Barclays Brief

2026 is expected to be a breakthrough year for the US robotaxi market, as autonomous vehicles shift gears from pilot projects to large-scale deployment across major cities.Some players are expanding their fleets and coverage, while others are working to remove safety drivers and enter new metro areas. Meanwhile, several ride-hailing companies face strategic challenges as they invest in fleets but lack proprietary AV technology.In this week’s episode, Senior Research Analyst for the Internet Sector, Ross Sandler, and Global Head of the Product Management Group, Patrick Coffey, discuss the emerging investment themes, from rapid fleet growth to evolving partnerships and the race to improve remote operator ratios for cost efficiency.Listen in as they map out where the robotaxi journey is headed in 2026.Listeners can hear more on this topic:•Flip Side #76 – Is the AI investment cycle a sign of history repeating?•Barclays Brief #7 - US dollar & the AI capex cycleClients can read more on Barclays Live:•Charts Worth a Look: The US Robotaxi Market Heading into 2026•Tesla, Inc. - FSD data driving excitement...we see considerations, but narrative remains intact•What if... robotaxis & ride-hail drive a $42bn alcohol boom in the US?Important Content DisclosuresImportant non-Research Content Disclosures

If you spent 2025 watching credit and thinking “this feels suspiciously quiet,” you are not alone. Barclays’ Global Head of Research, Brad Rogoff, and Global Head of Equities Distribution, Ronnie Wexler, walk through the late‑cycle credit playbook for 2026: why spreads might finally move, how trillion‑dollar ambitions for AI are colliding with debt markets, and why private credit’s rapid growth brings new complexity and risk.​They also examine structural credit market shifts, such as portfolio trading and liquidity dynamics, and what they could mean for stability as financing needs expand across public and private markets. Dive into the full conversation to explore where credit markets may go next.​Listeners can hear more on this topic:​Barclays Brief Ep. 5: Private credit: Hidden interconnectivity​Barclays Brief Ep. 6: Hyperscalers: Hypergrowth, higher risk ​Clients can read more on Barclays Live:​Not just sunshine and rainbows: https://live.barcap.com/go/publications/link?contentPubID=FP692f6577b7837d79e2140dee&restriction=DEBT​Important Content Disclosures​Important non-Research Content Disclosures

Conversations about AI often revolve around the outlooks for the Mag7, capex or the resources required to power the technology. This episode of the Barclays Brief explores agentic AI’s potential for tangible results if applied to the energy industry. Lydia Rainforth, Head of European Energy Equity Research, joins Patrick Coffey to explain how agentic AI, defined as systems that plan, decide and act without human intervention, could unlock $80bn in productivity gains by 2030. ​The bulk of productivity gains could be realised in upstream – the exploration and extraction of raw oil and natural gas. Lydia breaks down practical use cases from faster seismic interpretation and higher hit rates in exploration to more precise, increasingly autonomous drilling. They also look at the hardware offering innovation in predictive maintenance using drones and robots that could cut downtime and increase output. ​Listen now to hear the insights and the introduction of Barclays’ AI Readiness framework (BAIR), which allows clients of Barclays Investment Bank to see companies graded by their level of implementation of AI, helping identify potential winners and laggards.Listeners can hear more on this topic:​Barclays Brief Ep 6 - Hyperscalers: Hypergrowth, higher riskBarclays Brief Ep 7 - US dollar & the AI capex cycleBarclays Brief Ep 8 - Critical minerals: the new oilClients can read more on Barclays Live:​New Horizons – Agentic AI, the $80bn game-changer for energyImportant Content Disclosures​Important non-Research Content Disclosures

The rise of real-time trading platforms, combined with steady 401(k) inflows, has amplified wealth effects – making retail investors acutely aware that fluctuations in equity markets directly influence their perceived financial well-being, with over 30% of household net worth tied directly to equities*. As Alex Altmann puts it, “the stock market now is the economy”, as market moves have the potential to ripple straight into household spending and sentiment, reshaping the old narrative.In this week’s episode of the Barclays Brief, Patrick Coffey speaks to Alex to reveal the signals institutional investors should be looking for in 2026, from retail trading cycle when tax returns come due to how commodities aren’t fully appreciated by markets. With US-China talks on the horizon, commodity price surges could not only disrupt supply chains, but impact household budgets.Tune in for actionable perspectives and the themes investors can’t afford to overlook for 2026. *Federal Reserve Flow of Funds Listeners can hear more on this topic:Barclays Brief ep8: Critical minerals: the new oilBarclays Brief ep2: Gold: Unpacking the rallyClients can read more on Barclays Live:AI and a larger-than-expected commodities cycleThe magnetic pull of rare earthsMined Matters – From Crypto to Commodities: More Fuel for the Gold RallyImportant Content DisclosuresImportant non-Research Content Disclosures

