
Word on the Street
Welcome to Word on the Street, a weekly podcast from Barclays Bank where our experts help ordinary investors make sense of the latest news and events impacting the world’s financial markets.
Please note that past performance is not a guarantee of future performance. All investments can fall as well as rise in value and you can lose some or all of your money. Additionally, this podcast does not constitute an investment recommendation.
Latest episodes

Apr 3, 2025 • 26min
#315 Liberation Day
Will Hobbs and Sophie Barrington discuss the latest moves in markets following the seismic tariff announcements from the Oval Office.
To read insights from Barclays Investment Bank, visit https://www.ib.barclays/our-insights.html?cid=chartable_site_pbpodcast
To find out about starting your investment journey with Barclays, visit www.barclays.co.uk/investments
You can also follow us on LinkedIn for more Barclays investment updates - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/barclays-digital-investments/
And for Barclays Wealth Management updates - https://www.linkedin.com/company/barclays-wealth-and-investment-management/

Mar 26, 2025 • 18min
#314 Spring Statement 2025
In this special podcast, Will Hobbs and Sonia Fernandes discuss the key announcements from the Spring Statement and what they may mean for investors.
To read insights from Barclays Investment Bank, visit https://www.ib.barclays/our-insights.html?cid=chartable_site_pbpodcast
To find out about starting your investment journey with Barclays, visit www.barclays.co.uk/investments
You can also follow us on LinkedIn for more Barclays investment updates - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/barclays-digital-investments/
And for Barclays Wealth Management updates - https://www.linkedin.com/company/barclays-wealth-and-investment-management/

4 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 21min
#313 Surprising the Street
Explore the major market shifts as central banks announce new strategies. Germany's hefty spending package aims to invigorate growth, boosting European assets and the euro. Discover how China's consumption-focused stimulus contrasts with evolving U.S. economic trends. Learn about the Federal Reserve's balancing act in a slowing labor market and inflation worries. All this reveals a landscape ripe for investment opportunities and strategic financial positioning.

10 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 28min
#312 Tech bubble?
In this discussion, Ben Rogoff, Fund Manager at Polar Capital with over two decades in tech investments, shares his insights on the ongoing AI revolution. He explores how tech is reshaping market dynamics and contrasts today's giants with those of the past. The conversation dives into the societal impacts of AI advancements, from job market disruptions to international tech competition. Rogoff also stresses the importance of investing wisely amidst technological changes, highlighting the need for innovative strategies in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Mar 11, 2025 • 13min
#311 Fears of contagion fuel global market sell-off
In this Word on the Street special, Clare Francis talks to Will Hobbs and Miles Sherry about what’s been happening in markets recently.
As a slump in US equity markets causes a ripple effect across the rest of the world, investors are re-evaluating their positions as questions remain over what the US administration may do next.
To read insights from Barclays Investment Bank, visit https://www.ib.barclays/our-insights.html?cid=chartable_site_pbpodcast
To find out about starting your investment journey with Barclays, visit www.barclays.co.uk/investments
You can also follow us on LinkedIn for more Barclays investment updates - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/barclays-digital-investments/
And for Barclays Wealth Management updates - https://www.linkedin.com/company/barclays-wealth-and-investment-management/

Mar 6, 2025 • 18min
#310 Shock and bore
This week, Sophie Barrington talks to Will Hobbs about the latest from the trade war front line, as well as the fascinating developments in Germany and China.
To read insights from Barclays Investment Bank, visit https://www.ib.barclays/our-insights.html?cid=chartable_site_pbpodcast
To find out about starting your investment journey with Barclays, visit www.barclays.co.uk/investments
You can also follow us on LinkedIn for more Barclays investment updates - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/barclays-digital-investments/
And for Barclays Wealth Management updates - https://www.linkedin.com/company/barclays-wealth-and-investment-management/

Feb 27, 2025 • 22min
#309 Trump-slump?
Sophie Barrington and Will Hobbs link up in the studio to discuss the latest worries about a US recession amidst escalating trade tensions. Could other parts of the world offer investors the returns to compensate?
To read insights from Barclays Investment Bank, visit https://www.ib.barclays/our-insights.html?cid=chartable_site_pbpodcast
To find out about starting your investment journey with Barclays, visit www.barclays.co.uk/investments
You can also follow us on LinkedIn for more Barclays investment updates - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/barclays-digital-investments/
And for Barclays Wealth Management updates - https://www.linkedin.com/company/barclays-wealth-and-investment-management/

Feb 20, 2025 • 19min
#308 European revival?
Will Hobbs and Sophie Barrington discuss the implications of the upcoming German elections on Europe's financial landscape. They examine the challenges faced by Germany's government and the impact of external crises like the pandemic and war in Ukraine. The conversation also touches on defense budgets and the potential for European unity amid geopolitical tensions. Additionally, they explore contrasting economic outlooks in Europe, China, and the U.S., along with the rapid advancements in quantum technology and its societal implications.

Feb 14, 2025 • 24min
#307 A new world order?
Tune in as Will Hobbs and Miles Sherry discuss the latest developments in the US, including the attempts to remake the world order and what this could mean for investors.
To read insights from Barclays Investment Bank, visit https://www.ib.barclays/our-insights.html?cid=chartable_site_pbpodcast
To find out about starting your investment journey with Barclays, visit www.barclays.co.uk/investments
You can also follow us on LinkedIn for more Barclays investment updates - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/barclays-digital-investments/
And for Barclays Wealth Management updates - https://www.linkedin.com/company/barclays-wealth-and-investment-management/
To read insights from Barclays Investment Bank, visit https://www.ib.barclays/our-insights.html?cid=chartable_site_pbpodcast
To find out about starting your investment journey with Barclays, visit www.barclays.co.uk/investments
You can also follow us on LinkedIn for more Barclays investment updates - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/barclays-digital-investments/
And for Barclays Wealth Management updates - https://www.linkedin.com/company/barclays-wealth-and-investment-management/
To read insights from Barclays Investment Bank, visit https://www.ib.barclays/our-insights.html?cid=chartable_site_pbpodcast
To find out about starting your investment journey with Barclays, visit www.barclays.co.uk/investments
You can also follow us on LinkedIn for more Barclays investment updates - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/barclays-digital-investments/
And for Barclays Wealth Management updates - https://www.linkedin.com/company/barclays-wealth-and-investment-management/

Feb 6, 2025 • 23min
#306 UK property and business special
In this week’s UK-themed podcast, Will Hobbs is joined by two special guests. Stephen Moroukian, real estate financing specialist at Barclays Private Bank, discusses the outlook for the UK property market.
Meanwhile, David Farrow, Head of UK Corporate and Barclaycard Payments Coverage at Barclays Corporate Banking, reflects on the country’s business environment.
To read insights from Barclays Investment Bank, visit https://www.ib.barclays/our-insights.html?cid=chartable_site_pbpodcast
To find out about starting your investment journey with Barclays, visit www.barclays.co.uk/investments
You can also follow us on LinkedIn for more Barclays investment updates - https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/barclays-digital-investments/
And for Barclays Wealth Management updates - https://www.linkedin.com/company/barclays-wealth-and-investment-management/