ADVFN UK Market News

Author: Fiona Craig

  • U.S. holiday leaves Wall Street quiet as weaker jobs data lifts global markets: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures

    U.S. holiday leaves Wall Street quiet as weaker jobs data lifts global markets: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures

    U.S. financial markets will remain closed on Friday for the Independence Day holiday, but futures pointed to a firmer start when trading resumes. Softer-than-expected U.S. employment figures reduced expectations of an imminent Federal Reserve rate increase, helping Asian equities recover after recent losses. Investors also monitored gains among Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) Chinese suppliers and stronger-than-forecast activity in China’s services sector.

    Softer payrolls ease pressure on the Federal Reserve

    Wall Street futures strengthened after June’s labour market report suggested the U.S. economy is cooling, reducing expectations that policymakers will tighten monetary policy later this month.

    At 03:11 ET (07:11 GMT), Dow Jones futures were up 148 points, or 0.3%, S&P 500 futures had gained 30 points, or 0.4%, while Nasdaq 100 futures advanced 278 points, or 0.9%.

    The major U.S. indices ended Thursday’s shortened trading week with mixed performances. Treasury markets were relatively stable, with benchmark 10-year yields holding steady while two-year yields edged slightly lower.

    The latest Labour Department figures showed that job creation slowed more than economists had expected in June. Although the unemployment rate fell to a one-year low of 4.2%, investors interpreted the report as reducing the likelihood of another immediate interest rate increase. Earlier comments from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, who suggested inflation risks had eased, reinforced that view.

    Deutsche Bank analysts noted that market-implied odds of a July rate hike dropped from 34% on Tuesday to just 18% by Thursday’s close.

    “Moreover, just 30 [basis points] of hikes are now priced in by the December meeting, the fewest since the Fed meeting a couple of weeks ago when the dot plot surprised in a hawkish direction,” they added.

    Technology stocks lead Asian rebound

    Asian stock markets posted broad gains as investors returned to technology shares following heavy selling earlier in the week.

    Semiconductor companies led the advance after concerns over artificial intelligence infrastructure spending had previously triggered widespread profit-taking.

    Samsung Electronics was among the session’s strongest performers after reports that Anthropic, the developer behind Claude Code, is considering developing its own AI processor with the South Korean chipmaker.

    The positive news helped South Korea’s KOSPI recover after two consecutive declines, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 and Singapore’s STI also closed higher.

    Chinese Tesla suppliers jump after delivery surprise

    Shares in several Chinese suppliers to Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) rose sharply after the electric vehicle manufacturer reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter deliveries, improving confidence that demand may be stabilising.

    Auto component manufacturers Ningbo Xusheng, Ningbo Tuopu and Zhejiang Sanhua all gained between 5% and 9%.

    Tesla delivered a record 480,126 vehicles during the quarter, supported by robust European demand and modest sales growth in China.

    The launch of lower-priced Model 3 and Model Y variants, together with the refreshed Model Y, helped maintain sales momentum and reinforced China’s importance as both a manufacturing base and a major end market for Tesla.

    China’s services economy remains resilient

    China’s services sector expanded faster than expected in June, according to the latest private-sector survey.

    The RatingDog Services PMI eased slightly to 54.1 from 54.4 in May but remained comfortably ahead of market expectations of 53.0.

    With the index remaining above the 50-point threshold since January 2023, the survey continued to point to sustained expansion across the sector.

    Demand strengthened both domestically and internationally, while exports of services grew at their fastest pace since October 2024.

    Businesses also increased selling prices for the first time in four months as higher input costs, linked partly to supply disruptions in the Middle East, filtered through to customers.

    Hormuz transit fees remain under consideration

    Bloomberg News reported that some European policymakers are increasingly accepting that commercial vessels may eventually have to pay transit fees to Iran and Oman to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

    People familiar with the discussions said some Gulf Arab officials also believe a service charge is likely to emerge, although no government has formally adopted that position.

    Questions remain over both the size of any future fees and the implications such charges could have for international maritime law.

    The Strait of Hormuz has remained at the centre of geopolitical tensions since Iran effectively closed the shipping route following the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation in late February. Although oil prices initially surged, they have since retreated to around pre-conflict levels after the United States and Iran reached an interim peace agreement.

