Author: Fiona Craig

Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) climbed on Thursday, building on overnight gains as softer-than-expected U.S. producer price data fueled optimism that the Federal Reserve could implement interest rate cuts soon. Traders’ attention is now turning to the upcoming consumer price index (CPI) report for further clues on inflation trends.

The cryptocurrency, the largest by market value, led gains across major digital assets as investor appetite for risk increased amid expectations that the Fed could reduce rates as early as next week. However, caution lingered ahead of the CPI figures for August, which are expected to reflect the effects of President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs on overall price levels.

By 01:19 ET, Bitcoin had risen 2.3% to $114,076.8, although it remains well below the record highs reached in mid-August.

Rate Cut Optimism Drives Bitcoin Momentum

Bitcoin’s recent gains were largely sparked by softer U.S. producer price index readings for August, which alleviated concerns that trade tariffs would sharply accelerate inflation. Markets are now pricing in a 93.7% likelihood of a 25-basis-point Fed rate cut at the September 16–17 meeting, with a smaller 6.3% probability of a 50-basis-point reduction, according to CME FedWatch data.

Lower interest rates are seen as favorable for cryptocurrencies, as they increase market liquidity for speculative assets. Bitcoin benefited from steady rate cuts throughout 2024, which contributed to its rapid rally last year. Investors are now looking to CPI data to gauge whether inflation pressures are easing, a factor that could further support risk appetite and crypto prices.

Crypto IPOs in the Spotlight

The broader cryptocurrency market is also tracking a wave of major U.S. IPOs in the sector. Figure Technology, a stablecoin operator, raised at least $787 million on Wednesday, selling 31.5 million shares at $25 each—above its previously guided range—and increased the size of the offering.

This followed news from Gemini, the Winklevoss twins-backed exchange, which raised its proposed IPO price range and aims for a valuation of up to $3.08 billion. Other industry names, including Circle Internet Group Inc (NYSE:CRCL), Bullish Inc (NYSE:BLSH), and eToro Group Ltd (NASDAQ:ETOR), have made successful public debuts this year, with regulatory clarity from the Trump administration spurring investor interest.

Altcoins Follow Bitcoin Higher

Other major cryptocurrencies also saw gains alongside Bitcoin on Thursday. Ether, the second-largest crypto, rose 2.6% to $4,419.42, while XRP gained 1.5% to $3.0034. Solana increased 1.8% and Cardano added 1.6%. Among meme coins, Dogecoin jumped 4.4%, while $TRUMP saw a modest 0.2% rise.

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 stabilized in Asian trade on Thursday after recording strong gains earlier in the week, fueled by rising geopolitical tensions in Russia and the Middle East, which heightened concerns about potential supply disruptions.

Despite these gains, traders remained cautious due to fears of an oversupplied market, particularly after U.S. data revealed a larger-than-expected build in oil inventories. By 21:33 ET (01:33 GMT), Brent crude for November stood at $67.49 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate fell slightly to $64.34 per barrel. A weaker U.S. dollar, following lower-than-anticipated producer price index inflation, provided some support to crude prices, with markets now awaiting key U.S. consumer price index data later in the day.

Geopolitical Risks Support Prices

Heightened concerns over supply in Russia and the Middle East helped underpin oil prices this week. In Europe, Poland shot down Russian drones over its airspace during a Russian attack in Western Ukraine, marking the first instance of NATO forces engaging directly in the conflict. While the move raised fears of wider escalation, Moscow stated the incursion was unintentional and expressed willingness to discuss the matter with Poland.

In the Middle East, Israel conducted airstrikes on Hamas targets in Doha, Qatar, a U.S. ally, potentially complicating ongoing peace talks. The attacks signaled likely continued hostilities in Gaza, which initially pushed oil prices up by 2% before trimming some of the gains. Additional support came from expectations of stricter U.S. sanctions on Russian oil, with President Donald Trump reportedly advocating trade tariffs against top Russian crude buyers India and China.

OPEC+ also contributed to price strength, announcing a smaller-than-expected production increase for October, signaling tighter oil markets than traders had anticipated.

