Author: Fiona Craig

Transense Technologies PLC (LSE:TRT) has reported a 33% year-on-year increase in total revenue, reaching £5.6 million for the fiscal year ending June 2025. This growth was fueled by strong performance in its core SAWsense and Translogik divisions. The company is benefiting from increased demand and expanding partnerships in key sectors such as aerospace and automotive, while also making notable inroads into new markets across the USA, Southeast Asia, and South America.

While currency headwinds—specifically a weaker US dollar—have impacted royalty earnings from Bridgestone’s iTrack system, Transense remains confident in its forward momentum. The company is supported by a robust pipeline of opportunities and ongoing investments in next-generation sensor technologies, positioning it well for further growth in the coming year.

With a solid financial base, expanding global reach, and favorable technical indicators, Transense presents an attractive investment case. However, investors may want to be mindful of its overbought status and lack of dividend yield, which could influence short-term sentiment.

About Transense Technologies PLC

Based in Oxfordshire, UK, Transense Technologies PLC specializes in cutting-edge sensing and measurement technologies. The business operates through two key segments: SAWsense, which delivers Surface Acoustic Wave-based sensor solutions to sectors such as aerospace and automotive, and Translogik, which provides advanced tire inspection systems for commercial vehicles. In addition to its product offerings, the company generates royalty income from Bridgestone’s iTrack platform, a tire monitoring solution designed for off-highway vehicles.

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.

Frasers Group (LSE:FRAS) has reported record-breaking results for fiscal year 2025, achieving strong profit growth despite ongoing macroeconomic headwinds. Central to its performance was the continued rollout of its Elevation Strategy, which focuses on international expansion and deepening relationships with global brand partners. The group also capitalized on efficiencies gained through recent acquisitions and advanced warehouse automation, driving significant cost savings and operational synergies.

Frasers Plus, the company’s financial services division, posted encouraging growth, while a solid balance sheet positioned the group to reinvest confidently in its strategic priorities. Looking ahead, Frasers Group remains bullish about its long-term trajectory, with a focus on scaling its international presence and sustaining profitability.

While the group’s financial health and valuation support its investment case, the suspension of a recent acquisition adds a degree of uncertainty. Technical signals also suggest a cautious approach in the short term due to overbought conditions.

About Frasers Group

Frasers Group PLC is a major player in the global retail landscape, operating across sportswear, premium lifestyle, and luxury segments. Its well-known portfolio includes brands like Sports Direct and key partnerships with international giants such as Nike, Adidas, and HUGO BOSS. With a strong foothold in both UK and international markets, the company continues to expand its global presence while pursuing innovation and growth across all its divisions.

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.

Orosur Mining Inc. (LSE:OMI) has reported outstanding drilling results from its Pepas prospect, part of the Anzá Project in Colombia. Among the highlights is a notable gold intercept measuring 62.3 meters at 12.76 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold. These results mark a significant upgrade in the project’s potential resource base and have prompted the company to move forward into the resource drilling phase. In addition to the high-grade assays, the data provides crucial geological insights that may point to a primary feeder structure—an important factor that could shape future exploration strategies and resource modeling.

About Orosur Mining

Orosur Mining Inc. is a gold-focused exploration and development company, with its flagship Anzá Project situated in Colombia’s highly prospective mid-Cauca gold belt. Surrounded by several major gold and copper operations, the Anzá Project is strategically located to tap into one of the region’s most mineral-rich zones, positioning Orosur to potentially unlock significant value from its exploration efforts.

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.

Premier Foods (LSE:PFD) posted a 1.2% rise in branded sales for the first quarter, fueled by strong performance in its Sweet Treats division. The standout growth was led by product innovations such as the new Mr Kipling birthday cake tarts. While grocery sales experienced a slight dip—partly attributed to unseasonably warm weather—the company made notable progress in expanding into new categories and strengthening its presence in international markets. Premier Foods has reaffirmed its full-year trading profit outlook, supported by ongoing innovation, new product launches, and efficiency-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing its competitive position.