  • European stocks hit fresh highs as weaker U.S. jobs data lifts sentiment: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European stocks hit fresh highs as weaker U.S. jobs data lifts sentiment: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equity markets extended their record-setting advance on Thursday after weaker U.S. labour market data eased concerns over further near-term Federal Reserve interest rate increases, boosting investor confidence across the region.

    The pan-European STOXX 600 gained 0.5% in early trading, reaching another all-time high after also finishing at a record level in the previous session.

    Global risk appetite improved following a sharp slowdown in U.S. job creation. The softer employment figures helped calm concerns that sustained monetary tightening in the United States could further weigh on economic growth across Europe.

    A less aggressive Federal Reserve outlook is viewed as supportive for European assets because it reduces pressure on global borrowing costs, limits capital flows toward higher-yielding U.S. assets and gives the European Central Bank greater flexibility in managing its own monetary policy.

    Before the employment figures were released, traders had assigned more than a 60% probability to another Fed rate increase at the September meeting, according to CME FedWatch data. Those expectations had strengthened after recent comments from newly appointed Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh. Following the payroll report, however, markets shifted their outlook, increasingly expecting policymakers to leave rates unchanged until at least October.

    ECB comments add further support

    Investor sentiment also benefited from remarks delivered during the European Central Bank’s annual forum in Sintra, Portugal.

    ECB President Christine Lagarde said that risks to euro area inflation and economic growth are becoming “more broadly balanced,” providing reassurance after last month’s 25-basis-point interest rate increase.

    The comments reinforced expectations that the ECB can continue managing its own policy path without being forced to closely mirror future Federal Reserve decisions.

    European equities head for strongest week in months

    The STOXX 600 remained on track to record its strongest weekly performance in almost two months.

    Market sentiment was also strengthened by further progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran.

    The improving geopolitical backdrop contributed to oil prices retreating toward pre-conflict levels while shipping activity continued to normalise, easing inflation pressures on European supply chains.

    Across the region, Germany’s DAX advanced 0.9% to another record high, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.3%, Italy’s FTSE MIB added 0.5%, and London’s commodity-focused FTSE 100 gained 0.3%.

    Among individual companies, Pirelli (BIT:PIRC) climbed 2% following reports that Czech investors are interested in acquiring part of Sinochem’s stake, while Auto1 Group (TG:AG1) gained 2% after J.P. Morgan added the shares to its positive catalyst watch list.

  • FTSE 100 advances as weak U.S. jobs data boosts rate-cut hopes and Iran talks remain on hold

    FTSE 100 advances as weak U.S. jobs data boosts rate-cut hopes and Iran talks remain on hold

    UK equities moved higher on Friday after weaker-than-expected U.S. labour market data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could take a less aggressive approach to interest rates. With U.S. markets closed for the Independence Day holiday, lighter trading volumes were also expected to increase volatility during the European afternoon.

    The FTSE 100 gained 0.29% by 03:23 ET (07:23 GMT). Germany’s DAX rose 0.75%, while France’s CAC 40 added 0.30%. Sterling strengthened 0.16% against the U.S. dollar to $1.3367. U.S. exchanges remained closed for the holiday, leaving European markets with reduced liquidity.

    The U.S. economy created 57,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in June, well below economists’ expectations of 113,000. Employment figures for April and May were also revised lower, reinforcing signs of a cooling labour market.

    Although the unemployment rate edged down to 4.2%, the decline was largely attributed to lower labour force participation rather than stronger hiring. Meanwhile, wage growth matched market forecasts.

    Negotiations between the United States and Iran have been temporarily suspended ahead of the state funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose body arrived at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla complex early on Friday.

    Official ceremonies are due to run from 4 July through 9 July, with Iranian officials expecting between 15 million and 20 million mourners to attend.

    Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan said discussions would resume “at the earliest possible time” once the commemorations have concluded. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard leadership also warned the U.S. and Israel against carrying out military action during the funeral procession, while Washington confirmed that a second Marine unit of more than 2,000 personnel has been deployed to the region.

    Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz continued to recover, reaching at least 258 vessel movements last week compared with 138 the previous week. However, traffic remains well below pre-conflict levels of around 130 ships per day.

    Prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham told LBC’s Andrew Marr that he would increase business rates on large out-of-town warehouses to help finance a 20% reduction in business rates for high street retailers.

    “I believe there is a case for higher business rates on warehouses,” he said, adding that he remained committed to Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledges on income tax, VAT and national insurance. Burnham also declined to identify his preferred chancellor before his expected confirmation on 20 July.

