisions in the US, Europe and the UK, how the bond markets have reacted and what they mean for the outlook for rates.

What could Andy Burnham’s first week as UK prime minister reveal about future government policy? In our latest podcast, we explore the political, economic and market implications of the UK’s new leadership and the changes announced so far. Listen in for insights from Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, Alex Jackman from the Regional Corporate Affairs team at Barclays and Luke Mayberry, Investment Strategist.

AI-related companies have helped to propel markets to record highs this year, but how much will AI reshape productivity, labour markets and economic growth? In this week’s podcast, Lukas Gehrig, Head of Quantitative Macro and Thematic Strategy, joins host Julien Lafargue, our Chief Market Strategist, to explore how much AI could penetrate people’s jobs and whether productivity gains can offset slowing demographic trends.

AI has changed how quickly we can gather and understand information, but what is it doing to the quality of our decisions? In this week's podcast, Alex Joshi, Head of Behavioural Finance, and Rob Smith, AI and Data Science Strategist, join Julien Lafargue, our Chief Market Strategist, to explore 'cognitive surrender' and consider how to keep making good decisions. They also discuss the shift from AI chatbots to AI agents, the rising costs of using AI agents and the anticipated trends that could be seen over the rest of the year.

Property continues to dominate the headlines, as speculation over stamp duty reform and news of recent high-profile activity grabs investor attention. In this week’s podcast, Stephen Moroukian, our real estate financing specialist, joins Julien Lafargue, our Chief Market Strategist, to discuss the interest rate environment, amid sticky inflation and volatile energy prices, and consider what’s in store for house prices in prime central London and across the rest of the UK.

The first half of the year has witnessed mixed performance in currency markets with the US dollar strengthening, due to its safe-haven status and US economic growth, while sterling weakened on political uncertainty. In this week’s podcast, Bhaskar Gupta, Head of FX Distribution in the UK, joins Julien Lafargue to discuss what investors can expect from the major currencies for the rest of the year.

In this week's podcast, Michel Vernier, Head of Fixed Income Strategy, joins Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, to explore what could shape the next moves in UK and US interest rates. They discuss UK inflation, how bond markets are responding to UK political uncertainty, and the first statement from new US Federal Reserve chair Kevin Warsh.

Against a backdrop of elevated economic and geopolitical uncertainty, investors have faced significant challenges throughout the first half of the year. In this week’s special podcast, Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, is joined by Dorothée Deck, Head of Cross Asset Strategy, and Michel Vernier, Head of Fixed Income Strategy, as they discuss our Mid-Year Outlook 2026 report and explore the key topics shaping global markets.

Following transformative AI-related bond issuance, what has been the impact of this fundraising on the structure and dynamics of credit markets? In this podcast, Aleksandar Devic, Fixed Income Strategist, joins host Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, to discuss the latest developments in credit markets. Away from AI, where is the relative value in more traditional sectors? Are there any opportunities at the long end of the investment grade curve? And where is the most value in high yield?

As valuations in semi-conductor chip manufacturers soar, are concerns of a bubble warranted or is this the start of a new paradigm? In this podcast, Rob Smith, AI and Data Science Strategist, joins host Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, to explore the latest developments in the AI sector. Will future productivity gains continue to support the AI trade? What are the most important developments in agentic AI? And what comes next?

As private credit becomes a more significant part of the investment landscape, how important is diversification and manager selection? In this special podcast, Kellie Hata, Head of European Private Markets, and Mike Scott, Senior Investment Due Diligence Analyst, both from Albourne Partners, join host Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, to explore how a disciplined and well-informed approach can exploit attractive opportunities in private credit despite increasing performance dispersion and rising defaults.

As ongoing political uncertainty in the UK puts pressure on sterling, what is the longer-term outlook for the currency? Bhaskar Gupta, Head of FX Distribution, joins host Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, to discuss the outlook for the major currencies amid expected rate hikes from leading central banks. They also discuss the US dollar’s safe-haven status, inflationary headwinds and yen volatility amid bouts of intervention by the Bank of Japan.

Following a historic weekend of election results, what have we learned from an increasingly fragmented electorate? Sonia Fernandes, UK Government Relations and Policy, and Luke Mayberry, Investment Strategist, join host Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, to consider the unprecedented gains by Reform UK amid a shift towards anti-union parties. They also discuss the likelihood of a Labour leadership challenge in the short term, the market reaction to the results and the outlook for the UK economy.

What do last week’s central bank meetings imply for interest rate expectations in 2026? Michel Vernier, Head of Fixed Income Strategy, joins host Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, to consider the latest policy announcements. As the US Federal Reserve, Bank of England and European Central Bank leave rates on hold, concerns mount over an oil-induced inflationary shock. They also discuss investment opportunities in fixed income, the latest earnings news and what’s next in the Middle East conflict.

