Author: Fiona Craig

Haydale Graphene Industries (LSE:HAYD) has completed the acquisition of Intelligent Resource Management, which trades as SaveMoneyCutCarbon (SMCC), in a transaction it describes as a major step in its evolution from a graphene materials developer into a scalable clean-technology platform. The deal was supported by a £5.75m fundraising, attracting backing from strategic investors, senior management and strong retail participation.

The acquisition provides Haydale with a national, partner-funded customer acquisition model through SMCC’s established relationships with major UK banks and utilities. It also adds a fully integrated B2B delivery platform for energy- and water-efficiency projects. Haydale plans to integrate its graphene-based JustHeat heating system, along with future graphene-enhanced products, into SMCC’s Sustainability Hub and Impact Partner Programme. This is expected to significantly broaden the group’s route to market and could accelerate revenue generation.

As part of the transaction, SMCC co-founder Mark Sait has joined the Haydale board as Chief Commercial Officer. The enlarged group is positioning itself as a vertically integrated provider of practical decarbonisation solutions for the built environment. Haydale has also indicated that it intends to rebrand as Haydale plc and will provide a further update on commercial progress and integration when it reports extended-period results in early February 2026.

From a market perspective, Haydale’s outlook continues to be shaped by financial challenges, with ongoing net losses and cash flow pressures outweighing recent positive corporate developments and improving technical momentum. While the strategic rationale of the acquisition and new partnerships offers longer-term growth potential, near-term financial stability remains a key issue for investors.

More about Haydale Graphene

Haydale Graphene Industries is an advanced materials and clean-technology company focused on the development and commercial deployment of graphene-enabled solutions that improve energy and water efficiency. Its product portfolio includes commercially ready technologies across heating, cooling and energy efficiency applications. Following the acquisition of SaveMoneyCutCarbon, the group is building a vertically integrated clean-tech platform that combines proprietary graphene-based technologies with established, UK-wide market access and project delivery capabilities to support decarbonisation across residential, commercial and institutional buildings.

HyProMag USA, an associated company of Mkango Resources (LSE:MKA), has completed expansion concept studies and begun pre-feasibility work on new rare earth magnet recycling and manufacturing hubs in South Carolina and Nevada. These proposed sites would complement the company’s initial facility in Texas, forming a modular, three-hub U.S. platform.

Under the current plan, the expanded network would lift U.S. neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) magnet and alloy capacity to 4,656 metric tons per year by 2029, effectively tripling output. The development underpins a projected post-tax net present value of more than $2 billion, alongside strong anticipated returns. The strategy is also designed to support a potential future U.S. listing, reinforce domestic supply chains for critical technologies such as artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, and create approximately 300 skilled manufacturing jobs. In parallel, the expansion would further strengthen HyProMag’s positioning in low-carbon, recycled magnet production.

More about Mkango Resources

Mkango Resources, listed on AIM and TSX-V, is positioning itself as a leading player in recycled rare earth magnets, alloys and oxides through its majority ownership of Maginito and its indirect interest in HyProMag. Through HyProMag USA, the group is focused on building a secure, low-carbon U.S. supply chain for neodymium iron boron magnets used across AI infrastructure, defence, robotics, electric vehicles and advanced electronics. This strategy is underpinned by proprietary hydrogen processing of magnet scrap (HPMS) recycling technology developed with significant research and development support from the University of Birmingham.

Renalytix (LSE:RENX) has announced further expansion of the U.S. clinical reach of its kidneyintelX.dkd test, following the completion of three new electronic health record–integrated deployments with regional kidney care providers in New York, Florida and Tennessee. Testing is now underway across these sites, with the rollout designed around streamlined, one-click ordering to support a gradual increase in utilisation.

The company is continuing with a disciplined and resource-efficient commercial strategy, while also strengthening its collaboration with Tempus AI. This partnership is focused on embedding kidneyintelX.dkd within the electronic records and data infrastructure of major health systems, laying the groundwork for broader geographic penetration and expanded clinical adoption over time. Alongside these operational developments, Renalytix has been increasing investor engagement, including participation at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference, ahead of a broader trading and corporate update expected in February 2026.

From a market perspective, the outlook remains constrained by weak financial fundamentals, including substantial losses, negative equity and continued cash burn. Technical indicators are also negative, with the share price trading below key moving averages and a bearish MACD signal. While recent corporate progress and oversold technical conditions offer some support, these factors do not fully offset the prevailing financial and trend-related risks.

More about Renalytix

Renalytix is an artificial intelligence-enabled in vitro diagnostics company focused on improving the clinical management of chronic kidney disease. Its flagship product, kidneyintelX.dkd, is the only FDA-approved and Medicare-reimbursed prognostic test for early-stage risk assessment in diabetic kidney disease. The company targets large physician groups and health systems across the United States, where kidneyintelX.dkd is commercially available and supported by real-world performance data, inclusion in international CKD guidelines, and full Medicare reimbursement of $950 per reportable result.

