Author: Fiona Craig

Gold prices in Asian trading on Friday inched higher, keeping momentum for a fifth consecutive weekly gain after the U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates earlier this week, a move widely anticipated by markets.

Spot gold rose 0.2% to $3,650.14 an ounce by 02:25 ET (06:25 GMT), having touched an all-time high of $3,707.40 on Wednesday. U.S. December Gold Futures also added 0.2% to $3,683.70. The metal had slipped 1.3% over the previous two sessions as the dollar strengthened from three-year lows following Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s cautious comments on future easing.

At its Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Wednesday, the Fed lowered its benchmark rate to 4.00%-4.25%, marking its first cut since December. The updated “dot plot” signaled expectations for two additional cuts by year-end, with only one projected in 2026. Stephen Miran dissented, advocating a larger 50-basis-point reduction.

Gold had been climbing in anticipation of monetary easing and rising concerns about the Fed’s future independence, although aggressive cuts were seen as unlikely amid signs of labor market softness and rising unemployment risk. In his post-meeting remarks, Powell described the rate cut as a “risk-management” step in response to a cooling labor market and stressed that policy decisions would be made on a meeting-by-meeting basis due to uncertainty over inflation and economic growth.

Following the Fed decision, gold dipped slightly as the U.S. dollar firmed, with the Dollar Index up 0.1% after sharp gains in the previous two sessions.

Elsewhere, the Bank of Japan maintained its interest rate at 0.5% on Friday, citing political uncertainty and U.S. tariff challenges.

Other metals traded higher: Silver Futures gained 0.7% to $42.415 per ounce, Platinum Futures remained largely unchanged at $1,396.60 per ounce, London Metal Exchange Copper Futures rose 0.3% to $9,983.50 a ton, and U.S. Copper Futures added 0.2% to $4.61 a pound.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Oil prices declined on Friday as concerns over fuel demand in the United States outweighed optimism from the Federal Reserve’s first interest rate cut of the year, which was expected to stimulate consumption.

By 0656 GMT, Brent crude futures were down 17 cents, or 0.3%, at $67.27 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell 19 cents, also 0.3%, to $63.38. Despite the drop, both benchmarks were poised to finish higher for the second consecutive week.

The Fed cut its policy rate by 25 basis points on Wednesday and signaled that further reductions could follow in response to signs of softness in the labor market. Lower borrowing costs typically encourage higher oil demand, which can push prices up.

“The market has been caught between conflicting signals,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, an analyst at Phillip Nova.

She noted that on the demand side, warnings from all major energy agencies, including the Energy Information Administration, about weakening consumption have tempered expectations for near-term price gains.

“On the supply side, planned production increases from OPEC+ and signs of oversupply in U.S. fuel-product inventories are weighing on sentiment.”

U.S. distillate stockpiles rose by 4 million barrels, far exceeding the 1 million barrels expected, intensifying worries about demand in the world’s largest oil consumer and putting further pressure on prices.

Economic data added to the bearish sentiment. Jobless claims this week indicated a softer labor market, with reductions in both demand for and supply of workers, while single-family homebuilding fell to a near 2-1/2-year low in August amid a surplus of unsold homes.

In Russia, the world’s second-largest crude producer in 2024 after the United States, the finance ministry introduced a measure to shield the state budget from oil price swings and Western sanctions, easing some supply concerns.

“President Trump’s comment that he preferred low prices over sanctions on Russia also eased concerns over supply disruptions,” ANZ analyst Daniel Hynes said in a note on Friday.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

GEO Exploration Limited (LSE:GEO) has successfully completed its first drill hole, JUD001, at the Juno Project in Western Australia, reaching a depth of 810 meters and intersecting all targeted rock sequences. Drilling operations have now moved to a second location to begin JUD002, with assay results from the first hole expected by the end of 2025. As one of the first modern explorations in this underexplored region, the Juno Project offers GEO the potential for a district-scale discovery. This milestone represents a critical step in the company’s systematic exploration strategy, aimed at delivering long-term shareholder value.

About GEO Exploration

GEO Exploration Limited is a mineral exploration company focused on identifying and developing mineral resources. Its operations prioritize greenfield sites in underexplored regions with the potential for significant, district-scale discoveries.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Concurrent Technologies Plc (LSE:CNC) has secured a $5.25 million contract to provide design services for a major US defence contractor. This marks both the first time the client has outsourced its computer product design and Concurrent’s entry into design services. The contract, effective immediately and running through 2026, aligns with the US Department of Defence’s focus on open standards and agile solutions. It also offers Concurrent an opportunity to explore design services as a new revenue stream, leveraging the trend toward outsourced hardware development.

Concurrent’s outlook is supported by strong financial performance, robust revenue growth, and disciplined cash management. However, neutral to bearish technical indicators and a high P/E ratio suggest potential overvaluation, moderating the near-term investment perspective.

About Concurrent Technologies

Concurrent Technologies Plc develops and manufactures high-performance embedded plug-in cards and systems for long-life cycle applications across defence, telecommunications, security, telemetry, scientific, and aerospace sectors. Its products, built around Intel processors, comply with industry standards and support leading embedded operating systems, with a global sales footprint.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Spire Healthcare Group PLC (LSE:SPI) has confirmed it is reviewing various strategic options, potentially including a sale of the company. The board is collaborating with Rothschild & Co to assess measures that could maximize long-term shareholder value. No formal decisions or offers have been made, and the announcement triggers an ‘offer period’ under the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers, highlighting disclosure obligations for shareholders.

