Author: Fiona Craig

MTI Wireless Edge Ltd (LSE:MWE) has announced that its subsidiary, P.S.K Wind Technologies Ltd, has been awarded a defense contract valued at approximately $1.1 million. The deal covers the construction and delivery of integrated shelters for military use and represents the third major order secured by PSK this year. Delivery is expected within 10 months. With a growing order backlog and pipeline, the subsidiary is showing clear signs of recovery and is well-positioned for medium- to long-term expansion.

Analysts note that MTI Wireless Edge’s strong profitability and solid balance sheet support its financial resilience, though fluctuations in revenue and cash flow reflect broader market challenges. Technical indicators point to short-term momentum, while longer-term trends could be more cautious.

About MTI Wireless Edge

Headquartered in Israel, MTI Wireless Edge Ltd is a technology company specializing in communication and radio frequency solutions across a variety of industries. Its operations are divided into three main divisions:

• Antenna Division – supplying advanced antenna solutions for defense and commercial markets.
• Water Control & Management Division – through subsidiary Mottech Water Solutions Ltd, offering remote-control and monitoring systems for irrigation and water applications.
• Distribution & Professional Consulting Services Division – providing consulting, marketing, and distribution for RF and microwave technologies, particularly in defense and government sectors.

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.

Sunda Energy Plc (LSE:SNDA) has confirmed a delay in the planned drilling of the Chuditch-2 appraisal well in Timor-Leste, with operations now scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026. The revised timeline reflects ongoing logistical hurdles as the company continues efforts to secure the required permits and financing. At the same time, Sunda is actively evaluating new opportunities across Southeast Asia as part of its strategy to broaden its asset base.

About Sunda Energy Plc

Sunda Energy Plc is a gas-focused exploration and appraisal company with a strong presence in Southeast Asia. Its key project is the Chuditch Production Sharing Contract in Timor-Leste, while the company is also pursuing fresh prospects in the region, including applications for exploration blocks in the Philippines.

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.

Predator Oil & Gas Holdings Plc (LSE:PRD) has finalized the purchase of Challenger Energy Group Plc’s operations in Trinidad, a move designed to boost both its production capacity and revenue streams. As part of the deal, Predator enters into a revenue-sharing arrangement with NABI Construction, which provides the company with the benefit of additional output while avoiding direct field operating expenses. This acquisition strengthens Predator’s presence in the Trinidadian oil industry, offering key infrastructure and logistical support for future projects, and is consistent with its strategy of pursuing high-value opportunities in the region.

About Predator Oil & Gas Holdings Plc

Predator Oil & Gas Holdings Plc is a diversified energy company with assets spanning Morocco and Trinidad. Its portfolio includes onshore gas operations and production in Morocco, along with appraisal and exploration projects in Trinidad. The company’s approach emphasizes near-term hydrocarbon development, focusing on production growth, efficiency improvements, and additional infill drilling opportunities.

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.

Challenger Energy Group (LSE:CEG) has completed the sale of its Trinidad and Tobago operations to Steeldrum Ventures Group, marking a strategic step toward sharpening its focus on Uruguay. The deal, worth $1.75 million, was revised so that payment will be made in cash rather than shares. With the transaction closing, the company has also shed its liabilities in Trinidad and Tobago, positioning itself to concentrate on unlocking near-term value for shareholders through its Uruguayan ventures.

About Challenger Energy Group

Challenger Energy is an exploration and development company targeting energy opportunities along the Atlantic margin, with Uruguay at the center of its current portfolio. The firm controls two offshore exploration licenses covering roughly 19,000 square kilometers and maintains a partnership with Chevron on the AREA-OFF 1 block. Challenger Energy’s shares trade on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM market and on the OTCQB in the United States.

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.

U.S. stock futures were pointing to a weaker open on Friday, hinting at a modest pullback after a series of record-setting sessions. The S&P 500 recently pushed to fresh highs, but traders appeared cautious, using the latest economic updates as a reason to take some profits.

The Commerce Department confirmed Friday that consumer prices rose in line with forecasts. Its personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index, the Fed’s favored inflation measure, increased 0.2% in July after a 0.3% rise in June. On a yearly basis, headline inflation held steady at 2.6%. Core PCE, which strips out food and energy, gained 0.3% on the month, lifting the annual rate to 2.9% from 2.8%.

The report also showed personal income advancing 0.4% in July, while spending climbed 0.5%, both slightly stronger than the previous month’s pace. Separately, second-quarter GDP growth was revised higher to 3.3%, reflecting stronger consumer demand and business investment.

Markets were also monitoring political developments in Washington, where a court is set to hear Fed Governor Lisa Cook’s case against President Donald Trump’s effort to remove her from the central bank. The dispute has fueled concerns about the Fed’s independence.

