Barclays appointed Sahana Athreya to lead its global data science and applied AI efforts. Athreya joins with experience in advanced analytics and machine learning, underpinning the firm’s push into quant-driven research products.

The bank’s research team warned that equities rallying alongside rising oil prices suggests a fragile market equilibrium. It highlighted tightening oil supply risks and rising stagflationary pressures that could expose risk assets to adverse headlines.

Barclays reduced its Alibaba price target from $190 to $186 while retaining an Overweight rating. This adjustment reflects expectations of sustained AI-driven investment at Alibaba balanced against near-term earnings risk.