Author: Fiona Craig

Deutsche Bank expects the Euro Stoxx 50 index to gain approximately 6% by the end of 2025, holding firm on its year-end target despite persistent global trade frictions. The bank’s forecast incorporates expectations of a 10% baseline tariff and targeted sector levies, which it believes have already been factored into market pricing.

“Much of this pressure appears to be priced in already,” said Maximilian Uleer, Deutsche Bank’s Head of European Equity and Cross Asset Strategy. He pointed to the 10% downward revision in 2025 earnings forecasts since October 2024 as evidence that the market has largely accounted for the potential fallout, even with a weaker U.S. dollar in play.

Uleer estimates the earnings impact from the base-case tariff scenario to be slightly under 4%, a figure he believes is manageable given the existing downgrade in expectations. A more pessimistic scenario involving 20% tariffs could fully erase earnings growth for the year and cut equity valuations by about 10%, but Uleer views this outcome as improbable due to the potential damage it would inflict on the U.S. economy and financial markets.

European stocks have shown resilience this year, helped in part by strong fiscal spending, particularly in Germany. Deutsche Bank’s favored MDAX index has gained 10% over the STOXX 600 since February, and its basket of German recovery stocks has delivered a 28% return since its launch.

Despite this strong performance, Uleer continues to prefer small- and mid-cap companies over large-cap peers. Regionally, he has shifted to a neutral stance between U.S. and European equities following a temporary tilt toward U.S. stocks in April, when trade tensions showed signs of easing. Nevertheless, he retains a long-term preference for European markets, citing robust fiscal support, recovering sentiment, and a pickup in manufacturing activity.

Looking ahead, Uleer expects valuations in the Euro Stoxx 50 to stabilise, with earnings growth likely to return in the second half of 2025 and carry into 2026. Positive policy developments—such as front-loaded German fiscal spending, recent U.S. tax legislation, and renewed NATO defence funding commitments—further strengthen the case for European equities.

Sector-wise, Deutsche Bank remains constructive on Banks, Construction, and Industrials (excluding Defence), while maintaining a cautious view on Health Care and Consumer Staples.

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.

Empyrean Energy PLC (LSE:EME) has successfully raised £1 million through a placing of new shares to fund ongoing development and general working capital, focusing on its 8.5% stake in the Mako Gas Field. A recent Gas Sales Agreement with Indonesia’s state utility PLN Persero marks a key milestone for the Mako project, highlighting strong natural gas demand amid Indonesia’s shift away from coal. This progress is expected to boost operational momentum and reinforce Empyrean’s market position.

Despite these positive developments, Empyrean faces severe financial difficulties, including ongoing losses and negative equity. Technical indicators signal a bearish trend, and valuation metrics reflect high risk due to negative earnings. While the fundraising and strategic progress offer some support, substantial financial and operational challenges continue to weigh on the company’s outlook.

About Empyrean Energy

Empyrean Energy PLC is an oil and gas development firm with assets in Australia, Indonesia, and the United States. Its core focus is on exploring and developing energy resources, with a major interest in the Mako Gas Field in Indonesian waters.

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) reported solid production growth in its South African operations for Q4 FY2025, with increases in chrome concentrate and Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) compared to the prior year. Although a major chrome ore supply contract ended, higher output from third-party agreements helped maintain strong overall production. The company offset falling chrome prices with a notable rise in platinum prices, supporting stable earnings. Looking ahead, Jubilee is progressing on the sale of its South African chrome and PGM assets while prioritizing operational safety and efficiency.

Jubilee’s outlook is supported by key corporate developments and a strategic focus on copper growth, yet financial challenges such as tightening profit margins and higher leverage temper the view. Technical indicators point to bearish momentum, and valuation remains unclear due to limited data.

About Jubilee Metals Group

Jubilee Metals Group PLC is a diversified metals producer operating mainly in South Africa and Zambia. It specializes in chrome concentrate and PGMs, leveraging partnerships to gain direct exposure to chrome prices, a critical factor influencing its revenue and profitability.

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.

Central Asia Metals PLC (LSE:CAML) has chosen not to match Kinterra’s enhanced offer for New World Resources (NWR), prompting NWR’s board to endorse Kinterra’s proposal to shareholders. Consequently, CAML and NWR will terminate their Bid Implementation Deed, with CAML receiving a break fee, marking a notable change in CAML’s acquisition plans.

Central Asia Metals maintains a solid financial foundation and favorable valuation, supported by strategic acquisitions. However, bearish technical signals present potential near-term challenges. While recent earnings call data is unavailable, ongoing positive corporate developments help balance the outlook.

About Central Asia Metals

Central Asia Metals, listed on AIM and headquartered in London, fully owns the Kounrad SX-EW copper operation in Kazakhstan and the Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia. The company also holds an 80% stake in CAML Exploration, focused on early-stage projects in Kazakhstan, and a 28.4% interest in Aberdeen Minerals Ltd, a private UK firm exploring base metals in northeast Scotland.

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.

Moneysupermarket.com (LSE:MONY) posted steady financial results for the first half of 2025, with revenue edging up 1% to £225.3 million and adjusted EBITDA rising 2% to £75.1 million. The company marked key achievements, notably exceeding 1.5 million members in its SuperSaveClub, which now accounts for 14% of total group revenue. Despite facing headwinds in certain markets, Moneysupermarket.com continues to capitalize on its broad product range and ongoing investments in technology and data-driven innovations, including AI and new product launches. Additionally, the group declared a £96 million shareholder return package, underlining confidence in its strategic direction and growth outlook.

Financially, Moneysupermarket.com demonstrates strong cash flow and healthy margins. Technical indicators point to a stable market position, while its reasonable valuation and attractive dividend yield add appeal. The announced share buybacks further highlight management’s positive stance on the company’s future performance.