Thursday’s Gains and Earnings Impact

On Thursday, stocks closed near session highs, with the S&P 500 logging another record close. The Nasdaq rose 115 points, or 0.5%, while the Dow added 72 points, or 0.2%. Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) weighed on sentiment early after reporting softer-than-expected data center sales, but its shares recovered much of their losses, closing down just 0.8%.

Sector Movers

Technology led the market higher. The NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index surged 4.4% to an all-time peak, boosted by a 32% jump in Pure Storage (NYSE:PSTG) after strong earnings and upbeat guidance. Networking and software stocks also advanced, while utilities and telecom names declined.

Meanwhile, labor market data showed first-time unemployment claims fell to 229,000 last week, slightly better than expected, reinforcing the picture of a resilient economy.

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.

European markets traded slightly in the red on Friday as traders weighed fresh U.S. inflation figures, seen as an important signal for whether the Federal Reserve could move forward with a rate cut in September. Earlier, data out of France showed consumer prices in August rose by less than economists had predicted.

By mid-session, the CAC 40 in Paris had slipped 0.3%, London’s FTSE 100 was down 0.2%, and Frankfurt’s DAX was off 0.1%.

Among individual movers, Hexagon AB (BIT:1HEXA) declined after the Swedish technology group announced the appointment of an interim chief financial officer.

Shares of Rémy Cointreau (EU:RCO) were also weaker even as the cognac maker adjusted its annual outlook upward, projecting a smaller earnings impact from tariffs than initially feared.

Frasers Group (LSE:FRAS), the parent company of Sports Direct, lost ground after confirming that Sir Jon Thompson will take over as chair from David Daly on September 1, 2025.

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.

Shares of JTC (LSE:JTC) jumped 15% on Friday after private equity firm Permira approached the corporate services company with a potential takeover bid. Sources cited by Bloomberg indicated that the offer values JTC at approximately £2 billion.

The U.K. Takeover Panel confirmed that the offer period for JTC began at 11:39 a.m. local time on August 29, with Permira Advisers LLP named as the prospective bidder. By takeover rules, Permira must either announce a firm intention to proceed or withdraw the offer by 5 p.m. on September 26.

Headquartered in Jersey, JTC was founded in 1987 as Jersey Trust Company and has expanded through acquisitions, including Merrill Lynch’s international trust and wealth structuring business in 2017. The company went public on the London Stock Exchange in 2018 and is currently part of the FTSE 250 Index.

JTC offers fund administration, corporate services, and private client solutions to asset managers, multinational companies, and high-net-worth individuals. In its last full fiscal year, the company posted revenue of £305.4 million, an operating income of £18.9 million, and a net loss of £7.3 million.

Permira, founded in London in 1985, manages funds with around €80 billion in committed capital and specializes in technology, consumer, healthcare, and services investments. The firm has supported over 300 companies worldwide and recently completed notable transactions, including the take-private deals for McAfee and Squarespace.

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.

Recent political unrest in France has rattled financial markets, but Barclays suggests that the worst of the shock could be behind us and investors should consider recent weakness as a buying opportunity.

Prime Minister François Bayrou faces a confidence vote on September 8, just days before crucial budget negotiations and a nationwide protest scheduled for September 10.

With both the far-right Rassemblement National and the left-wing New Popular Front expected to oppose him, Barclays analysts believe there is little chance of Bayrou’s government surviving.

“If Bayrou falls, it seems most likely that President Emmanuel Macron would appoint a new prime minister from his own camp to continue budget work,” Barclays notes.

The bank argues that this scenario would reduce political risk after recent spikes. Alternative outcomes, such as new elections or Macron resigning, would be more disruptive, though they are seen as less probable.

Political uncertainty has already affected French markets. The OAT-Bund spread widened to roughly 80 basis points from 65 earlier in the week, approaching levels last seen during the June 2024 snap election. Credit default swaps also climbed near those highs. French equities suffered, with the CAC 40 down about 3% and Barclays’ domestic basket losing roughly 7%. On a relative basis, MSCI France’s price-to-earnings ratio is once again near its lows.

Barclays highlights three potential paths:

• New prime minister: The OAT-Bund spread could narrow to around 70 basis points, supporting a modest equity rebound.
• New elections: The spread might rise to 90 basis points, potentially knocking 2% to 3% off broader indices.
• Macron resignation: The most disruptive scenario, pushing spreads to 100 basis points and sending domestic stocks sharply lower.

Sector performance shows that domestic-focused areas have been hit hardest. At the current 79-basis-point spread: banks are down 9.2%, construction and materials 8.6%, and insurers 7.6%. Utilities lost 6.3%, industrial transport 5.5%, autos and parts 2.3%, and real estate 2.6%. More defensive or internationally oriented sectors fared better, with health care up 0.2% and technology 0.6%.

Barclays estimates that if spreads narrow, banks could rebound 4.7%, autos 3.2%, and technology 2.7%.

