Barclays PLC (LSE:BARC) and Standard Chartered PLC (LSE

TAN) are the preferred UK bank stocks in Europe for UBS, though analysts warned that the looming earnings season could see volatile share price moves. European banks are forecast to enjoy a 20% total return over the next 12-18 months, they added, with sector shares offering room re-rate thanks to the support of dividends, buybacks and moderate earnings growth over the period.