Barclays profits beat expectations as investment bank thrives in volatile market

  • Barclays PLC (LSE:BARC) reported a 19% increase in profits for the first quarter of 2025, beating City expectations thanks in part due to a strong performance from its investment bank. The lender increased credit impairment charges to £0.6 billion, reflecting a higher loan loss rate of 61 basis points, including a £74 million adjustment tied to rising macroeconomic uncertainty in the US.