U.S. Inventories and Oversupply Concerns Cap Gains

Nevertheless, persistent worries about a global oil surplus limited further gains. Russia and China have been expanding energy trade, and India has shown little intention to reduce purchases of Russian crude. U.S. fuel demand appeared to be cooling as the summer season ended. Data released Wednesday indicated U.S. oil inventories rose by 3.93 million barrels in the week to September 5, against expectations of a 1.9 million barrel draw. Distillate and gasoline stocks also increased sharply, suggesting weaker demand in the world’s largest fuel-consuming nation following the travel-heavy summer.

U.S. production remained robust in recent months, adding further pressure on global supply and contributing to a more cautious outlook for oil markets.

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.

ImmuPharma PLC (LSE:IMM) has confirmed the exercise of 2,500,000 warrants over New Ordinary Shares, raising £125,000 in capital. The newly issued shares, representing 0.50% of the company’s enlarged share capital, will be admitted to trading on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

Following this transaction, ImmuPharma’s total issued share capital will consist of 502,223,932 Ordinary Shares.

About ImmuPharma

ImmuPharma PLC is a specialty biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery and development of peptide-based therapeutics. Its portfolio includes innovative peptide treatments targeting autoimmune diseases and anti-infective applications.

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.

Defence Holdings PLC (LSE:ALRT) has unveiled Project Ixian, its first AI-driven solution designed for information operations, a key area in contemporary defence. Developed alongside a leading technology partner, Project Ixian delivers sovereign-grade resilience and scalability, supporting UK government initiatives to strengthen digital security.

This launch represents a significant commercial opportunity for Defence Holdings, with the first phase of value realisation scheduled for December. Project Ixian aims to counter pressing threats such as disinformation campaigns and digital sabotage.

About Defence Holdings

Defence Holdings PLC is the UK’s first publicly listed software-led defence company, specializing in sovereign AI-enabled solutions for modern defence challenges. The company focuses on information operations, national security, and private sector applications, targeting critical threat vectors identified in strategic defence assessments.

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.

THG PLC (LSE:THG) released its interim results for the first half of 2025, showing a return to revenue growth in Q2 driven by strategic initiatives within its beauty and nutrition divisions. The company successfully completed the demerger of THG Ingenuity and sold Claremont Ingredients. These moves, together with refinancing efforts, strengthened the company’s net cash position.

Although overall group revenue saw a slight decline, THG expects improved performance in the second half of the year. Growth is anticipated from expanded brand partnerships and market share gains, particularly in the UK beauty sector and Myprotein’s increased presence in offline retail and licensing channels.

The company’s outlook is shaped by ongoing financial and valuation challenges. THG faces pressures from declining revenues, high leverage, and a negative price-to-earnings ratio, while technical indicators suggest bearish momentum. Collectively, these factors contribute to a cautious perspective for the stock.

About THG PLC

THG PLC operates in the e-commerce and technology sectors, specializing in beauty and nutrition products. The company’s brands include THG Beauty and Myprotein, with a strong footprint in the UK and Europe. THG also leverages strategic partnerships and brand licensing to extend its market reach.

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.

Fevertree Drinks PLC (LSE:FEVR) has released its FY25 interim results, highlighting strategic advances and continued alignment with full-year expectations. A key development is the partnership with Molson Coors, which grants exclusive rights to sell, distribute, and produce Fever-Tree products in the US—a collaboration that is progressing smoothly.

The company’s efforts to diversify beyond tonic water have been successful, with these products now accounting for 45% of group revenues. Despite challenges in the UK market, off-trade sales remain resilient. Financially, the group achieved 2% revenue growth at constant currency, alongside an increased cash position supported by strong cash flow and inflows from the Molson Coors transaction. Fevertree has also extended its share buyback program, reflecting confidence in the quality of its earnings.

Fevertree Drinks’ outlook is underpinned by consistent revenue growth and robust cash generation. However, short-term technical indicators suggest bearish momentum, and a high price-to-earnings ratio raises valuation considerations. Limited earnings call insights and corporate developments leave additional context constrained.

About Fevertree Drinks

Fevertree Drinks PLC is a leading beverage company, renowned for its premium mixers including tonic water, ginger beer, and a broad range of soft drinks. The company emphasizes product diversification and global expansion, with significant operations across the UK, US, 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.