Spire’s outlook combines solid revenue growth and operational efficiency with challenges including low net profitability and high leverage. Technical indicators point to bearish momentum, while valuation concerns persist due to a high P/E ratio. Limited earnings call commentary and recent corporate events provide minimal additional context.

About Spire Healthcare

Spire Healthcare Group PLC is a leading independent healthcare provider in the UK, operating 38 hospitals and more than 50 clinics, medical centres, and consulting rooms across England, Wales, and Scotland. Partnering with over 8,700 consultants, Spire delivers care to more than 1 million patients annually and is the largest private provider of knee and hip operations in the UK. The company also offers a range of private and NHS services in mental health, musculoskeletal, and dermatology under the Vita Health Group brand. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and forms part of the FTSE 250.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Power Metal Resources plc (LSE:POW) has announced plans for a capital reduction designed to increase its distributable reserves. This will provide greater flexibility for returning value to shareholders via share buy-backs, dividends, or other distributions. The proposal is subject to shareholder approval and court confirmation and underscores the company’s commitment to maximizing investor value while strengthening its financial position.

The company’s outlook is supported by strong revenue growth and a solid balance sheet, though operational challenges and negative cash flows temper the outlook. Technical indicators signal caution, while the stock’s undervaluation presents potential upside for long-term investors.

About Power Metal Resources

Power Metal Resources plc is a London-listed metals exploration company focused on global resource projects. Its portfolio spans precious, base, and strategic metals across North America, Africa, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Australia. The company develops projects from early exploration to advanced stages, utilizing joint ventures or internal development strategies until assets are ready for disposal or separate listing.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Thruvision Group plc (LSE:THRU) has reported a decline in revenue for the year ending March 2025, falling to £4.2 million from £7.8 million the previous year, largely due to a shortage of large orders. The company has implemented strategic changes, including appointing a new CEO and completing a strategic review, which concluded with the decision to remain independent and pursue additional capital. Early signs in FY26 are positive, supported by a renewed focus on border security and retail markets, as well as the launch of the new 81 Series product.

Financially, Thruvision faces challenges with declining revenue and profitability. Technical indicators show a bearish trend, and valuation remains unattractive with a negative P/E ratio. While recent corporate developments, such as new product introductions, provide some optimism, the overall outlook remains cautious given financial pressures and strategic uncertainties.

About Thruvision Group

Thruvision Group plc is an international developer, manufacturer, and supplier of walk-through security technology. Its AI-based detection systems are deployed in over 30 countries, enabling rapid and safe screening of large groups of people. The company operates offices and manufacturing facilities in both the UK and US, providing patented technology for real-time concealed object detection to government and commercial clients.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Futura Medical (LSE:FUM) has indicated that its revenue for the year ending December 2025 is likely to fall short of expectations, driven by slower-than-forecast sales of its flagship product, Eroxon, particularly in the U.S. market. A delay in the anticipated U.S. patent milestone payment has also contributed to reduced revenue projections. In response, the company is considering measures to extend its cash runway, including potential restructuring, strategic partnerships, or asset disposals. Ongoing strategic reviews are focused on optimizing sales and marketing approaches and exploring alternative distribution and partnering opportunities for its portfolio.

About Futura Medical

Futura Medical plc is a consumer healthcare company focused on innovative sexual health solutions. Its lead product, Eroxon, is a clinically proven topical gel for erectile dysfunction (ED), delivering results in approximately ten minutes and available over the counter. The company is also developing new treatments, including WSD4000 for women’s sexual dysfunction, and maintains distribution partnerships across key markets, including the U.S. and Europe.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Surface Transforms (LSE:SCE) has appointed Steve Harrison as its permanent Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Harrison, who brings extensive experience in senior finance roles, will also join the board of directors. His expertise in financial management and strategic leadership is expected to strengthen the company’s growth initiatives and support operational excellence.

The company’s outlook is shaped by financial challenges and mixed technical signals, tempered by positive corporate developments. While ongoing financial instability and negative profitability weigh on overall performance, recent operational improvements and strong insider confidence suggest potential for future growth.

About Surface Transforms

Surface Transforms plc is a UK-based manufacturer specializing in carbon-ceramic automotive brake discs. It is the only UK company—and one of just two globally—producing these advanced brake systems for major OEMs. Using proprietary technology, the company delivers lightweight, high-performance discs suitable for both internal combustion and electric vehicles, offering benefits such as enhanced durability, superior heat conductivity, and reduced weight compared with traditional iron discs.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Investec Group (LSE:INVP) has provided a pre-close trading update for the interim period ending September 2025, signaling stable financial performance despite challenging market conditions. Earnings for 1H2026 are expected to mirror the previous period, supported by strong capital generation and targeted growth investments. While results in Southern Africa were mixed, the UK operations remained steady. The Group continues to optimize capital management through a share buy-back program and aims to enhance shareholder returns by FY2030. Key financial metrics, including earnings per share, credit loss ratio, and cost-to-income ratio, are anticipated to stay within target ranges, highlighting the company’s resilience and strategic focus.

Investec’s outlook is balanced: strong profitability contrasts with revenue declines and liquidity pressures. Technical indicators show a bearish trend, but valuation metrics suggest potential undervaluation. Recent earnings commentary underscores solid business growth and improved shareholder returns, despite ongoing cost challenges.

About Investec

Investec is a financial services provider operating in banking, investment, and asset management. The company offers specialist banking, wealth and investment management, and asset management services, with a strong presence in both South Africa and the UK. Its strategy focuses on leveraging client franchises and strengthening its market position.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.