Barclays Beats Expectations with Strong First Quarter Performance

Published 6 hours agoBCS

Barclays Beats Expectations with Strong First Quarter Performance

Barclays has delivered robust financial results for the first quarter of 2025, outperforming analysts' expectations with a notable increase in profit and revenue. The bank's net profit surged by 20% to £1.9 billion, exceeding the anticipated £1.68 billion and up from £1.6 billion last year. Moreover, Barclays achieved an 11% rise in revenue, reaching £7.7 billion.

The bank’s investment banking arm performed exceptionally well, highlighting a 16% increase in revenue to £3.9 billion. This growth was fueled by a significant 21% boost in fixed income trading and a 9% rise in equities trading, according to Reuters. These activities were particularly influenced by the increased market volatility following global trade tensions initiated by the U.S. administration.

In light of this strong performance, Barclays revised its income guidance for 2025 to over £12.5 billion, up from £12.2 billion, anticipating continued growth in domestic lending, notably mortgages and consumer loans. Additionally, Barclays plans to return at least £10 billion to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks from 2024 to 2026, maintaining a preference for buybacks.

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