    In commodity markets, Brent crude rose 0.32% to $72.03 per barrel, while WTI crude gained 0.10% to $68.76. Gold prices climbed sharply as the weaker dollar boosted demand, with gold futures rising 1.39% to $4,183.65 an ounce and spot gold advancing 1.13% to $4,170.36.

  • Craneware warns FY26 results will miss expectations as 340B delays weigh on growth (CRW)

    Craneware warns FY26 results will miss expectations as 340B delays weigh on growth (CRW)

    Craneware (LSE:CRW) has warned that its financial results for the year ended 30 June 2026 are expected to come in below market forecasts, with revenue projected at between US$205 million and US$208 million and adjusted EBITDA of US$65 million to US$67 million. Both figures are broadly in line with the previous year. The company attributed the weaker-than-expected performance to delays in eligible 340B drug-related activity and the postponement of several large enterprise contracts into the 2027 financial year, despite maintaining strong customer retention, healthy demand and robust cash generation.

    According to management, trading in the final months of the year was affected by slower conversion of identified 340B opportunities into recognised revenue after pharmaceutical manufacturers introduced and implemented tighter restrictions on the supply of certain medicines under the 340B programme. The board said the issue reflects timing rather than a deterioration in underlying demand, highlighting continued growth in demand for its technology-enabled operational transformation services. Craneware believes its increasing focus on helping healthcare providers realise, rather than simply identify, financial opportunities will strengthen its long-term strategic position in the evolving US healthcare sector.

    Craneware’s outlook continues to be supported by strong financial fundamentals, including high gross margins and low leverage. However, weaker technical indicators, with the shares trading below major moving averages, create some near-term uncertainty. Valuation remains moderately supportive, with the stock trading on a price-to-earnings ratio of around 22.6 and offering a dividend yield of approximately 2.43%.

    More about Craneware

    Craneware is a healthcare technology company providing financial and operational performance solutions to hospitals and health systems, primarily across the United States. Its Trisus cloud platform combines data, revenue intelligence, margin intelligence and advanced analytics to help healthcare providers improve financial performance, operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

    The company combines healthcare expertise with AI-enabled workflows and a strategic partnership with Microsoft to develop advanced solutions, including the Trisus Chargemaster platform. By integrating technology with operational insight, Craneware aims to help healthcare organisations navigate increasingly complex financial and regulatory environments while improving long-term outcomes.

  • Amaroq plans move from AIM to the London Stock Exchange Main Market (AMRQ)

    Amaroq plans move from AIM to the London Stock Exchange Main Market (AMRQ)

    Amaroq Ltd. (LSE:AMRQ) has announced plans to transfer its listing from London’s AIM market to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, with its shares expected to join the Financial Conduct Authority’s Equity Shares (Commercial Companies) segment, subject to regulatory approval. The company does not intend to issue new shares or raise additional capital as part of the transition, instead moving its existing AIM-listed shares to the Main Market. Once the transfer is completed, trading in the shares on AIM will cease, a move that could increase Amaroq’s visibility and broaden its appeal to institutional investors.

    The listing change is expected to become effective no earlier than 31 July 2026 and will coincide with the cancellation of the company’s AIM admission. The transition does not require shareholder approval under the applicable regulations. Management said the decision reflects the progress the company has made operationally and supports its long-term growth strategy, with a Main Market listing expected to provide a stronger platform for future expansion. Shareholders have been encouraged to seek professional advice on how the change may affect their holdings and trading arrangements.

    More about Amaroq Ltd.

    Amaroq Ltd. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on gold and strategic metals in southern Greenland. Its flagship asset is the wholly owned Nalunaq Gold Mine, complemented by an extensive exploration portfolio spanning Greenland’s two recognised gold belts. The company is also advancing projects such as Stendalen and the Sava Copper Belt, targeting commodities including copper, nickel, rare earth elements and other critical minerals.

  • MedPal AI raises £5 million to expand care-home platform and support oral Wegovy launch (MPAL)

    MedPal AI raises £5 million to expand care-home platform and support oral Wegovy launch (MPAL)

    MedPal AI (LSE:MPAL) has raised approximately £5.0 million through a discounted share placing priced at 3.5 pence per share. The fundraising also includes the issue of additional shares to settle certain fees, increasing the company’s total issued share capital to almost 770 million shares. Backed by existing institutional investors and new participants, the proceeds are expected to strengthen working capital while supporting record NHS dispensing volumes handled through the group’s low-cost robotic pharmacy distribution hub.