The company’s solid financial results and proactive corporate strategies underpin investor confidence. Its reasonable valuation adds to its investment appeal, although technical indicators suggest a cautious approach may be warranted due to near-term market volatility.

About Premier Foods

Premier Foods ranks among the UK’s largest food manufacturers, employing more than 4,000 people across 13 production sites. Its portfolio includes beloved household brands such as Mr Kipling, Bisto, Oxo, Batchelors, Ambrosia, Loyd Grossman, and Sharwood’s. Committed to offering nutritious food options, the company also prioritizes sustainability, community engagement, and environmental responsibility in its operations.

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.

SolGold (LSE:SOLG) has finalized and secured approval for the Project Execution Plan related to its flagship Cascabel Copper-Gold Project in northern Ecuador. The company is targeting initial production by 2028. Key components of the plan include the launch of early-stage site preparations, an accelerated drilling program, and the formation of distinct corporate entities to manage its northern and southern concessions. This streamlined approach is designed to fast-track production, improve project preparedness, and bolster the company’s ability to secure funding—ultimately aiming to create long-term value for stakeholders and contribute meaningfully to the global copper market.

Despite these strategic developments, SolGold continues to grapple with financial difficulties, including ongoing losses and negative cash flows. While recent corporate actions—such as targeted investments and steps toward better governance—offer some hope, the company’s overall valuation remains under pressure.

About SolGold

SolGold PLC is an exploration and development company specializing in copper and gold assets, with its primary focus on the Cascabel Project in Ecuador. The company is dedicated to incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its operations, prioritizing sustainability, safety, and community engagement.

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.

British equities edged higher on Wednesday, while the pound eased slightly below the $1.34 mark, following the release of key inflation data indicating that UK consumer prices rose more than anticipated in June.

UK inflation accelerated to 3.6% year-over-year in June, up from 3.4% in May, according to Wednesday’s figures. The monthly inflation rate increased by 0.3%, both surpassing economists’ forecasts of 3.4% and 0.2%, respectively. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, climbed 0.4% month-on-month and 3.7% annually, compared to May’s 0.2% and 3.5%.

By 11:51 GMT, the FTSE 100 index was up 0.2%, while the British pound rose 0.1% against the US dollar, trading near 1.34. Across Europe, Germany’s DAX gained 0.3%, and France’s CAC 40 was marginally higher by 0.04%.

AstraZeneca’s Alexion Reports Trial Setback in Rare Heart Disease Drug

AstraZeneca’s (LSE:AZN) rare disease division, Alexion, revealed that its investigational drug anselamimab did not achieve its primary endpoint in a pivotal late-stage trial for a rare and serious cardiac condition. The announcement led to a decline in AstraZeneca’s stock during trading.

The Phase III CARES study showed that anselamimab failed to deliver a statistically significant reduction in deaths and hospitalizations related to heart complications, compared to placebo, among patients with advanced light chain (AL) amyloidosis.

Rio Tinto Posts Strong Q2 Iron Ore Shipments

Mining giant Rio Tinto (LSE:RIO) reported a 13% increase in iron ore shipments in the second quarter, reaching 79.9 million tonnes as it bounced back from weather-related disruptions earlier in the year. However, shipments were down 1% year-on-year due to ongoing port maintenance.

The company reaffirmed its 2025 shipment target of 323 to 338 million tonnes but expects volumes to skew toward the lower end after cyclones affected first-quarter production.

Antofagasta Reports Robust Copper Output for Q2

Chile-based miner Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO) posted solid second-quarter results, with copper production rising 3% quarter-on-quarter to 160,100 tonnes, driven by higher output at its Los Pelambres and Centinela sites.

For the first half of the year, copper output totaled 314,900 tonnes, marking an 11% increase from the previous year. Gold production also rose by 13% quarter-on-quarter to 48,300 ounces, while molybdenum output surged 42% to 4,400 tonnes.

