Barclays Predicts US Dollar Resurgence Amid Policy Shifts

Barclays FX strategist Skylar Montgomery Koning predicts a potential resurgence of the US dollar, noting that its 10% year-to-date drop has already priced in negative impacts from tariffs. The US dollar index (DXY) trades at 97.57, following its worst first-half performance in over 50 years. While Koning highlights eased trade tensions as a positive factor, Charles Schwab’s Kathy Jones warns that resulting inflation could delay Fed rate cuts until December or 2024. The CME FedWatch Tool, however, still estimates a 62.7% chance of a 25-basis-point cut in September. The dollar’s outlook remains uncertain amid conflicting economic signals.

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Trump Advances Tariffs, Eyes New Rates on Copper & Pharma

President Donald Trump has doubled down on his tariff strategy, signaling no further extensions for country-specific levies set to take effect in early August. He also hinted at imposing substantial new tariffs on copper and pharmaceutical imports, reinforcing his ‘reciprocal’ trade approach. The announcement follows Monday’s executive actions, which delayed some tariffs while targeting nations failing to secure trade deals. Experts like Barclays’ Christian Keller and Citi’s Max Layton, alongside Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, weigh in on the potential economic fallout.

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Barclays Boosts Middle East Leadership Amid Growth

Barclays Plc has elevated two senior leaders to oversee its growing Middle East business, reflecting the region’s increasing influence in global finance and the bank’s strategic focus on expansion there. The promotions highlight Barclays’ efforts to capitalize on the Middle East’s economic potential and reinforce its competitive position. This decision aligns with broader trends of financial institutions prioritizing emerging markets for growth opportunities.

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JPMorgan Predicts Double-Digit Drop for Circle Stock

JPMorgan analyst Kenneth Worthington predicts a double-digit percentage drop for Circle’s (CRCL) stock, setting a price target of $80—56% below its current price. Worthington warns of intensifying competition as firms like Amazon and Walmart explore stablecoin issuance, threatening Circle’s market share. Despite a 487% surge since its IPO, CRCL has fallen 39% from its all-time high. Barclays, however, remains optimistic, projecting a $215 price target due to growing TradFi adoption of stablecoins. Circle’s market cap exceeds $40 billion, but its high P/E ratio of 234 raises concerns.

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Wall Street Closing Bell Analysis & Expert Insights

Bloomberg Television provides in-depth coverage of Wall Street’s closing moments, featuring insights from leading financial experts like Zachary Griffiths (CreditSights), Anthony Pompliano (Professional Capital Management), and Dan Levy (Barclays). The segment also includes perspectives from Ralf Reichert (Esports World Cup Foundation), Sandy Pomeroy (Neuberger Berman Group LLC), and other notable guests. Discussions span market trends, economic outlooks, and strategic investment advice, offering viewers actionable insights. This high-profile panel ensures a comprehensive analysis of today’s financial landscape, making it essential viewing for investors and traders alike.

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Bitget Launches Crypto-Backed Payment Card Amid Bitcoin Surge

Bitget has announced the launch of a crypto-backed payment card in collaboration with Mastercard and Immersve, enabling seamless transactions at over 150 million merchants globally with no transaction fees. The card will initially target users in the UK and EU before expanding to other regions. Bitcoin’s price remains strong, holding above $107k with a 12% surge in trading volume. Bitget CEO Gracy Chen predicts Bitcoin could reach $126k-$190k by year-end, citing historical halving cycles. Institutional interest in Bitcoin is growing, with Deutsche Bank planning a crypto custody service by 2026 and The Smarter Web Company adding 230 BTC to its treasury. However, Barclays has blocked crypto transactions, citing consumer protection concerns.

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Barclays Blocks Crypto Purchases with Credit Cards

Barclays has announced it will block cryptocurrency purchases made with its credit cards starting June 2025, citing concerns over potential debt risks and the lack of financial protections for digital assets. This follows similar restrictions by other UK banks like Chase UK, HSBC, and Nationwide. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has also expressed concerns, proposing a blanket ban on crypto purchases with credit due to unsustainable debt risks. A YouGov survey revealed that 14% of UK crypto investors used credit in 2024, up from 6% in 2022. While some experts support credit restrictions, others criticize banks for preventing customers from using their own money for crypto transactions. Analysts warn against trading crypto with debt due to high risks.

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Barclays Faces Lawsuit Over Epstein Ties

Barclays and ex-CEO Jes Staley must face a lawsuit accusing them of defrauding investors by concealing ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The class-action suit, led by US pension funds, alleges Barclays misrepresented its relationship with Epstein to safeguard its reputation and stock price. Court documents reveal Staley referred to Epstein as ‘family’ in emails, and his close ties led to a UK ban from top financial roles. The fraud claims span from 2019 to 2023, with the judge ruling investors plausibly alleged intentional deception. Staley’s past at JPMorgan, where he maintained ties with Epstein post-conviction, further complicates the case.

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Barclays Bans Crypto Transactions on Bank Cards

Barclays has announced a ban on all cryptocurrency transactions via its payment cards, effective June 27, 2025, citing concerns over market volatility and the lack of regulatory protections for crypto assets. The bank warns that price drops could leave customers with unaffordable debt, and crypto purchases are not covered by UK financial safety nets. Interestingly, Barclays remains invested in crypto through BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF (IBIT), holding over $137 million in shares as of February 2024. This contradictory stance highlights the banking sector’s cautious approach to retail crypto exposure while engaging institutionally. IBIT, the largest Bitcoin ETF by volume, continues to trade positively, up 1.5% at reporting time.

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Barclays Blocks Crypto Purchases via Credit Cards

Barclays, a major UK-based bank, will begin blocking cryptocurrency transactions made via its Barclaycard credit cards starting Friday. The bank cited concerns over the extreme volatility of crypto assets and the lack of regulatory protections for investors as key reasons for the decision. A Barclays spokesperson emphasized that the move aims to prevent customers from accumulating unaffordable debt if crypto prices plummet. The decision reflects growing caution among traditional financial institutions regarding crypto-related risks, even as the broader debate on crypto regulation continues in the UK.

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