Author: Fiona Craig

Rotork plc (LSE:ROR) reported a 4.5% increase in order intake during the first half of 2025, reflecting steady progress under its Growth+ strategy. All operating divisions contributed to this performance, with particularly strong momentum in the Water & Power segment. Despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, the company reaffirmed its full-year expectations, supported by solid execution and recent acquisitions, including the strategic purchase of Noah.

Adjusted operating profit rose by 10.1% on an organic constant currency (OCC) basis, underpinned by a continued focus on operational efficiency and alignment with high-growth market segments. In a show of confidence, the board approved a 7.3% increase in the interim dividend and maintained its share buyback initiative, reinforcing Rotork’s commitment to delivering shareholder returns.

While financial indicators point to robust performance—with healthy cash flow, revenue growth, and low leverage—the company’s valuation remains elevated, as reflected by a relatively high P/E ratio. Technical indicators suggest some near-term volatility, though the long-term outlook appears stable. No additional insights were provided from recent earnings calls or corporate events.

About Rotork plc

Rotork plc is a global leader in flow control solutions, providing high-precision actuators and related technologies to a broad range of industries including oil and gas, water and power, and chemical processing. The company focuses on delivering smart, sustainable flow control systems, combining technical innovation with a strong emphasis on environmental and operational performance.

Rotork’s solutions play a critical role in automating flow control across vital infrastructure systems, enabling customers to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency.

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.

SIG plc (LSE:SHI) has released its financial results for the first half of 2025, posting a slight year-on-year revenue decline but achieving 1% like-for-like sales growth—outperforming broader market trends. The company generated an underlying operating profit of £15.4 million, a result of ongoing cost-efficiency and productivity measures, even amid continued softness in market demand.

Strategic initiatives, including product range enhancements and targeted restructuring, have contributed to meaningful cost savings and operational improvements. These actions have been particularly effective within the UK Interiors division, which has shown notable performance gains. While the near-term market outlook remains uncertain, SIG is strategically positioned to capitalize on any future recovery in demand.

The company’s overall outlook reflects ongoing financial pressures, with revenue and profitability still under strain and a relatively high debt load. Technical indicators currently suggest a bearish trajectory, and valuation metrics, including a negative price-to-earnings ratio, highlight investor caution. Nonetheless, recent corporate developments, such as leadership changes and gradual sales growth, offer reasons for cautious optimism.

About SIG plc

SIG plc is a major pan-European distributor of specialist building materials, catering to trade professionals across key European markets including the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Benelux, and Poland. The company is recognized for its strong market presence in insulation, interiors, and roofing, and is steadily expanding into additional specialist product categories.

Serving a highly fragmented customer base, SIG delivers an extensive product range, provides expert technical support, and handles complex logistics to meet diverse customer needs. With a workforce of approximately 6,600 employees across Europe, SIG is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange and continues to focus on operational efficiency and market leadership.

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.

CML Microsystems (LSE:CML) shared a positive trading update at its Annual General Meeting, confirming that the company is on track to meet internal financial targets for the year, particularly with momentum expected to build in the second half. A key highlight was the signing of a substantial 12-year design and supply agreement valued at over $30 million, marking a significant win for the business.

In addition, CML has finalized the sale of surplus land for £7 million, further bolstering its balance sheet and enhancing its ability to support sustainable growth over the medium term. These developments have reinforced the board’s confidence in delivering long-term shareholder value and advancing the company’s strategic goals.

Despite these positive indicators, the company continues to face some headwinds in profitability and cash flow management. Technical signals hint at possible near-term downside pressure, although the firm’s compelling dividend yield may be attractive to income-focused investors seeking stable returns.

About CML Microsystems

CML Microsystems Plc designs and manufactures advanced mixed-signal, RF, and microwave semiconductor components for the global communications sector. Headquartered in the UK with operations across Asia and the United States, the company targets niche segments within the communications market characterized by high growth potential and significant entry barriers.

Its diverse customer base includes top-tier commercial and industrial product manufacturers. CML is well-positioned to benefit from rising demand for faster, more secure data transmission, continued investment in telecom infrastructure, and the expansion of private wireless networks connected to the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

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.

Genel Energy (LSE:GENL) has reported strong production performance from the Tawke Production Sharing Contract (PSC), driven by steady demand in the domestic market and a continued focus on operational efficiencies. These factors have contributed to healthy levels of free cash flow, reinforcing the company’s solid financial footing.

While recent drone strikes have disrupted some operations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Genel remains resilient, maintaining a strong cash position and actively working to restore production levels. Beyond Kurdistan, the company is making progress in its exploration efforts in Oman, where it sees significant future potential. Additionally, ongoing negotiations to restart oil exports from the Kurdistan Region could provide a meaningful boost to revenues if successful.

The company’s outlook for the near term is supported by its robust operational base and clear strategic direction, particularly evident in early 2025. However, persistent issues around profitability and market valuation—reflected in a negative price-to-earnings ratio—continue to present challenges. While technical signals point to short-term strength, long-term value creation and profitability remain key focus areas for improvement.

