Barclays Bank PLCBCSCOMMENTApr 16, 2014Stock price when the opinion was issued
As of Jun 23, 2026. Market Open.
Best European bank? European banking is difficult, given negative interest rates. Best in class is Barclay's for its investing banking business or Lloyd's Banking. There should be more consolidation here, but it's difficult in Europe (look at ATD'B trying to buy Carrefour this month).
Likes it. They bought Lehman, which had investment banking but was really a bond house, so Dodd-Frank caused a lot of capital issues and restrictions. New management is doing a good job by sticking with investment banking and have a great retail franchise in the UK, and they exited businesses around the world that didn't work out. They're going all the right things, though Brexit creates uncertainty. Great credit card business. It will do well, but have to get past Brexit early next year.
Some of these banks are a little sloppy because of a Ukraine situation. Feels there are opportunities in the banks because we have basically been going sideways for so long, but you really have to pick and choose. (See Top Picks.)