Hi,
I have an upcoming interview with Barclays and was told to expect some markets-related questions in addition to technicals.
For those who’ve interviewed there, how much do they expect you to know about current events and market trends? Is it more about broad awareness or detailed analysis?
Hi,
Good that you’re prepping for that. Barclays does like to test market awareness, especially for roles with a bit of a macro angle.
From what I’ve seen, they usually expect broad awareness, not super detailed analysis. So understanding what the Fed is doing, general trends in interest rates, big geopolitical stories, recent M&A activity, or how markets are reacting overall.
They might ask things like what deal or event you’ve found interesting lately, or how certain macro trends could impact valuations or deal flow. They want to see that you’re following the news and thinking about what it means, not just listing headlines.
Best way to prepare is to read a short daily markets summary and have one or two opinions ready. That shows you’re switched on and thinking like someone who wants to be in the seat.
Hey!
For Barclays interviews, market-related questions typically test your awareness of current events and how they impact financial markets rather than expecting deep, highly technical analysis.
You should be able to discuss major market movements, key economic indicators, and recent deals or news that affect sectors relevant to the role. It’s about showing that you follow markets regularly, understand basic cause-and-effect relationships, and can articulate your perspective clearly.
While you don’t need to have every statistic memorized, having a few well-prepared talking points on recent trends, interest rate changes, or notable M&A activity can make a strong impression.
Try to connect your market observations to how they influence investment decisions, risk, or client strategies. Demonstrating curiosity, logical reasoning, and the ability to link events to broader market implications is often more valuable than knowing every minute detail.
With more than 3 years in Barclays, they generally expect you to have a solid grasp of current events and broad market trends rather than deep, highly detailed analysis. You should be comfortable discussing macroeconomic themes, interest rate movements, equity or fixed income trends, and major geopolitical developments that could impact markets. It helps to have a few concrete examples ready, such as recent central bank decisions or M&A activity, so you can demonstrate awareness and the ability to connect events to market implications.
While you don’t need to be an expert in every market nuance, being able to form an informed opinion, explain your reasoning clearly, and discuss how trends might affect trading or investment strategies will make you stand out. Reading reputable financial news sources regularly and thinking critically about what drives market movements is the best way to prepare.