Scancell Holdings plc (LSE:SCLP) has released positive results from its Phase 2 SCOPE trial, indicating that iSCIB1+ combined with checkpoint inhibitors could become a new benchmark for advanced melanoma treatment. The trial demonstrated a progression-free survival rate of 78% at 11 months. The company is accelerating development for iSCIB1+, including regulatory engagement and potential partnerships, with randomized studies expected to begin in 2026.

Early data from the ModiFY trial also suggests that Modi-1 improves response rates in head and neck cancer. In addition, Scancell has strengthened its executive team and secured a second commercial license with Genmab, reinforcing its strategic direction and potential for future milestones.

While the company faces significant financial challenges, with no revenue and substantial losses, recent clinical successes and strategic initiatives provide optimism for future growth. Technical indicators show mixed trends, with some short-term bullish momentum, though overbought conditions advise caution. Valuation remains unattractive due to ongoing financial pressures.

About Scancell Holdings

Scancell Holdings plc is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing off-the-shelf active immunotherapies aimed at generating safe, durable tumor-specific immunity. Its lead product, iSCIB1+, from the DNA ImmunoBody® platform, shows promise in treating advanced melanoma. Another key therapy, Modi-1, from the Moditope® platform, is being evaluated for multiple solid tumors. The company has also launched GlyMab Therapeutics Ltd. to develop high-affinity GlyMab® antibodies targeting tumor-specific glycans.

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.

Brave Bison Group PLC (LSE:BBSN) posted a 19% increase in net revenue and a 6% rise in adjusted EBITDA for the first half of 2025, surpassing market expectations. The company completed five acquisitions, including the notable purchase of MiniMBA, and raised £15.5 million through a fundraising round. These strategic initiatives are expected to enhance Brave Bison’s market position and competitive reach, supporting growth prospects for FY25 and FY26.

The MiniMBA acquisition, a platform focused on marketing skills and training, will create a new practice within the company, further solidifying Brave Bison’s role as a partner for forward-looking brands.

While the company benefits from strong financial performance and a robust balance sheet, short-term technical indicators appear bearish, and moderate valuation metrics temper the outlook. Limited earnings call data and corporate developments constrain further insights.

About Brave Bison

Brave Bison is a marketing and technology partner for global brands, operating in eight countries including the UK, India, Australia, and Egypt. The company provides digital services, media, and marketing skills training through its two divisions—Digital Services and Digital Content. Its offerings include digital marketing, social and influencer campaigns, sports and entertainment, and strategic insights, serving major brands and media rights holders worldwide.

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.

Playtech (LSE:PTEC) delivered solid financial results for the first half of 2025, with adjusted EBITDA reaching €91.6 million, in line with upgraded guidance. The company completed the sale of Snaitech, distributing €1.8 billion to shareholders, and made significant strategic advances in core markets, particularly across the Americas.

Key developments include a revised agreement with Caliente Interactive and a transition toward a predominantly B2B business model, positioning Playtech for continued growth. While overall revenue and EBITDA declined, the company maintains a strong balance sheet with a net cash position of €77.1 million and remains on track to exceed full-year expectations. Investments in the US and Brazil are set to increase, leveraging Playtech’s market-leading technology and strategic partnerships.

The company’s outlook benefits from strong earnings performance and solid valuation metrics. However, mixed financial results, short-term bearish technical indicators, and regulatory challenges remain considerations for investors.

About Playtech

Playtech is a leading provider of platforms, content, and services for the online gambling sector. The company delivers innovative solutions for gaming operators and maintains a strong presence in both B2B and B2C markets, with a focus on regulated jurisdictions in Europe and the Americas.

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.

Lords Group Trading PLC (LSE:LORD) recorded an 8.4% increase in group revenue for the first half of 2025, led by strong performance in its merchanting division. The company expanded its operations by acquiring Construction Materials Online and opening three new branches, further strengthening its market presence. Despite ongoing challenges in the RMI sector, management remains positive about future growth prospects, supported by a fortified balance sheet and targeted strategic initiatives.

The company’s outlook reflects solid corporate developments and resilient financial performance despite market pressures. Technical analysis, however, shows bearish momentum, and the negative earnings contribute to an unattractive valuation, tempering overall investor sentiment.

About Lords Group Trading PLC

Lords Group Trading PLC is a major UK distributor of building materials, serving primarily the merchanting and plumbing & heating sectors. The company focuses on expanding market share through strategic acquisitions and operational excellence, aiming to maintain a leading position in its industry.

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.