Author: Fiona Craig

Gold prices remained close to all-time highs on Monday following last week’s strong rally, as weaker-than-expected U.S. employment data increased speculation that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates as soon as next week. Spot gold traded steadily at $3,585.68 per ounce, just shy of Friday’s record peak of $3,600.03 per ounce, while December gold futures edged down 0.7% to $3,626.52 per ounce by 01:39 ET (05:39 GMT).

Bullion surged over 4% last week and has advanced in nine of the past ten trading sessions. Year-to-date, gold has climbed nearly 37%, driven by safe-haven demand amid trade tensions and robust central bank purchases, particularly from China.

Fed Rate-Cut Speculation Gains Momentum

The latest U.S. jobs report showed a slowdown in employment growth alongside a rise in the unemployment rate to 4.3%. The figures fueled expectations that the Fed may implement a 25-basis-point rate cut at its September meeting, with some market participants considering a possible 50-basis-point reduction. Lower interest rates decrease the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold and typically weigh on the U.S. dollar, making gold more attractive to investors.

The U.S. Dollar Index Futures, which track the dollar against a basket of major currencies, remained relatively flat on Monday but stayed soft following last week’s declines triggered by the jobs data. Investors now await Thursday’s U.S. inflation report, which could further influence expectations for Fed policy and gold’s near-term trajectory.

Other Precious Metals and Copper Market Updates

Precious metals beyond gold were mixed. Platinum futures traded flat at $1,385.60 per ounce, while silver futures slipped 0.6% to $41.30 per ounce, retreating from last week’s 14-year high. Copper prices were largely unchanged on the London Metal Exchange at $9,901.65 per ton, with U.S. copper futures gaining 0.3% to $4.56 per pound.

Data from China, the world’s largest copper importer, showed that export growth slowed in August as momentum from the recent U.S.-China trade truce faded. Imports also moderated compared with the previous month, signaling ongoing weakness in domestic demand.

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 rose in Asian trading on Monday, supported by expectations of tighter supply following OPEC+’s decision to slow the pace of production increases in October. The market also remains sensitive to geopolitical uncertainty, including ongoing tensions from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire have produced limited progress.

Brent crude for November delivery climbed 0.6% to $65.90 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures rose 0.6% to $61.83 per barrel as of 20:56 ET (00:56 GMT).

OPEC+ Implements Smaller Production Hike

OPEC+—the alliance of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies—announced a cumulative production increase of 137,000 barrels per day for October, significantly lower than the 555,000 bpd and 411,000 bpd monthly hikes recorded earlier this year. Saudi Arabia and other members had previously raised output steadily to regain market share amid falling oil prices. The group highlighted continued caution over potential weakening in global demand, particularly amid signs of slowing U.S. growth and muted activity in top importer China.

Market Context and Recent Trends

Oil futures retreated 3–4% last week due to concerns over slowing global demand. A sharp drop followed disappointing U.S. nonfarm payrolls data, signaling cooling economic momentum in the world’s largest economy. While lower interest rate expectations supported the dollar, investors worried that slower growth could curb fuel consumption. U.S. inventory data also showed an unexpected build, with local fuel demand tapering after the end of the summer driving season, raising concerns over a potential supply surplus in the northern hemisphere this winter.

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.

Phoenix Group Holdings (LSE:PHNX) reported solid financial results for the first half of 2025, making substantial progress toward its 2026 objectives. The company recorded a 25% rise in IFRS adjusted operating profit and improved solvency ratios, reflecting robust growth across its core business segments. Strategic initiatives include enhancing customer engagement platforms, optimizing asset management, and preparing for a rebranding to Standard Life plc in March 2026, which is expected to bolster market positioning and support organic growth.

The company’s outlook is supported by strong earnings performance and positive technical indicators. Robust cash generation and revised financial targets are key strengths, while concerns around profitability and high leverage temper the overall assessment. A high dividend yield adds valuation support, appealing to income-focused investors.

About Phoenix Group Holdings

Phoenix Group Holdings is a leading UK-based retirement savings and income solutions provider. The company manages around £295 billion in assets for approximately 12 million customers, focusing on Pensions and Savings as well as Retirement Solutions.

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.

Pantheon Resources (LSE:PANR) reported a successful outcome from the Dubhe-1 appraisal well lateral, surpassing pre-drill expectations. The well reached a total measured depth of 15,800 ft, with 5,200 ft within the SMD-B target reservoir. Following this success, the company updated its best estimate for marketable liquids in the Ahpun area to 589 million barrels—a 63% increase over prior estimates. Pantheon is now preparing for hydraulic stimulation and flow testing to collect production data, which will inform development plans and assess the potential commercial viability of the resources.

While the company faces operational and financial challenges, including negative profitability and cash flow, strategic initiatives and recent corporate developments offer potential upside, contributing to a cautiously positive outlook.