As technological advancement continues at pace across AI, defence and everything in between, demand for critical minerals such as rare earth elements (REEs) and copper, lithium, aluminium, nickel and cobalt (collectively known as CLANCs) has skyrocketed.  Yet their supply is incredibly concentrated, making access a high stakes priority for many economies. China has invested heavily over recent decades in everything from mineral processing plants to STEM graduates and has become the dominant supplier of critical minerals.With spot prices recently trebling amidst trade tensions and defence spending increases, countries in the West are balancing the need for immediate access to existing supplies with a strategic, longer-term pivot to build out mine-to-magnet processing.In this episode of the Barclays Brief, Ronnie Wexler is joined by Zornitsa Todorova, Head of Thematic FICC Research, to discuss why critical minerals are set to become a defining market theme for 2026. They break down why critical minerals are the ‘new oil’, what's driving current market volatility and what the future of supply could look like.Listeners can hear more on this topic:Talent and trade: the new battlegrounds in AIQ1 2026 Global Outlook: As goes AI...Clients can read more on Barclays Live:Critical Minerals: the magnetic pull of rare earths2025 Equity Gilt Study - Minerals and mindsQ1 2026 Global Outlook: As goes AI...Important Research Content DisclosuresImportant Non-Research Content Disclosures

AI is reshaping corporate investment priorities at breakneck speed, with the US private sector pledging trillions in capital expenditures to power the next wave of innovation. Investment waves have affected currencies before, yet, for now, FX markets remain focused on near-term narratives and tactical considerations. Could this structural shift in AI spending redefine dollar dynamics, while domestic and geopolitical headwinds reinforce sentiments of de-dollarization?In this episode of Barclays Brief, Patrick Coffey is joined by Research analyst Themos Fiotakis, Global Head of FX and EM Macro Strategy, to explore why currency markets appear to be operating in a parallel universe to equities. They also discuss potential FX upsides for metals exporters if AI-driven investment accelerates as forecast.Listeners can hear more on this topic:The Flip Side ep71 | Is this the end of the dollar as we know it?Barclays Brief ep2 | Gold: Unpacking the rallyTalent and trade: The new battlegrounds in AIClients can read more on Barclays Live:An AI revolution for the dollar - the (AI)lephant in the room(A)I Owe You: Framing Hyperscaler FinancingImportant Content DisclosuresImportant Non-Research Content Disclosures

AI, hyperscaler capex, credit markets, and debt issuance: the landscape for big tech funding is shifting fast. In the latest episode of Barclays Brief, Ronnie Wexler is joined by Andrew Keches, Co-Head of US High Grade Credit Research, to unpack how the world’s largest technology companies have recently turned to the credit markets. They discuss how evolving from cash-funded expansion was strategically inevitable, but how a wave of debt issuance has recently overwhelmed credit markets. Together, they explore why this shift is happening now, what it means for both credit and equity investors, and how the risks and rewards are evolving as tech giants become more capital-intensive. With spreads widening and new funding structures emerging, tune in to hear what investors should consider as the AI buildout accelerates. Listeners can read more on this topic:AI revolution: Meeting massive AI infrastructure demandsClients can read more on Barclays Live:(A)I Owe You: Framing Hyperscaler FinancingPowering AI HubPrivate Credit HubImportant Research disclosuresImportant non-Research disclosures