A widening to 90 basis points would worsen losses, with banks down 5.4% and insurers 4%. At 100 basis points, the impact would be severe: banks down 10.5%, autos 7.1%, and insurers 7.7%.

Overall, domestic-focused companies remain most exposed, while exporters, particularly in luxury goods, are less vulnerable to local political shocks.

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.

U.K. stocks fell on Friday, dragged down by losses in major banking shares, while broader European indices also traded in negative territory.

At 11:33 GMT, the FTSE 100 was down 0.2%, and the British pound weakened 0.4% versus the dollar to 1.34. Germany’s DAX slipped 0.2% and France’s CAC 40 fell 0.4%.

U.K. banks under pressure after think tank proposes levy

Shares of leading U.K. banks came under pressure following a call from a think tank for a new tax on commercial lenders, highlighting billions in interest payments received from the Bank of England that could be redirected to public services.

The FTSE 350 Banks index dropped 2.3%, with Lloyds Banking Group PLC (LSE:LLOY) retreating 3.8% and Barclays PLC (LSE:BARC) sliding 3.6%. Metro Bank PLC (LSE:MTRO) lost 2.6%, NatWest Group PLC (LSE:NWG) fell 1.5%, Standard Chartered PLC (LSE:STAN) declined 1.4%, and HSBC Holdings PLC (LSE:HSBA) dropped 1.2%.

JTC shares spike amid £2 billion takeover approach

JTC PLC (LSE:JTC), the wealth management group, saw its shares jump after reports that private equity firm Permira Advisors is considering an acquisition. Permira has made a proposal valuing JTC at approximately £2 billion and confirmed it has approached the company about a potential cash offer. The deadline for submitting a firm bid is September 26.

Frasers Group leadership change

In corporate news, Frasers Group PLC (LSE:FRAS) announced that chairman David Daly will step down after eight years on the board. Sir Jon Thompson will take over as chair on September 1, with Daly formally leaving the board at the company’s annual general meeting on September 24, 2025.

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.

The U.S. dollar nudged higher on Friday as markets awaited key inflation figures, though the currency is on track for a monthly decline amid growing bets on a U.S. rate cut.

At 05:20 ET (09:20 GMT), the Dollar Index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six other currencies, was up 0.1% at 97.815, but still poised for a 1.8% drop for the month. The index has fallen almost 10% this year as volatile U.S. trade policies have driven investors toward alternative assets.

PCE data takes center stage

The dollar traded in a narrow range ahead of the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation measure, scheduled for release later in the session.

Expectations are that core PCE held steady at 0.3% month-on-month, keeping the annual rate at 2.9%.

“A slightly higher print could prompt a modest positive dollar reaction, but the bar for a rethink of the strong call for a September cut is high following Powell’s dovish remarks at Jackson Hole,” analysts at ING said in a note.

There is also the possibility the data could show further evidence of U.S. President Donald Trump’s broad tariffs affecting consumer prices, following recent upside surprises in producer inflation.

The Federal Reserve cut its policy rate by a full percentage point last year but has kept rates steady this year, much to Trump’s frustration.

The dollar has struggled this week following Trump’s attempt to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook over alleged mortgage fraud, sparking concerns about political influence on monetary policy. Cook filed a lawsuit on Thursday claiming that Trump has no authority to remove her, setting the stage for a legal battle that could challenge long-standing norms on the Fed’s independence.

“While markets remain reluctant to speculate on this Fed story and continue to focus on data-driven short-term developments, the downside risks for the dollar have undoubtedly grown,” ING added.

European inflation data in focus

In Europe, EUR/USD fell 0.1% to 1.1693 after French consumer prices rose slightly less than expected in August, with the harmonized inflation rate at +0.8% year-on-year, down from +0.9% in July. Spain’s EU-harmonized 12-month inflation held at 2.7% in August, and Germany’s equivalent figures are due later, ahead of the flash August reading for the eurozone next Tuesday.

The ECB left its main rate at 2% in July, and recent data confirms the eurozone economy remains stable with inflation near the ECB’s 2% target.

Additionally, “the European Central Bank’s July minutes showed the Governing Council isn’t as concerned about the euro’s strength as some had speculated, but multiple members did point to downside risks to inflation and that, in our view, still suggests market pricing for year-end (-10bp) is too hawkish,” said ING.

GBP/USD slipped 0.3% to 1.3475.

Calm trading in Asia

In Asia, USD/JPY rose 0.1% to 147.01 after data showed Tokyo’s consumer inflation eased in August as expected, but persistent underlying price pressures kept rate hike bets alive for the Bank of Japan.

Other figures revealed Japan’s factory output fell more than expected in July amid tariff headwinds, while retail sales disappointed.

USD/CNY gained 0.1% to 7.1325, and AUD/USD edged up 0.1% to 0.6535.

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.