About Pantheon Resources

Pantheon Resources plc is an AIM-listed oil and gas company focused on developing the Kodiak and Ahpun oil fields on Alaska’s North Slope. The company’s assets are strategically located near pipeline and transportation infrastructure, supporting efficient field development and resource extraction.

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 a capital raise of £1,109,000 through a placement of new ordinary shares, attracting strong support from institutional and high-net-worth investors. The proceeds are intended to fund ongoing operational activities, excluding the maiden drill campaign at the Juno Project. The successful raise underscores investor confidence in GEO’s strategic direction and highlights the company’s focus on long-term value creation, reflected in the notable increase in share price relative to prior fundraises.

About GEO Exploration Limited

GEO Exploration Limited is a resource exploration company with a focus on developing mineral projects. Its key operations include the Juno Project, which represents a central area of exploration interest for the business.

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.

SigmaRoc (LSE:SRC) posted robust financial results for the first half of 2025, recording a 13.4% increase in revenue and a 36.9% rise in EBITDA year-on-year. The company also achieved record underlying earnings per share and strengthened its financial position through effective cash management and reduced net debt. Operational efficiency was supported by strategic initiatives, including synergy programs and selective asset divestments. Looking ahead, SigmaRoc expects continued growth, underpinned by infrastructure investment in Germany and rising defense budgets across Europe.

The company’s strong financial performance and proactive corporate strategies are key strengths, though valuation concerns due to a high price-to-earnings ratio temper the overall outlook. Technical indicators signal positive momentum, while the lack of recent earnings call data limits insights into management’s forward guidance.

About SigmaRoc

SigmaRoc is a European lime and minerals group operating in the construction materials sector. It supplies high-quality resources essential for construction, industrial, and environmental markets across 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.

Jubilee Metals Group (LSE:JLP) has announced that its Finance Director, Jonathan Morley-Kirk, acquired 1,000,000 ordinary shares on the open market on September 5, 2025. The purchase reflects a direct beneficial interest and may indicate confidence in the company’s future prospects.

The stock outlook highlights strong growth potential from Jubilee Metals’ Zambian copper operations and operational efficiency, balanced against financial pressures including declining profit margins and higher leverage. Positive corporate developments provide additional strategic support, though technical indicators suggest a cautious near-term stance.

About Jubilee Metals Group

Jubilee Metals Group PLC is a diversified mining and metals producer operating primarily in South Africa and Zambia. The company focuses on the extraction and processing of multiple metals, positioning itself as a versatile player in the global metals 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.

TheWorks.co.uk plc (LSE:WRKS) has delivered a positive trading performance for FY26, outperforming broader market expectations despite a challenging consumer environment. Strategic initiatives, including the expansion of its retail Distribution Centre and the transition to a new online fulfillment partner, have positioned the company to manage costs effectively while supporting profit growth.

The company’s outlook remains mixed. Strong cash flow management is offset by high leverage and ongoing profitability concerns. Technical indicators suggest a neutral-to-slightly bearish trend, while the stock appears potentially undervalued. Limited earnings call or corporate event data restricts further insights into near-term prospects.

About TheWorks.co.uk plc

TheWorks.co.uk plc is a UK retailer specializing in affordable, screen-free products that promote creativity and learning for families. The company’s offerings focus on educational toys, books, and activity kits, catering to consumers seeking alternatives to digital entertainment.

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), via its joint venture Fermi Exploration Ltd, has made notable progress on its uranium exploration projects in Canada. Recent drilling at Drake Lake-Silas revealed promising geological results, including uranium mineralization and a massive sulphide zone. Although the Perch River site did not produce significant uranium findings, the company is continuing exploration at other locations such as Badger Lake and East Hawkrock, with additional drilling and analysis planned to strengthen its uranium pipeline.

From a financial perspective, Power Metal Resources maintains strong revenue growth and a healthy balance sheet, though operational challenges and negative cash flow remain considerations. The stock appears undervalued, offering potential upside, while technical signals indicate short-term caution due to bearish trends.

About Power Metal Resources PLC

Power Metal Resources PLC is a London-listed mineral exploration company with a global project portfolio. Its focus includes uranium exploration through joint ventures like Fermi Exploration Ltd, which manages a collection of uranium licenses across Canada.

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.

ECR Minerals (LSE:ECR) has announced the proposed appointment of Chris Gibbs as a non-executive director, subject to regulatory approval. Gibbs brings over 25 years of international mining leadership and capital markets experience, and is expected to play a key role in advancing ECR’s production strategy, particularly at the Blue Mountain and Lolworth projects in Australia. His expertise in developing large-scale mining operations is anticipated to strengthen ECR’s operational and strategic capabilities.

About ECR Minerals

ECR Minerals is an Australian-focused mineral exploration and development company, concentrating on gold projects. It holds full ownership of the Bailieston and Creswick gold projects in central Victoria and has multiple exploration permits in Queensland. The company also maintains agreements with Fosterville South Exploration Ltd, retaining rights to future payments linked to resource estimations or production milestones.

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.