Barclays Bank PLCBCSHOLDFeb 03, 2015Stock 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.
Thinks interest rates will rise in the US 1st, followed by the UK. If we see interest rates rise within 6-18 months in the US, he thinks the UK will be at least 18 months behind. UK economy is strengthening quite nicely, so continental Europe will be behind that. The big catalyst will be higher interest rates. Also, the government still has an interest in it. At these levels it is fine.