Barclays stock trading division achieved its strongest second-quarter performance in four years, helping the bank surpass earnings expectations and lift its profit outlook. The stock trading business generated revenue of 1.26 billion pounds ($1.7 billion), exceeding forecasts and marking a 45% increase compared to the same period last year.

The fixed income business posted revenue of 1.47 billion pounds, which fell short of expectations but remained roughly flat year-over-year. Investment banking also outperformed projections, with advisory fees and underwriting revenue reaching 747 million pounds, up approximately 32% from the prior year.

Barclays announced a new 1 billion pound share buyback program. CEO CS Venkatakrishnan stated in a release that the bank remains "committed and confident in achieving all financial and distribution targets for 2026 and 2028."

The bank now expects total profit for the current year to be around 31.5 billion pounds, an increase from the 31 billion pounds forecast given in February.