Long term holder - excellent headline figures and nice divi increase. I do like to try to understand a bit about the companies I invest in, however and Barclays balance sheet has some lines which puzzle me. Their biggest asset is unsurprisingly "loans and advances to customers" 282BN, which even I can understand, but the next three biggest assets are "Trading Portfolio Assets" at 178BN, "Reverse Purchase Agreements and Cash collaterall on Securities Borrowed" at 174BN and "Derivative Financial Instruments" at 138BN. On the other side of the balance sheet are "Trading Portfolio liabilities" of 72BN, "Derivative Financial Instruments" at 140BN and "Repurchase Agreements and cash collateral on securities lent" at 137BN. With shreholders equity in the business of just 27BN these numbers seem uncomfortably large. Can anyone explain to me (with an example if possible) just what constitutes a typical item under each of these headings, as currently I have this vision of Nick Leeson being made to look a rank amateur?

The chinese wont be happy at present but when the sub prime scare fades away and Barclays shares reach 8 face will be restored!!

Hoping that the press is right in that damage to Barc may be more reputational than financial. History suggests that memories short when the next good deal comes along

Barc must be totally fed up with the press comments on the BOE funding. I expect they are running around the office to make sure there is no repeat.