The company maintained its full-year copper production forecast of 660,000 to 700,000 tonnes, expecting net cash costs to settle near the lower range of $1.45 to $1.65 per pound.

Workspace Group Sees Slight Dip in Rent Roll for Q1

London-based flexible workspace provider Workspace Group (LSE:WKP) reported steady like-for-like rent per square foot at £47.42 for the first quarter ending June 30, 2025. However, like-for-like occupancy declined modestly by 0.3% to 82.2%.

The company completed 278 new lettings totaling £7.1 million in annual rent value, but its like-for-like rent roll dropped 0.3% to £111.6 million. Shares in Workspace slipped 1.3% following the update.

ICG Reports $123 Billion in Assets Under Management for Q1

Intermediate Capital Group (LSE:ICG) announced assets under management of $123 billion for the quarter ending June 30, 2025. Fee-earning assets reached $82 billion, up 4% from the previous quarter and 11% year-on-year, while non-fee-generating assets stood at $19 billion.

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 retreated modestly on Wednesday, easing off recent highs as traders awaited fresh inflation data to gauge the broader impact of tariffs on consumer prices and potential implications for Federal Reserve policy.

As of 04:55 ET (08:55 GMT), the Dollar Index — which measures the greenback’s performance against six major currencies — dipped by 0.1% to 98.205, following a one-month peak in the previous session.

Focus Shifts to Producer Price Index

Tuesday’s CPI data showed U.S. consumer prices climbing 0.3% in June, marking the sharpest monthly gain since January. Economists largely attributed the uptick to rising costs from import tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.

With inflation showing signs of persistence, expectations for an imminent rate cut by the Federal Reserve have dimmed. While the central bank has maintained steady interest rates, Fed Chair Jerome Powell had earlier indicated he anticipated a summertime inflation pickup tied to trade policy shifts.

“Yesterday’s reality check on Fed cuts speculation could have a lasting effect by raising the bar for dovish repricing, and we therefore feel the risks remain skewed to a stronger dollar from here,” noted analysts at ING.

Investors now turn their attention to the upcoming producer price index (PPI) release, hoping for further insight into whether underlying inflationary pressures are continuing to build.

“Expect markets to move on any surprise, although consensus is already positioned for a relatively benign 0.2% MoM print on headline and core PPI.”

Euro and Pound Rebound After Slump

In Europe, EUR/USD bounced 0.2% to 1.1621 after dipping to a three-week low in the prior session. The euro got a slight lift after ECB policymaker Joachim Nagel emphasized the need for cautious policy amid global trade tensions.

A “steady hand” is required in navigating the uncertainty stemming from President Trump’s latest tariff escalation, Nagel told Handelsblatt, adding that the effects on pricing from geopolitical and trade conflicts remain “extremely uncertain.”

The European Central Bank previously signaled at its June meeting that no rate changes were expected in the near term, reinforcing a wait-and-see stance.

Meanwhile, GBP/USD edged up 0.1% to 1.3392 after touching near three-week lows. The modest rise came in response to June inflation data showing a surprising increase in annual consumer prices to 3.6%, the highest in over a year.

“Sterling is trading modestly stronger after the release. The risks associated with tomorrow’s jobs numbers are probably preventing any larger hawkish repricing in the Sonia curve and, by extension, keeping GBP gains contained,” ING added.

“Markets continue to price in two rate cuts by year-end, but the recent tendency has been to explore more dovish pricing.”

Asian FX Regains Ground

In Asia, currency markets steadied after overnight losses. USD/JPY slipped 0.1% to 148.82, paring back gains made following the latest U.S. inflation report, which had lifted the pair by nearly 1%.

AUD/USD rose 0.1% to 0.6521, while USD/CNY moved up by 0.1% to 7.1770 as regional currencies showed signs of stabilization.