About Genel Energy

Genel Energy PLC is an upstream oil and gas company engaged in the exploration and development of hydrocarbon resources. With core operations in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and growing interests in Oman, the company aims to diversify its asset base and build long-term production capacity. Genel’s strategy is centered on disciplined capital allocation, geographic diversification, and acquiring high-quality energy assets to deliver sustainable growth.

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.

Harworth Group plc (LSE:HWG) has reported strong operational momentum in the first half of 2025, successfully advancing its strategic priorities even as the residential property market faces broader economic pressures. The company reached several key milestones, including value-accretive acquisitions and a healthy pipeline of residential land sales.

Staying aligned with its long-term goals, Harworth remains on track to achieve £1 billion in EPRA NDV by 2027 and build a £0.9 billion Industrial & Logistics (I&L) Investment Portfolio by 2029. Notable recent actions include the full acquisition of the Gateway 45 logistics site in Leeds and the submission of major planning applications to support its future pipeline. In addition, the group has entered a new joint venture for a mixed-use development project in West Yorkshire and continues to progress infrastructure and enabling works across several sites.

While the company faces macroeconomic and valuation-related challenges, its operational resilience and proactive strategy place it in a strong position for future growth. Strategic efforts to enhance employee engagement, coupled with a robust development pipeline, further support its long-term vision.

About Harworth Group plc

Harworth Group is one of the UK’s leading land and property regeneration specialists, focused on sustainable development across the North of England and the Midlands. Managing a portfolio spanning over 15,000 acres across more than 100 sites, the company is dedicated to transforming underutilized land—particularly former industrial areas—into vibrant communities and modern commercial hubs.

Its developments prioritize industrial and logistics spaces alongside serviced residential land, aiming to drive economic growth, create employment opportunities, and support housing delivery in key regions.

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.

Naked Wines plc (LSE:WINE) has released its financial results for the year ending FY25, reporting figures consistent with prior guidance while emphasizing a renewed focus on profitability and robust cash flow generation. The company made notable headway in reducing surplus inventory, which contributed to a solid cash performance and paved the way for the initiation of shareholder distributions.

The business also reinforced its executive team with key leadership appointments and rolled out a series of strategic measures aimed at boosting customer engagement and streamlining operations. These efforts are part of a broader transformation plan designed to support long-term, sustainable growth and increased returns to shareholders.

Despite these positive developments, Naked Wines faces ongoing challenges related to profitability and market valuation, particularly due to a negative price-to-earnings ratio. While technical indicators point to positive momentum and improving cash flow is a bright spot, financial pressures continue to weigh on the overall outlook. Nevertheless, recent strategic actions and leadership changes offer potential for a longer-term recovery.

About Naked Wines plc

Established in 2008, Naked Wines is a disruptive online wine retailer committed to changing the way people discover and purchase wine. The company champions independent winemakers by connecting them directly with consumers through its wine subscription platform.

At the heart of its business model is a passionate community of members, known as “Angels,” who fund the production of exclusive, high-quality wines. By cutting out traditional supply chains, Naked Wines delivers better value and greater transparency to wine lovers across its 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.

Abingdon Health PLC (LSE:ABDX) has issued a trading update for the financial year ending June 2025, revealing anticipated revenues of £8.6 million—aligning with current market forecasts. The company’s performance has been bolstered by several high-value agreements, including a $2 million deal for sexually transmitted infection diagnostics and an £800,000 grant supporting malaria test development.

The business has also strengthened its portfolio through strategic partnerships and acquisitions, notably the purchase of Compliance Solutions and the launch of its new division, Abingdon Analytical Ltd. These moves have enhanced its service capabilities across the diagnostics space. Looking ahead, management expects momentum to continue into FY26, underpinned by recent contract wins and ongoing investment initiatives, with a goal of reaching a cash-flow positive position by 2026.

While Abingdon Health’s future appears promising thanks to active business development and revenue expansion, the company continues to face headwinds in terms of profitability and market valuation. Technical analysis points to a neutral trend, but recent operational developments may lay the groundwork for long-term upside.

Company Overview: Abingdon Health PLC

Based in York, England, Abingdon Health PLC is a prominent contract services provider in the med-tech industry. The firm specializes in the design, development, regulatory clearance, and manufacturing of lateral flow diagnostics. Serving a global client base, it supports projects across infectious disease, clinical and companion diagnostics, animal health, and environmental testing.

Through its subsidiaries, Compliance Solutions (Life Sciences) and IVDeology, Abingdon Health also delivers regulatory and compliance expertise, helping clients navigate complex approval pathways in the UK, EU, and US 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.

European equities saw a solid rebound on Monday after steep losses in the previous session driven by fears over increased U.S. tariffs. Investors appeared unfazed by a decline in Eurozone investor confidence reported for August.

The Sentix Investor Confidence Index for the Eurozone dropped to -3.7 in August from 4.5 in July, marking its first negative reading in four months.

Germany’s DAX gained 1.4%, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.9%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 edged up 0.5%.

Budget airline Wizz Air Holdings (LSE:WIZZ) advanced after releasing passenger figures for July 2025.

Dutch postal company PostNL NV (EU:PNL) climbed following the confirmation of its full-year forecast.

