Good asset quality relative to peers over an extended period. Leading positions in U.K. banking and global investment banking. Reasonably diversified revenues by business line and by geography. Investment banking increases group revenue volatility and confidence sensitivity. The combination of possible litigation charges and other exceptional items casts a shadow over our already below par earnings expectations. In the midst of a period of significant restructuring and culture change. Weakly performing continental European businesses. The stable outlook reflects our expectation that, despite the negative trend that we see in U.K. banking industry risk, Barclays' operating performance will remain satisfactory and its risk management experience will remain a supportive ratings factor. As a result, even if the risks and uncertainties relating