A year on from when President Donald Trump announced his 'Liberation Day' tariffs, what has been the impact on the global economy? Lukas Gehrig, Head of Quantitative Macro and Thematic Strategy, joins host Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, to consider the effects the initiative has had on global trade routes. They also discuss how the tariffs have affected the US economy and explore the likely inflationary impact from this year's energy shock caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

As negotiations in the Middle East continue, is a peace deal in reach? Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, considers the latest developments in the region. Meanwhile, US banks reported first-quarter results that generally beat expectations – driven by strong equity trading – and painted an encouraging outlook backed by the strength of the US consumer and a resilient economy.

What can we learn from the way investors behave during bouts of extreme market volatility? Alex Joshi, Head of Behavioural Finance, joins host Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, to discuss recent investor behaviour amid unpredictability in the Middle East, how use of live newsfeeds affects investor decisions and the importance of maintaining perspective despite ongoing uncertainty.

What does Tuesday’s US deadline for Iran mean to markets? Listen in to hear Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, consider recent developments in the Gulf. Despite the market’s resilience in the hopes of a ceasefire, the potential for oil shortages amidst a prolonged conflict threaten to hit global economic growth and increase the risk of recession.

How is the conflict in the Middle East affecting currency markets? Listen in to hear Bhaskar Gupta, our Head of FX Distribution UK, discuss the latest developments in FX markets and the outlook for the major currencies and central bank policy. Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, also gives an update on events in the Middle East, and highlights why market attention could soon shift from inflation worries to recession risk, if oil shortages materialise.

This week’s podcast features Stephen Moroukian, our real estate financing specialist, for an in-depth look at the latest property market developments. Listen in for expert insights on how the Middle East conflict is affecting UK fixed-term mortgage rates, as well as its potential impact on property prices – in both the UK and the UAE. Stephen also outlines the key changes of the Renters’ Rights Act, which is set to shake up the UK rental market when it takes effect in May. In addition, host Julien Lafargue looks at the wider market impact of the Middle East situation, and whether invest...

As the conflict in the Middle East enters its third week, our latest podcast examines the reaction across equity and bond markets, and the potential scenarios ahead. Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, is joined by Michel Vernier, Head of Fixed Income Strategy, to discuss the dramatic moves in rates and how the outlook for fixed income markets has shifted, including for private and public credit markets. Meanwhile, Dorothée Deck, Head of Cross Asset Strategy, considers how soaring oil prices have affected equity markets, as well as the potential impact on sectors and regions in a sustained energy shock.

This week, Sonia Fernandes, our UK government relations and policy specialist, delves into the latest developments in UK politics – including the evolving relationship with the US, last week’s Spring Statement and the increasing uncertainty surrounding the future of the country’s leadership. Host Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, also gives an update on the conflict in the Middle East, from the potential impact of soaring oil prices to whether now could be a good entry point for investors.

In this week’s podcast, Julien Lafargue, our Chief Market Strategist, discusses the joint attack on Iran by Israel and the US over the weekend, and the potential implications for global markets.

Does recent volatility among software stocks signal a significant risk for the credit market? Michel Vernier, Head of Fixed Income Strategy, and Aleks Devic, Fixed Income Specialist, join Julien Lafargue to explore recent price action, examine the headlines about redemption limitations within private credit markets and to discuss how investors can build a sustainable credit portfolio.

In this week’s podcast, Nvidia’s Simon See, joins host Julien Lafargue to reflect on the impact artificial intelligence and what his AI research work at the company suggests could happen next. Given that AI tailwinds that powered the market higher have turned into headwinds recently, we hope you find this informative.

In this week’s podcast, Michel Vernier, Head of Fixed Income Strategy, joins host Julien Lafargue to reflect on recent central bank rate-setting meetings. What can we expect from the US Federal Reserve (Fed), European Central Bank and the Bank of England over the next few quarters? How did bond markets react to Kevin Warsh’s nomination as the next Fed chair? And what does Japan’s recent election result mean for investors?

In this week’s podcast, Stefano Mascoli, Head of FX and Capital Markets in Monaco, joins host Julien Lafargue to discuss the drivers behind the recent sharp moves in currency markets. Are investors witnessing a structural shift in the US dollar? How much further could the yen rally? And what role did the prospect of a coordinated US–Japan intervention play in markets?