    A significant portion of the new funding will be used to acquire Solid State Technologies, a profitable provider of electronic medicines administration record (eMAR) software. The acquisition is intended to complete MedPal AI’s integrated care-home medication platform, covering the full process from prescribing through to medicines reconciliation. The company also plans to invest up to approximately £3.0 million to secure product inventory and attract patients ahead of the UK launch of oral Wegovy, while expanding its senior marketing team to accelerate growth in its private weight-loss business. The strategy is centred on three core growth areas: NHS pharmacy services, care-home technology and GLP-1 weight management.

    More about MedPal AI Plc

    MedPal AI Plc is a UK-based digital healthcare and artificial intelligence company specialising in pharmacy services, medication management for care homes and subscription-based weight-loss clinics. The group operates an integrated platform that combines robotic NHS prescription dispensing, electronic medicines administration record software and private GLP-1 obesity treatment services for patients in the UK and international markets.

  • Strategic Minerals wins approval for major Redmoor drilling programme in Cornwall (SML)

    Strategic Minerals wins approval for major Redmoor drilling programme in Cornwall (SML)

    Strategic Minerals (LSE:SML) has received planning approval from Cornwall Council to substantially expand drilling activities at its Redmoor tungsten, tin and copper project. The approval allows the company to deploy additional drill rigs and continue exploration for up to three years, with operations currently scheduled to run through the second quarter of 2027. The planned 22,500-metre programme will comprise at least 44 drill holes and is described by the company as the largest continuous diamond drilling campaign undertaken in Cornwall and across Great Britain this century.

    The expanded exploration programme is intended to upgrade existing mineral resources, evaluate additional exploration targets and generate data for geotechnical, metallurgical and hydrogeological studies. The work is expected to accelerate both pre-feasibility and feasibility studies while reducing the need for future drilling campaigns. Ongoing drilling has already intersected the full extent of the Redmoor Sheeted Vein System and mineralised granite zones, with additional daughter holes and extensive sample analysis planned to support metallurgical testing and future resource modelling. The company believes the programme could shorten the project’s development timeline and strengthen Redmoor’s position within Europe’s critical minerals supply chain.

    Strategic Minerals’ outlook reflects a combination of financial strengths and operational challenges. A strong balance sheet with relatively low debt provides stability, although profitability and free cash flow have remained inconsistent. Technical indicators suggest some near-term caution, with the shares trading below key short-term moving averages and a negative MACD reading. Valuation appears balanced, supported by a moderate price-to-earnings ratio, although the absence of a dividend limits additional investor appeal.

    More about Strategic Minerals plc

    Strategic Minerals plc is an international mining and exploration company focused on advancing the Redmoor tungsten, tin and copper project in Cornwall through its wholly owned subsidiary, Cornwall Resources Limited. The company is working to increase the project’s resource base and progress it through feasibility studies, with the aim of establishing Redmoor as a significant future source of tungsten and other critical minerals for the European market.

  • Alien Metals highlights expanded Pilbara drilling as GreenTech advances key projects (UFO)

    Alien Metals highlights expanded Pilbara drilling as GreenTech advances key projects (UFO)

    Alien Metals (LSE:UFO) has outlined new exploration activity planned by GreenTech Metals at the Munni Munni PGE-Cu-Ni and Whundo Cu-Zn-Au projects in Western Australia, where it holds a 30% joint venture interest alongside an equity stake of approximately 10% in GreenTech. The upcoming work is aimed at expanding resource knowledge and improving metallurgical understanding at the two projects, while complementing Alien’s primary focus on advancing its Hancock Iron Ore Project.

    GreenTech is preparing to begin drilling in late July after securing drilling contractors, with the programme supported by a government-funded Fixed-Loop Electromagnetic survey and a heritage survey scheduled for August to unlock additional drill targets along the Munni Munni basal contact. The campaign will include around 4,750 metres of reverse circulation drilling and 3,560 metres of diamond drilling, alongside updated resource modelling and copper-focused metallurgical studies. The work is expected to improve drill targeting, support a revised mineral resource estimate and contribute to early-stage development studies, potentially increasing Alien’s exposure to the copper and platinum group element markets.

