Barclays Brief

Barclays Investment Bank

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. Published by Barclays Investment Bank: https://www.ib.barclays/ Important content disclosures: https://www.ib.barclays/disclosures/important-content-disclosures.html Important non-Research content disclosures: https://www.ib.barclays/disclosures/important-nonresearch-content-disclosures.html

  1. The Fed’s next move

    3d ago

    The Fed’s next move

    The path for US interest rates has shifted sharply in recent months, as markets move from pricing rate cuts to pricing a potential hike. In this episode, Ronnie Wexler sits down with Barclays’ Chief US Economist Marc Giannoni to look at what’s driving that shift. At the centre of the discussion is inflation. While headline inflation has been pushed higher by rising energy prices driven by the Iran war, the key question for new Fed chair Kevin Warsh is whether those pressures feed through into core inflation and ultimately shift longer-term expectations. That, Giannoni argues, is what could determine the Fed’s next move. The conversation also turns to the US consumer. Slowing real income growth, higher gasoline prices and a cooling labour market are starting to weigh on household spending, raising questions about how resilient demand can remain. Whilst these pressures could drive consumer spending down, the US consumer has surprised to the upside many times before according to Giannoni. So what should investors watch next? From inflation prints to consumer behaviour, listen to learn which signals could shape the Fed’s policy path in the months ahead. Clients can read more on Barclays Live: Waiting for the dealWhat would trigger a 2026 Fed hike?Consumers feeling the strainApril consumer spending moderating amid faltering income Listeners can also hear more episodes on this topic: Inflation crosscurrents: Energy vs AI Decoding the bond sell-off Do high gas prices change how Americans buy cars? Important Content Disclosures Important Non-Research Content Disclosures

    9 min
  2. AI goes economy-wide

    May 26

    AI goes economy-wide

    Productivity growth has been uneven across many sectors and economies. But AI in the form of humanoid robotics could change that, extending automation into physical services at scale. In this episode of Barclays Brief, Patrick Coffey is joined by Christian Keller, Head of Economics Research, to discuss what this shift could mean for productivity and the wider macro outlook. Keller explains that while a jobless future remains unlikely, the long‑running balance between labour and capital could continue to evolve as a broader range of tasks are automated. The conversation explores how combining cognitive and physical automation increases capital intensity and raises the importance of inputs such as electricity and commodities. They also consider how these forces could influence inflation dynamics and interest rates. As automation spreads into the physical economy, understanding where productivity gains may accrue – and what constrains them – becomes increasingly important. Listen now to hear the full discussion. Clients can read more on Barclays Live: •How humanoid robotics matters for macro •Ten things to know about humanoids •The decade of the robot belongs to China •Embodied AI: Wealth creation or economic displacement? Listeners can also hear more episodes about developments of physical AI: •Robots deliver dinner and profits •Rise of the humanoid robots •AI Revolution: China’s Five-Year Plan Important Content Disclosures

    12 min
  3. Robots deliver dinner and profits

    Apr 21

    Robots deliver dinner and profits

    Food delivery is changing fast, with last-mile autonomous hardware being developed and deployed at pace. In this episode of the Barclays Brief, Patrick Coffey is joined by Guillaume Galland to explore how robots and drones are beginning to reshape food delivery economics around the world. Drawing on ground‑level observations from cities including Los Angeles, Helsinki, Dublin and Dubai, Guillaume explains why autonomous delivery adoption differs by geography, and why some markets are already seeing meaningful penetration. The conversation breaks down the two core technologies now in play – aerial drones and ground‑based robots – and they discuss where each are best suited to excel. The discussion also covers the economics driving momentum in the sector – how autonomous delivery stacks up against human couriers from costs, speed and reliability, and if they offer an enhancement for consumers and restaurants alike. They also look past the exciting developments and look at the hurdles that remain, ranging from regulation and operational complexity. Crucially, this is not about replacing human riders altogether, as Guillaume explains. Physical AI is a structural lever that will sit alongside traditional delivery models, changing how the last mile works rather than removing people from it. Listen in to understand where autonomous food delivery is gaining traction, what’s holding it back, and why it matters for platforms, restaurants and investors watching the future of last‑mile logistics. Clients can read more on Barclays Live: Robot at the Door: Last-Mile Shift Listeners can also hear more episodes about developments of physical AI: Robotaxis: The future of mobilityRise of the humanoid robotsAI Revolution: China’s Five-Year Plan Important Content Disclosures Important non-Research Content Disclosures

    10 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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. Published by Barclays Investment Bank: https://www.ib.barclays/ Important content disclosures: https://www.ib.barclays/disclosures/important-content-disclosures.html Important non-Research content disclosures: https://www.ib.barclays/disclosures/important-nonresearch-content-disclosures.html

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