Recent high-profile bankruptcies have put private credit in the headlines. In this episode, Peter Troisi explains how private credit is weaving itself into the financial system – linking banks, insurers, non-bank financial institutions and business development companies. These connections create new funding channels and opportunities but also introduce potential hidden systemic risks. We break down what these linkages mean for stability, transparency and the future of credit markets.Tune in to get the brief on why today’s narratives around private credit and comparisons to 2008 deserve a closer look.Listeners can read more on this topic:Key Trends in Credit Markets for 2025Do the risks of NBFI lending outweigh the opportunities?Five forces reshaping fixed income marketsClients can read more on Barclays Live:Private Credit HubTaking Fundamental Cues Amid UncertaintyImportant Research disclosuresImportant non-Research disclosures

Trump-Xi trade talks are expected this week, amidst the recent publication of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. To get the insights on these headlines and narratives, Kaan Singh from Barclays Equity Tactical Strategies joins Patrick Coffey to discuss China’s evolving economic and tech landscape. Kaan explains how China is building a self-sustaining tech ecosystem, driven by its AI+ industrial policy and rapid advances in physical AI  - especially humanoid robotics. Recorded ahead of our 19th annual Barclays Asia Forum in Singapore, the conversation also highlights China’s centralised model for efficient AI diffusion and explores innovation across both hardware and software layers, setting it apart from the AI pathways being explored by Western economies. Tune in to get the insight on China’s playbook for exporting their AI innovations to the West, and where the next DeepSeek story could emerge.Listeners can read more on this topic:Is the AI investment cycle a sign of history repeating?Talent and trade: The new battlegrounds in AIAI revolution: Meeting massive AI infrastructure demandsImportant Research disclosuresImportant non-Research disclosures

With the UK’s Autumn Budget fast approaching, UK Chief Economist Jack Meaning joins Ronnie Wexler on the Barclays Brief to discuss what’s really driving the UK economic outlook. They discuss Jack's latest report published in partnership with The Institute of Fiscal Studies. They explore the short- and medium-term prospects for growth, examine why inflation remains persistent, consider where AI fits into the UK’s plans for prosperity, and assess how tax and spend policy decisions could shape the path to recovery. The episode also examines what recent moves in the gilt market reveal about investor confidence and the political challenges facing the Chancellor this autumn.Tune in for sharp insights on the UK economy at an important crossroads.Listeners can read more on this topic:UK Autumn Budget: A test of credibilityA delicate balancing act for the UK economyFor deeper insight, clients can access related Barclays Research on Barclays Live:Navigating narrow paths"If you find yourself in a hole, stop digging"Important non-Research content disclosuresImportant Research content disclosures

Gold’s historic role as a hedge asset is in focus as prices soar past $4,000 an ounce. In this episode of the Barclays Brief podcast, Ajay Rajadhyaksha, Global Chairman of Research, joins Patrick Coffey to unpack the forces driving gold’s rally: from its legacy as a safe haven to the signals it may be sending about how investors regard current fiscal and monetary policy. Is gold’s rally a warning sign, or simply a new chapter in portfolio construction?Tune in for a sharp look at why this gold rush is different, how gold stacks up against equities, and the future role of precious metals in investment portfolios.For deeper insight, clients can access related Barclays Research on Barclays Live:What is gold signalling?Of gold and other safe havensImportant Research Content DisclosuresImportant non-Research Content Disclosures

In the debut episode of this new podcast series, Patrick Coffey interviews Ronnie Wexler, Global Head of Equities Distribution in the Markets division. Ronnie lays out a bullish case for markets, driven by a rare alignment of forces: AI innovation, strong nominal GDP, and pro-growth policy working in tandem. From tax incentives and deregulation to real-world AI adoption boosting productivity and earnings, Ronnie argues that the setup is unusually powerful. But risks remain — including geopolitics and consumer resilience — making this a must-listen for anyone navigating today’s market landscape.Listen to Episode 76 of the Flip Side.Published by Barclays Investment BankImportant content disclosuresImportant non-Research content disclosures

In a world of constant change, Barclays Brief is your weekly source for differentiated perspectives that cut through the noise.Each bite-sized episode delivers clear insights into the structural trends transforming sectors – from technology and healthcare to energy, industrials and beyond.Through sharp dialogue and scenario-based analysis, we help you navigate complexity, make meaningful connections and anticipate what’s next –  whether you’re managing a portfolio or leading a business.Each week we dig deep into a key market theme, spanning equities, macro, credit and more, uncovering the forces shaping tomorrow to help you make smarter decisions today.Stay sharp. Stay briefed.