Barclays Plc headquarters in London, UK, announced a surprise £500 million share buyback, reporting a profit in the third quarter despite pre-tax profit of £2.1 billion slightly below expectations. Return on Tangible Equity was 10.6%, down from 12.3%, with earnings per share at 10.4 pence. Income in investment banking division increased by 8% year-on-year.

European financial stocks have surged over 55% in 2025, with Barclays shares up 35% year-to-date, driven by strong investment banking returns. JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs also reported robust third-quarter earnings, particularly in their investment banking units. Meanwhile, concerns over bad loans on Wall Street have impacted European banking stocks temporarily.

Investment banking results have been a bright spot for industry giants like Barclays, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs, with strong third-quarter earnings. European financial stocks have seen a boost in 2025, with Barclays shares up 35% year-to-date. Concerns over bad loans on Wall Street have caused fluctuations in European banking stocks, but confidence remains high.

Read more at CNBC: Barclays Q3 earnings