Sintana Energy (LSE:SEI) has issued further clarification to address additional disclosure requests from the TSX Venture Exchange under Multilateral Instrument 61-101, relating to its acquisition of Challenger Energy Group via a scheme of arrangement that became effective on 16 December 2025.

The company reiterated that the transaction was conducted on an arm’s-length basis and qualified for exemptions from MI 61-101 requirements for a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval. Sintana explained that Challenger was not a related party, while the involvement of chief executive Robert Bose — a related party holding less than 10% of the shares in each company — remained below the 25% market capitalisation threshold that would otherwise have triggered additional protections.

As part of the disclosure, Sintana outlined Bose’s shareholdings before and after the transaction, confirming that he formally declared his interest and abstained from the board’s decision-making process. The company also noted that an independent special committee oversaw the transaction, obtaining an external valuation and fairness opinion before unanimously recommending the acquisition. These steps were highlighted as evidence of robust governance standards and measures designed to safeguard minority shareholders, while ensuring full regulatory compliance in connection with the Challenger deal.

More about Sintana Energy

Sintana Energy Inc. is a Canadian oil and gas company focused on the acquisition, exploration, potential development and monetisation of a diversified portfolio of high-impact hydrocarbon assets in emerging frontier regions. Its portfolio includes interests in eight licences across Namibia and Uruguay, a pending indirect interest in a licence offshore Angola, and legacy assets in Colombia and The Bahamas, providing exposure to multiple basins, operators, regulatory frameworks and geopolitical environments.

Nativo Resources (LSE:NTVO) has announced encouraging early results from its surface sampling and trenching programme at the Bonanza area within the Tesoro Concession in Peru. The findings confirm gold grades consistent with economic mining and support historical data previously reported by former operator St Elias Mines.

Sampling around the existing Bonanza workings delivered high-grade gold values of up to 19.5 g/t, with average grades of roughly 10 g/t from narrow mesothermal veins. Structural work has also identified three main shear-zone-controlled vein systems extending for up to 1 km, which the company believes are favourable for establishing continuous and sustainable production.

Alongside these exploration results, Nativo has completed underground rehabilitation and preparatory works, providing a foundation for detailed mine planning. Management intends to move toward a near-term restart of mining at Bonanza, while also advancing planning at Morrocota and gradually expanding gold exploration across the wider Tesoro Concession. Discussions with mining contractors are ongoing, and further underground sampling and geological modelling programmes are underway.

From a market perspective, the company’s outlook is constrained by very weak financial fundamentals, including ongoing losses, negative equity, high leverage relative to assets and continued cash burn. Technical indicators offer limited support following a sharp short-term rebound, but stretched momentum and trading below the 200-day moving average temper the signal. Valuation metrics remain unfavourable due to negative earnings and the absence of dividend support.

More about Nativo Resources Plc

Nativo Resources Plc is a Peru-focused gold mining company targeting primary gold production, ore processing and the recovery of gold from tailings. The group has acquired or secured options over several gold projects in Peru and is currently prioritising the development and scale-up of operations at the Tesoro Gold Concession, centred on the Bonanza and Morrocota mines. The company also plans to allocate a portion of future free cash flow and capital raises into Bitcoin as a long-term treasury reserve asset.

Great Southern Copper (LSE:GSCU) has completed its largest and most advanced drilling programme to date at the Cerro Negro prospect within the Especularita project in Chile. Phase III diamond and reverse circulation drilling has extended the high-grade copper-silver system at the Mostaza area, highlighted by the identification of potential stacked high-grade Cu-Ag lenses and a newly recognised silver-lead-zinc lens.

Although assay results from several drill holes are still pending, early Phase III data has delivered encouraging copper and silver grades and confirmed mineralisation continuity across the wider Mostaza Fault Zone. These results support the company’s plans to continue drilling at Cerro Negro and to step up exploration activity at the Viuda and Colorada targets. At these prospects, Great Southern Copper is pursuing what it describes as district-scale porphyry copper-gold potential.

Looking ahead, the company is progressing detailed drill planning for 2026. This includes follow-up drilling at Cerro Negro and Viuda, alongside initial drilling at the Colorada target. Management is aiming to leverage strong copper, gold and silver market conditions and unlock what both company guidance and independent research describe as significant upside potential across its Chilean asset base.

From a market perspective, the company’s outlook remains constrained by weak financial fundamentals, reflecting its pre-revenue status, widening losses and ongoing cash outflows. Technical indicators are broadly supportive, with the share price trading above key moving averages and a positive MACD signal, although elevated RSI and Stochastic readings suggest near-term overbought conditions. Corporate developments provide a modest positive, underpinned by active exploration progress and recent funding, while valuation metrics remain unavailable due to the absence of earnings and dividend data.

