Clay

Barclays has scaled back its return-to-office requirements for UK staff after criticism of its original plans. The bank's decision follows opposition from employees and trade unions, including Unite, and touches on the wider debate over working from home in the banking sector. The move is being closely watched as other employers weigh how strictly to enforce office attendance.

Barclays forecasts that the US 30-year Treasury yield could climb to 6%, a level not seen in years. The bank attributes the projection to a surge in AI-driven capital spending and sustained productivity growth, which it argues could keep borrowing costs elevated. The call is drawing attention among investors weighing how the AI investment boom might reshape growth, inflation and long-term interest rates.

Seven banks, including Barclays and Wells Fargo, have joined Project Agorá, the Bank for International Settlements' initiative to explore tokenised cross-border payments using central bank deposits alongside commercial bank money. The move marks a notable surge in Canadian bank participation in the project. The development signals growing institutional interest in shared ledger technology for wholesale settlements.

DC is preparing Clayface, a 2026 film taking the Batman villain into body horror territory, and outlets are rounding up what is known so far about the project. Coverage focuses on the unusual genre choice for a superhero studio, with details on the premise, cast and release plans being compiled as anticipation builds ahead of the new DC Universe slate.