Leading business positions in a number of core markets. Reasonably diversified revenue base by business line and geography. Relatively resilient earnings performance. Revenue volatility and confidence sensitivity of extensive investment banking activities. Risks inherent in substantial loan portfolios. Standard&Poor's Ratings Services' outlook on Barclays Bank PLC (Barclays) is stable. This reflects our view that Barclays will likely further improve its capital position by our measures, mainly through retained earnings. Our ratings assume that Barclays will continue to generate capital even though earnings prospects remain below potential, reflecting subdued sales and trading revenues, the sustained low interest rate environment, and our expectation that impairment charges will modestly rise in 2012. We understand that Barclays continues to manage its balance