More about Great Southern Copper PLC

Great Southern Copper PLC is a UK-listed mineral exploration company focused on the discovery of copper, gold and silver resources in Chile. The company holds an option to acquire 100% of the Especularita project, located in Chile’s under-explored coastal metallogenic belt, an area known for major copper operations and established infrastructure. Positioned to benefit from copper’s role as a critical metal in the global energy transition, the company is targeting both large-scale porphyry-style copper-gold systems and high-grade copper-silver-gold deposits through systematic exploration and drilling programmes.

Quadrise plc (LSE:QED) has announced the extension of its Exclusive Global Collaboration and Emulsifiers Sales Agreement with specialty chemicals group Nouryon through to 31 October 2026. The renewed deal preserves Quadrise’s exclusive rights to key emulsifiers, technical support and jointly developed intellectual property required for its MSAR® and bioMSAR™ oil-in-water emulsion fuel programmes.

The agreement extension supports Quadrise’s strategy to commercialise lower-emission fuels for marine and industrial applications. By maintaining a protected supply chain and a collaborative R&D framework with Nouryon, the company aims to strengthen its position within the energy transition and support the scaling of its decarbonisation technologies.

From a financial standpoint, Quadrise’s outlook continues to be weighed down by ongoing losses and an acceleration in free cash flow outflows against a backdrop of limited revenue generation. These pressures are partly mitigated by a low-leverage balance sheet, which helps contain near-term solvency risk. Technical indicators remain weak, while valuation remains constrained by negative earnings and the absence of dividend support.

More about Quadrise Fuels International

Quadrise plc is a technology-focused company targeting the decarbonisation of shipping, power generation, industrial processes and the oil sector. It develops and supplies MSAR® and bioMSAR™ emulsion fuel technologies, along with low-emission biofuels, aimed at reducing fuel costs, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions on a global scale.

British Land (LSE:BLND) has confirmed that chief executive Simon Carter will step down from his role and exit the board after more than five years as CEO and a total of 18 years with the group. Carter will move on to become chief executive of European logistics property group P3 Logistics Parks.

The board plans to run a comprehensive succession process during Carter’s 12-month notice period. Chairman William Rucker praised Carter’s tenure, highlighting his role in strengthening the leadership team and building market-leading positions in London office campuses and retail parks. These assets continue to benefit from robust rental growth in supply-constrained markets, indicating that the company’s strategic direction is expected to remain consistent despite the upcoming leadership change.

From a market perspective, British Land Company plc continues to show solid technical momentum alongside attractive valuation metrics. Positive feedback from the most recent earnings call and recent corporate developments has supported confidence in the group’s strategy. That said, variability in financial performance and uneven cash flow generation remain key risks that management will need to address carefully.

More about British Land Company plc

British Land Company plc is a UK-focused commercial property company concentrated on sectors with strong underlying fundamentals, including London office campuses, retail parks and London urban logistics. The group owns or manages a £15.2bn property portfolio, with British Land’s share valued at £9.8bn as of 30 September 2025. Its long-term strategy centres on development, repositioning and active asset management, with an emphasis on delivering sustainable, high-quality places and long-term value for stakeholders.

U.S. equity futures point to a higher open on Friday, suggesting stocks may start the session on a firmer footing after two days of uneven trading.

Market sentiment has been buoyed by the latest employment figures from the U.S. Labor Department, which, while weaker than expected, are being viewed as supportive for the outlook on monetary policy. Slower job creation is easing concerns that interest rates will need to stay higher for longer.

The report showed nonfarm payrolls rose by 50,000 in December, following a revised increase of 56,000 in November. Economists had been forecasting job growth of around 60,000, compared with the 64,000 initially reported for the prior month.

At the same time, the unemployment rate edged lower to 4.4% in December from a revised 4.5% a month earlier. Markets had expected the rate to ease to about 4.5%.

Although the Federal Reserve is still widely expected to keep rates unchanged at its upcoming meeting later this month, the data may reinforce expectations that rate cuts could resume later in the year if economic momentum continues to cool.

On Thursday, Wall Street delivered another mixed session. The Dow Jones Industrial Average recovered from the previous day’s pullback, while the Nasdaq posted its first decline in four sessions as technology shares retreated.

The Dow advanced 270 points, or 0.6%, to finish at 49,266, moving back toward its recent record close. The S&P 500 was little changed, edging up by less than a point to 6,921, while the Nasdaq slipped 104 points, or 0.4%, to 23,480.

Investor caution was evident, with many traders opting to stay on the sidelines ahead of the employment report.

Additional labor market data released earlier in the day showed initial jobless claims rose modestly in the week ended January 3, coming in at 208,000. While higher than the prior week’s revised reading of 200,000, the increase was slightly smaller than economists had anticipated.

Sector performance was uneven. Energy stocks rallied strongly as oil prices surged, pushing the Philadelphia Oil Service Index up more than 4% and lifting the NYSE Arca Oil Index by over 3%.

Housing-related shares also saw notable gains, with the Philadelphia Housing Sector Index climbing 3.4%.

By contrast, weakness in networking, biotechnology and semiconductor stocks weighed on the broader technology sector, contributing to the Nasdaq’s decline.