About Moneysupermarket.com

Moneysupermarket.com operates as a leading price comparison service in the financial sector, offering customers competitive options across insurance, financial products, home services, travel, and cashback. Its mission is to help consumers save money through transparent and efficient comparisons.

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.

Hunting PLC (LSE:HTG) has secured a $31 million order to supply titanium stress joints for a deepwater gas development in the Black Sea. This award, combined with a previous contract, significantly boosts the company’s sales order backlog and supports its strategic ambition to grow within the expanding deepwater subsea market. The deal also leverages Hunting’s recent acquisition of Flexible Engineered Solutions, enhancing its capabilities in this sector.

The company’s outlook shows solid revenue expansion and a strong financial position, though profitability challenges and bearish technical signals temper the overall sentiment. Positive developments and a healthy dividend yield offer some confidence, despite valuation concerns indicated by a negative price-to-earnings ratio.

About Hunting PLC

Founded in 1874, Hunting PLC is a global precision engineering company specializing in high-quality manufactured equipment and services. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, it operates internationally with a presence in the UK, USA, China, and beyond. The business spans five key segments, focusing on areas including Subsea Technologies and Advanced Manufacturing.

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.

Anglo Asian Mining (LSE:AAZ) has officially launched operations at its Demirli copper mine, becoming the company’s second new mine to begin production in 2025. This milestone advances Anglo Asian’s goal of establishing itself as a mid-tier copper producer. The Demirli site is projected to deliver around 4,000 tonnes of copper concentrate in 2025, with output expected to ramp up to 15,000 tonnes annually starting in 2026.

The project has completed comprehensive environmental and social impact assessments, reflecting the company’s commitment to responsible mining practices. To support operations, Anglo Asian has hired 150 new staff, further contributing to local employment and economic growth in the Karabakh region.

The commencement of production at Demirli marks a key step in Anglo Asian Mining’s expansion strategy, reinforcing its footprint in Azerbaijan’s mining sector.

About Anglo Asian Mining

Anglo Asian Mining plc is a producer of gold, copper, and silver, with a diverse portfolio of assets located in Azerbaijan. The company is focused on evolving into a multi-asset, mid-tier copper and gold producer by 2030, with copper anticipated to become the primary driver of growth. This strategy includes bringing several new mining projects, such as Gilar and Demirli, into commercial production.

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.

Creo Medical Group (LSE:CREO) announced a 40% rise in core technology revenues for the first half of 2025, meeting management’s expectations and setting the stage for ongoing expansion. The company has improved operational efficiency, cutting costs and losses while bolstering its cash reserves. Recent regulatory approvals and new strategic partnerships, particularly in the US, are expected to accelerate the uptake of its advanced energy surgical products.

Strategic moves such as selling a 51% stake in Creo Medical Europe and divesting parts of its Chepstow facility aim to strengthen cash flow and simplify operations. The company remains confident in its growth trajectory and is dedicated to improving treatment options for patients with pre-cancerous and cancerous conditions globally.

Despite solid corporate developments, Creo Medical’s outlook is tempered by ongoing financial challenges and valuation concerns. Technical indicators currently show a neutral to slightly bearish trend, which impacts the overall assessment.

About Creo Medical

Creo Medical specializes in developing minimally invasive electrosurgical devices, focusing on enhancing patient care through innovative energy-based endoscopy. Its flagship CROMA technology, powered by Kamaptive, combines multiple energy modalities to enable precise and safer surgical interventions, offering less invasive and more cost-effective solutions in surgery and endoscopy.

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.

Kromek Group plc (LSE:KMK) has secured a notable £1.7 million contract as part of the UK Government’s Radiological Nuclear Detection Framework, marking a key achievement in the company’s growth trajectory. This agreement includes the provision of the D3S-ID wearable radiation detectors and associated services, which are expected to contribute to increased revenues within Kromek’s CBRN Detection division.

The award highlights Kromek’s established position and expansion potential in the radiological and nuclear detection market, reinforcing its role in supporting national security efforts.

While the company benefits from positive corporate developments and encouraging technical signals, ongoing financial and profitability challenges continue to influence its overall outlook.

About Kromek Group plc

Kromek Group plc is a leading innovator in radiation and bio-detection technologies. Headquartered in County Durham, UK, with operations extending to the US, the company designs and manufactures advanced detector components for medical, industrial, and security applications. Kromek specializes in nuclear radiation detection solutions for homeland defense and security markets, and is actively developing bio-security products aimed at detecting airborne pathogens.

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.

Primary Health Properties PLC (LSE:PHP) has reported the latest acceptance figures for its ongoing takeover bid for Assura Plc. As of July 18, 2025, the company has secured valid acceptances representing around 1.18% of Assura’s outstanding ordinary shares. PHP is encouraging remaining Assura shareholders to respond to the revised offer by the deadline of August 12, 2025.

This acquisition aligns with PHP’s strategic objective to broaden its footprint within the healthcare real estate sector, potentially strengthening its market position and creating enhanced growth opportunities for investors.

Financially, Primary Health Properties maintains a solid foundation with a strong equity base and no debt, supporting operational resilience. Technical indicators point to positive momentum, though the relatively high price-to-earnings ratio suggests caution on valuation. The company’s acquisition strategy, including the potential merger with Assura, is expected to bolster its portfolio quality and income streams. Recent earnings calls highlight growth prospects driven by rising rental income and effective asset management, despite some operational headwinds.

About Primary Health Properties PLC

Primary Health Properties is a UK and Ireland-based real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on owning and managing modern, purpose-built healthcare facilities. Its portfolio primarily serves general practitioners, health service providers, and other healthcare professionals, aiming to support the delivery of high-quality primary care.

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.