The US economy is creating far fewer jobs, but is this just a temporary soft patch? Lukas Gehrig, our Head of Quant Macro and Thematic Strategy, joins host Julien Lafargue, Chief Market Strategist, to delve into the trends shaping the US labour market – from tougher immigration and shifting demographics to advances in artificial intelligence – and why they matter for investors.

In this week's podcast, Dorothée Deck, Head of Cross Asset Strategy, joins host Julien Lafargue to discuss how market leadership is broadening across companies, sectors and regions. They cover what’s driving this shift, why investor sentiment remains fragile, and why earnings delivery is becoming increasingly important. They also preview the key themes for the Q4 reporting season – from AI‑related productivity to capex trends and the durability of mega-cap earnings – and share early insights from US bank results.

In this week's podcast, Michel Vernier, Head of Fixed Income Strategy, joins host Julien Lafargue to reflect on the bond markets in 2025 and provide insights on what will be the driving forces in 2026. They discuss if central banks are done with interest rate cuts and if the bond markets are too complacent about the inflation outlook. Additionally, they explore what large-scale, AI-related capital expenditure means for credit markets.

In this week’s podcast, Ivelin Stankov, Investment Strategist, joins host Julien Lafargue to discuss cryptocurrencies. Is Bitcoin a form of digital gold? What role can Bitcoin play in portfolios? And what should investors expect from Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies in 2026 and beyond?

In this week’s podcast, Alex Joshi, Head of Behavioural Finance, joins host Julien Lafargue to discuss the psychology of bubbles. What is a bubble and how does it work? Is there a bubble in equity markets today? And how can investors use AI to make better investment decisions?

This week’s podcast discusses the impact that UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ Budget last week is having on the housing market. Our real estate financing specialist Stephen Moroukian joins host Julien Lafargue to discuss the state of the property market and outline the key Budget measures likely to have the biggest impact on investors in the sector.

This week’s podcast discusses the key themes of our recently released AI Outlook 2026: Agents of Productivity report, which examines the defining trends, opportunities and risks for AI in the year ahead. Lukas Gehrig, Head of Quant Macro and Thematic Strategy, and Rob Smith, AI and Data Science Strategist, join host Julien Lafargue to answer some of the key questions on investors’ minds. Can the hunger for compute and energy demand be sated? When will AI deliver the much-promised broad productivity gains? And what part will regulation play in the AI rollout?

Despite the strong performance in US equity markets this year and speculation of an AI bubble, there are still reasons for investors to be optimistic. In this special podcast, guests Dr Nouriel Roubini, Senior Economic Strategist, and Jason Cuttler, Senior Markets and Derivatives Strategist, both at Hudson Bay Capital join host Julien Lafargue to discuss how AI-driven growth should continue to outweigh less market-friendly policies such as tariffs, why they believe that the S&P 500 isn’t overvalued and why Japan and metals can offer investors diversification benefits.

As we unveil our Outlook 2026 report amidst a year marked by powerful AI-driven momentum, stretched equity valuations and growing concentration risks, the key question now is how investors should position as we move toward 2026. In this week’s podcast, Dorothée Deck, Head of Cross Asset Strategy, and Michel Vernier, Head of Fixed Income Strategy, join host Julien Lafargue to explore the forces behind recent market performance, the vulnerabilities emerging beneath the surface, and where we believe the most compelling opportunities and risks lie across regions, sectors and investment styles.

Following the release of our Private Markets Annual Report 2025, we shine a light on the growing importance of private markets for high-net-worth investors. In this week’s podcast, Shenal Kakad, Global Head of Private Markets, shares some of the report’s key findings around why investors are increasingly looking at private markets, the key drivers behind the growth in allocations to private markets and the barriers they face when investing.

Q3 results in the US have been particularly strong, with earnings and margins surprising to the upside. Europe has been more mixed, though underlying trends look more resilient, after accounting for sector and FX effects. At the same time, dispersion is rising. In this week’s podcast, Dorothée Deck, Head of Cross Asset Strategy, explores how strong numbers in the US are not always rewarded, while even modest disappointments face sharper reactions ‒ a clear sign that investors are becoming more discriminating.

Blockchain is a long-term investment theme that is maturing after an initial stage of hype, offering new avenues for value creation in portfolios. In this week’s podcast, Ivelin Stankov, Investment Strategist, joins host Julien Lafargue to explain what blockchain companies do, the influence of cryptocurrencies on blockchain companies, and what makes the blockchain theme a unique opportunity for investors.

In this week’s podcast, Stephen Moroukian, our real estate financing specialist, joins host Julien Lafargue to discuss central London’s prime real-estate market, Budget speculation, and the ongoing geopolitical backdrop. Stephen also provides an update on the UK interest rate outlook and how this is impacting the demand for mortgages.