Barclays Soars 1.78% on Strong Earnings, Rating Upgrade

Barclays Bank (BCS) surged 1.78%, marking its eighth consecutive day of gains, with an 11.16% increase over the past eight days. The share price reached its highest level since August 2015 today, with an intraday decline of NaN%.

The strategy of buying BCS shares after they reach a recent high and holding for 1 week yielded moderate returns over the past 5 years, with a 5-year CAGR of 4.76%. While the strategy captured some upside, it also experienced volatility, as evidenced by the 15.34% maximum drawdown. The recent high as of May 15, 2025, was set at £7.77, which represents a 1.77% increase from the 5-year closing high of £7.64.

Barclays' stock price has been positively influenced by several key factors. The bank reported impressive Q1 2025 earnings, driven by strong investment banking performance amidst market volatility. This robust financial performance has indicated growth potential and positively impacted the stock price.

Additionally, Barclays shares reached a new 52-week high, reflecting positive market sentiment and investor confidence in the stock. This milestone further underscores the bank's strong financial health and future prospects.

BNP Paribas upgraded Barclays from "neutral" to "outperform," which has potentially contributed to increased investor interest and stock price appreciation. This rating upgrade is a testament to the bank's improving financial outlook and strategic initiatives.

Barclays also raised its net interest income view following a strong quarter, with a reported pretax profit of 2.72 billion pounds. This growth was driven by fixed income trading activities, highlighting the bank's ability to capitalize on market opportunities and generate substantial profits.

Overall, Barclays' operating momentum remains strong, with revenue and profitability growth from stable retail and corporate banking. This continued performance suggests sustained investor confidence and support for the stock price.