    Alien Metals’ outlook remains constrained by its pre-revenue status, ongoing losses and persistent negative free cash flow. Technical indicators also point to generally weak market momentum, while valuation remains difficult to assess because of negative earnings and the absence of a dividend.

    More about Alien Metals Ltd

    Alien Metals Ltd is an AIM-listed mining exploration and development company focused on iron ore, precious metals and base metals projects in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Its flagship Hancock Iron Ore Project hosts a JORC-compliant resource and is being advanced towards a potential 2Mtpa mining operation. The company also holds joint venture interests in the Munni Munni platinum group metals system and the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project, providing both direct project exposure and strategic equity interests in development partners.

  • Helix Exploration to acquire Keyes helium facility alongside £17.6m fundraising (HEX)

    Helix Exploration to acquire Keyes helium facility alongside £17.6m fundraising (HEX)

    Helix Exploration PLC (LSE:HEX) has agreed a conditional US$11 million acquisition of the Keyes Helium Complex in Oklahoma, one of only six operating helium liquefaction plants in the United States that is independent of the major industrial gas companies. The acquisition will enable Helix to liquefy helium produced from its Rudyard field, broaden access to international customers and generate additional revenue through third-party tolling services. The company said the asset has been acquired at an estimated 65% discount to replacement cost and already benefits from an established income stream.

    To finance the transaction and accelerate development at the Rudyard project, Helix has launched an institutional placing to raise up to £16 million at 22 pence per share, alongside a retail offer targeting up to £1.6 million. The proceeds will fund the acquisition of the Keyes facility and the drilling of four additional production wells at Rudyard. Major shareholder Drachs Investments has indicated its intention to invest around £7 million and will receive board representation, highlighting continued investor backing as helium prices strengthen and supply remains constrained across key US production regions.

    Helix Exploration’s outlook continues to be weighed down by its pre-revenue status, ongoing losses and increasing cash burn, although the company maintains a debt-free balance sheet. Strong technical momentum and an established upward share price trend provide some support, while valuation remains difficult to assess because of continued losses and the absence of a dividend.

    More about Helix Exploration Plc

    Helix Exploration PLC is a US-focused helium producer listed on AIM and the OTCQB market, currently producing raw helium from its Rudyard field. The company supplies helium to critical industries including medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace and other cryogenic applications, while positioning itself as an independent producer and liquefaction operator with integrated infrastructure.

    Through the acquisition and operation of strategically located liquefaction facilities, Helix aims to expand its access to global helium markets while capturing higher-value pricing opportunities across North America and Asia. Its business model also includes providing tolling services for third-party producers and aggregating helium from multiple fields to benefit from tightening global supply and declining legacy US production.

  • Quantum Blockchain secures court victory in Sipiem asset recovery case (QBT)

    Quantum Blockchain secures court victory in Sipiem asset recovery case (QBT)

    Quantum Blockchain Technologies’ (LSE:QBT) subsidiary, Clear Leisure 2017 Limited, has won a significant ruling from the Court of Biella after the court rejected a defendant’s appeal against enforcement proceedings involving a third property linked to the Sipiem case. The judgment confirms that enforcement action can continue, clearing the way for the judicial sale of the asset, which is valued at approximately €272,600 and has a minimum auction price of €204,450 ahead of its scheduled auction on 21 October 2026. The court also ordered the defendants to pay €5,800 towards legal costs.

    The decision removes another legal hurdle in CL2017’s efforts to recover a portion of the more than €6 million in damages previously awarded by the Venice Court of Appeal. The company is continuing enforcement proceedings against this property and two additional assets as part of a court-supervised liquidation process, marking further progress in converting legal awards into cash that could strengthen its financial position and support its blockchain research and development activities.

    Quantum Blockchain Technologies’ outlook remains constrained by weak financial performance, characterised by limited revenue, ongoing losses, negative equity and sustained cash outflows over several years. Technical indicators also remain unfavourable, with the shares trading below key moving averages and a negative MACD reading. Valuation offers little support, as the company’s negative price-to-earnings ratio reflects continued unprofitability and there is no dividend yield.

    More about Quantum Blockchain Technologies plc

    Quantum Blockchain Technologies plc is an AIM-listed research, development and investment company focused on advancing blockchain technologies, including cryptocurrency mining and related applications. The company is developing proprietary Bitcoin mining tools and techniques designed to improve mining efficiency and performance, with the aim of delivering technological advantages for miners and participants across the wider blockchain ecosystem.