Headlines to hedges: Positioning in 2026

In just the first two weeks of 2026, investors have had a lot to take in amidst fast-moving headlines and shifting policy signals.

In this episode of Barclays Brief, Global Head of Macro Distribution Kristen Macleod joins host Patrick Coffey to unpack how investors are navigating a market defined by both optimism and caution. They break down key positioning themes from curve steepeners and real yields in rates to USD‑centric FX trades and selective exposure to commodities. They also examine the defensive side of the market, including long‑duration hedges such as gold.

Listen in to get the strategic view on how macro investors are positioning right now.

Listeners can hear more on this topic:

Clients can read more on Barclays Live:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation. Views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect those of the firm. Any forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties.

Important Content Disclosures

Important non-Research Content Disclosures

Denne episoden er hentet fra en åpen RSS-feed og er ikke publisert av Podme. Den kan derfor inneholde annonser.

Episoder(33)

European rates: Inflation & AI waves collide

Markets have been anything but calm lately. Inflation shocks, surging energy prices and the AI narrative have collided to deliver one of the most dramatic periods in rates markets in years, forcing in...

24 Mar 11min

A bullish view on US equities

Markets may look relatively steady compared with past oil shocks, but the real story sits in the undercurrents. Despite only a modest pullback in major indices, the Iran‑linked shock has sparked some ...

17 Mar 12min

Processing uncertainty in real time

Volatility has returned, and markets are recalibrating risk premia as new sources of uncertainty emerge across oil, inflation expectations, private credit and the AI investment cycle.In this episode o...

10 Mar 9min

Weight loss drugs: Scaling up

Weight loss drugs have pushed the obesity therapeutics market to an inflection point, reshaping not only patient behaviour, healthcare spending and investor expectations, but also potentially the glob...

3 Mar 14min

Software: In the AI storm

Software equities sit in the eye of the AI storm, caught at a decisive inflection point as AI reshapes the sector and investors grapple with one of the sharpest valuation resets in years. In Episode ...

24 Feb 11min

European Industrials: Recovery or decline?

European Industrials have underperformed for years, but signs of stabilisation are emerging. In Episode 19 of The Barclays Brief, George Featherstone, European Industrials Research Analyst, joins Patr...

17 Feb 9min

Japan decides, global markets move

Japan’s decisive election result is recalibrating market expectations, bringing FX, rates and fiscal policy signals into sharper focus. The LDP’s clear mandate will likely feed through to household de...

10 Feb 11min

Metals & mining: Meltdown or opportunity?

Sharp swings across precious metals, especially gold, have thrust the sector into the spotlight, sustaining investor interest and stirring fresh debate over whether a new supercycle is emerging. Amos ...

3 Feb 10min