Lloyds Banking Group (LSE:LLOY) also rallied as it reviews the effects of a U.K. court decision concerning motor finance.

In contrast, shares of Swiss banking powerhouse UBS (NYSE:UBS) slipped after the firm announced a $300 million settlement to close a U.S. case involving mis-selling of mortgage-linked investments.

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 are signaling a higher open on Monday, as investors look to recover from sharp declines over the last two sessions.

Following a pronounced sell-off that pulled the Nasdaq and S&P 500 sharply down from their record highs, traders appear ready to take advantage of lower prices to buy stocks.

Friday’s steep drop came amid growing worries about the economic fallout from President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs, weaker-than-expected job figures, and a significant tumble in Amazon’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) shares.

Some optimism that the disappointing jobs report might prompt the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates next month is also encouraging buying interest.

CME Group’s FedWatch Tool shows the likelihood of a quarter-point rate cut in September rising sharply to 85.4% from 63.1% just one week ago.

Stocks tumbled more significantly on Friday following Thursday’s decline. All major indexes moved sharply lower, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 retreating well off Thursday’s intraday record highs.

Although the indexes recovered somewhat by the close, they remained firmly in negative territory. The Nasdaq fell 472.32 points, or 2.2%, to 47,231.61. The S&P 500 dropped 101.38 points, or 1.6%, to 6,238.01, and the Dow lost 542.40 points, or 1.2%, closing at 43,588.58.

For the week, the Dow fell 2.9%, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq declined 2.4% and 2.2%, respectively.

Wall Street’s decline was largely driven by concerns over the economic impact of President Trump’s tariff announcements, which imposed new duties ranging from 10% to 41% on goods from dozens of countries. The administration also said a 40% tariff will apply to products that are transshipped to avoid existing tariffs.

“Investors have been caught off guard, having previously hoped Trump would kick the new tariff levels down the road pending further negotiations with foreign trade partners,” said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell. He added, “Instead, we’ve got new rates galore and that means investors need to spend time understanding what that means for companies in their portfolio.”

Adding to market worries was a Labor Department report showing weaker-than-expected job growth in July. Non-farm payrolls increased by just 73,000, falling short of the 110,000 jobs economists anticipated. The report also revealed significant downward revisions for May and June, reducing job growth for those months by a combined 258,000.

With revisions, May’s employment rose by 19,000 jobs and June’s by 14,000. The unemployment rate ticked up to 4.2% in July from 4.1% in June, in line with expectations.

Amazon shares plunged 8.3% after the online retail giant posted better-than-expected Q2 results but issued weaker-than-anticipated guidance for operating income in the current quarter, weighing heavily on the market.

Airline stocks experienced some of the steepest losses, with the NYSE Arca Airline Index falling 4.3%. Oil service stocks also showed significant weakness as crude prices dropped sharply, reflected in a 3.5% decline in the Philadelphia Oil Service Index.

Computer hardware, retail, and banking sectors saw notable declines, while pharmaceutical and housing stocks bucked the broader downtrend.

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.

Gold prices steadied on Monday, consolidating gains from the previous session, as markets bet on interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve following unexpectedly weak U.S. employment data.

By 05:00 ET (09:00 GMT), spot gold dipped slightly by 0.1% to $3,358.72 an ounce, while December gold futures climbed 0.4% to $3,412.55 per ounce.

Gold boosted by weaker labor figures

The yellow metal soared over 2% on Friday, snapping a two-week losing streak and finishing the week in positive territory. The rally was triggered by U.S. nonfarm payroll data showing a mere 73,000 jobs added in July—far below analysts’ expectations—and downward revisions to job gains in May and June.

The unemployment rate edged higher to 4.2%, stoking concerns about a cooling labor market and reinforcing investor expectations for monetary easing.

Markets now see a nearly 90% chance of the Fed cutting interest rates in September. Rate cuts typically enhance gold’s appeal by lowering the opportunity cost of holding the non-yielding asset.

Geopolitical tension underpins gold’s safe-haven status

Gold also found support from rising global uncertainty after President Trump implemented new tariffs on imports from several countries, including Canada, Brazil, India, and Taiwan.

These broad trade measures have fueled inflation worries and increased the risk of supply chain disruptions—factors that often drive investors toward safe-haven assets like gold.

Gold remains favored in an environment defined by low yields and policy ambiguity.

Mixed performance in other metals markets

In other precious metals, platinum futures rose 1% to $1,329.50 an ounce, and silver futures climbed 1.3% to $37.417 per ounce.

Copper prices saw modest gains on Monday, with London Metal Exchange benchmark contracts rising 0.9% to $9,726.10 per ton. U.S. copper futures were up 0.8% to $4.4695 per pound.

However, the U.S. copper market remains under pressure following a steep 20% plunge last week. The decline followed President Trump’s decision to exclude refined copper from a planned 50% import tariff.

“The collapse of an arbitrage trade has left the U.S. with a huge buildup of copper stockpiles,” ING analysts said in a note. “Copper inventories at Comex warehouses are at their highest in 21 years. That stockpile might now be re-exported.”

“This will be bearish for LME prices with more copper showing up in LME warehouses,” they added.

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.