
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

Feb 3, 2025 • 24min
#305 Trade war – what next?
In an extra episode responding to the weekend’s news, Miles Sherry and Will
Hobbs consider the threat posed by increasing trade tariffs and appropriate actions from 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/

Jan 30, 2025 • 16min
#304 A lot can happen in a month
The busy start to the year for markets is showing no sign of letting up anytime soon.
This week, Luke Pearce and Sophie Barrington discuss whether DeepSeek’s announcements are enough to roil the AI rally, the latest actions from the US Federal Reserve and European Central Bank, and whether the rise in UK gilt yields is behind us.
To read insights from Barclays Investment Bank, visit www.ib.barclays/our-insights.html…le_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 - www.linkedin.com/showcase/barclay…tal-investments/
And for Barclays Wealth Management updates - www.linkedi

Jan 23, 2025 • 10min
#303 The return of President Trump
Francis Addai, an expert at Barclays Bank known for his insights on market analysis, joins Sophie Barrington to unpack the latest in the financial world. They dive into the turmoil in the UK economy, scrutinizing rising debt levels and government bond yields. Addai also discusses the potential impact of President Trump’s policies on market fluctuations, including currency volatility and trade tariffs. The conversation highlights how Trump's unique communication style shapes market dynamics, offering a fresh perspective on the current economic landscape.

Jan 16, 2025 • 19min
#302 Investing in 2025 – No pain, no gain?
Delve into the choppy waters of financial markets as experts discuss potential investment opportunities amid political shifts. The UK economy faces mixed signals from inflation and interest rates, igniting cautious optimism. Explore the ethical side of economic growth and the societal costs tied to sustainability. Discover how technology is reshaping job markets and the implications of generative AI. Finally, learn smart investing strategies to navigate volatility, emphasizing the critical role of consumer health in driving demand.

Jan 9, 2025 • 20min
#301 Trouble in the UK?
The hosts dive into the UK’s economic outlook, lamenting a rocky start for its assets. They tackle rising US interest rates and currency fluctuations. There’s a candid look at government spending and tariffs post-leadership change, with potential inflation discussions. The looming risk of a US economic bubble is discussed, alongside the important role of diversification. Emerging technologies, particularly general AI, are also linked to market behavior, underscoring how innovation shapes economic dynamics.

Dec 12, 2024 • 28min
#300 Front of mind
We’re thrilled to announce that Word on the Street has reached 300 episodes!
We’ve had some fantastic guests over the years, who have shared invaluable insights during some very turbulent times.
This week, Will Hobbs and Miles Sherry address some of the most common client worries of the moment, from lower expected returns to potential bubbles, tariffs and trade, and plenty more in between.
This is the last recording of the year and, as such, comes with best wishes for the season to you and your loved ones from the team here at Barclays.
To read Barclays Private Bank's "Outlook 2024" report, visit privatebank.barclays.com/insights/202…utlook-2024/
To read insights from Barclays Investment Bank, visit www.ib.barclays/our-insights.html…le_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 - www.linkedin.com/showcase/barclay…tal-investments/
And for Barclays Wealth Management updates - www.linkedin.com/company/barclays…ment-management/

Dec 5, 2024 • 11min
#299 Political machinations in Europe
Join Francis Addai and Sophie Barrington as they reflect on what's been happening in markets over the last week or so.
With all the political turmoil in Europe, in addition to a weakening economy, they discuss the outlook for the region, before turning their attention to China.
To read Barclays Private Bank's "Outlook 2024" report, visit privatebank.barclays.com/insights/202…utlook-2024/
To read insights from Barclays Investment Bank, visit www.ib.barclays/our-insights.html…le_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 - www.linkedin.com/showcase/barclay…tal-investments/
And for Barclays Wealth Management updates - www.linkedin.com/company/barclays…ment-management/

Nov 28, 2024 • 26min
#298 Preview of 2025
Will Hobbs and Sophie Barrington reflect on the highs and lows of 2024, and preview the key threats and opportunities for investors in the year ahead.
Could 2025 see the US dollar and Magnificent Seven lose some of their shine? And how might incoming President Trump’s policies impact bond markets and the wider economy?
To read Barclays Private Bank's "Outlook 2024" report, visit https://privatebank.barclays.com/insights/2023/november/outlook-2024/
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/

Nov 21, 2024 • 13min
#297 What next?
This week, Francis Addai and Sophie Barrington catch up in the studio to mull over the key topics on investors’ minds.
Tune in to hear about recent market moves, geopolitical risks, the potential for the UK economy, and what to make of the initial readings of the next US administration.
To read Barclays Private Bank's "Outlook 2024" report, visit https://privatebank.barclays.com/insights/2023/november/outlook-2024/
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/

Nov 14, 2024 • 27min
#296 A new world order
Tune in as Will Hobbs and Miles Sherry chew the fat on the prospects for an entirely new world order confronting investors, following a clean sweep for the Republican Party in last week's US elections.
To read Barclays Private Bank's "Outlook 2024" report, visit https://privatebank.barclays.com/insights/2023/november/outlook-2024/
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/