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 equity markets showed a lack of clear direction on Wednesday, struggling to recover from a three-day losing streak. Investor sentiment remained subdued, weighed down by fresh tariff anxieties and underwhelming corporate results from names like ASML Holding NV and Renault SA.

Adding to the cautious tone was data showing an unexpected rise in U.K. inflation last month. Consumer prices in Britain climbed 3.6% year-on-year in June, up from 3.4% in May, marking the highest inflation reading since January 2024. The uptick was largely attributed to increased transport and food costs.

Despite the broader uncertainty, Germany’s DAX edged up 0.5%, and London’s FTSE 100 rose by 0.3%. France’s CAC 40, however, remained mostly unchanged.

In stock-specific action:

• Kenmare Resources (LSE:KMR) fell sharply after the company reiterated that it remains on course to meet its full-year output and cost targets.
• Stellantis (BIT:STLAM) shares declined after the automaker scrapped its hydrogen fuel cell project and canceled plans to launch a hydrogen-powered vehicle line this year. The decision was linked to infrastructure limitations and a lack of consumer incentives.
• ASML Holding (EU:ASML) dropped steeply after warning that ongoing U.S. trade policy uncertainties could prevent it from achieving growth in 2026.
• AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN) also moved lower as its experimental treatment for a rare blood plasma disorder failed in late-stage testing.
• Renault (EU:RNO) shares slumped after the automaker cut its 2025 outlook and announced a change in leadership with the appointment of an interim CEO.

However, there were bright spots:

• Richemont (TG:RITN) traded higher after the luxury goods group posted stronger-than-expected revenue for its fiscal first quarter.
• Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO) gained after the Chilean miner reported an 11% year-over-year increase in copper production for the first half of 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.

U.S. stock futures were pointing higher early Wednesday, suggesting a positive open for Wall Street after Tuesday’s uneven performance.

The bullish sentiment was supported by fresh data from the Labor Department showing that U.S. producer prices were unexpectedly flat in June, helping ease inflation concerns. According to the report, the producer price index for final demand showed no change last month, following an upwardly revised 0.3% increase in May.

Analysts had projected a 0.2% rise, slightly more than the previously reported 0.1% uptick. The data also revealed that the year-over-year increase in producer prices cooled to 2.3% in June, down from a revised 2.7% in May. Markets had expected a smaller decline to 2.5% from the originally reported 2.6%.

Investors were also encouraged by a series of stronger-than-expected corporate earnings reports. Shares of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) climbed 2.1% in pre-market trade after the healthcare heavyweight topped second-quarter expectations and lifted its full-year outlook.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) also saw pre-market momentum after reporting earnings that beat estimates. Meanwhile, Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) similarly delivered better-than-expected quarterly results, contributing to the upbeat tone.

On Tuesday, stocks began the day on a strong note but lost steam as the session progressed. By the close, the major indexes were mixed. The Nasdaq Composite managed to notch a new record, rising 37.47 points or 0.2% to finish at 20,677.80. In contrast, the S&P 500 fell 24.80 points or 0.4% to 6,243.76, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 436.36 points or 1.0% to 44,023.29.

Tech stocks, especially chipmakers, led the way. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index advanced 1.3% to close at its highest level in a year. Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) played a major role in the rally, jumping 4.0% to a record closing price after revealing it will “soon” resume H20 AI chip sales to China.

“The U.S. government has assured NVIDIA that licenses will be granted, and NVIDIA hopes to start deliveries soon,” the company said in a statement.

On the downside, homebuilding stocks sold off, pulling the Philadelphia Housing Sector Index down 3.3%. The energy sector also weakened, with falling oil prices dragging the Philadelphia Oil Service Index 3.1% lower. Losses in banking, biotech, and pharmaceutical shares added to the overall market pressure.

Earlier in the session, a separate report from the Labor Department had lifted investor confidence. Consumer price inflation for June came in line with forecasts, rising 0.3% for the month following a 0.1% increase in May.

Annual consumer inflation accelerated to 2.7% in June from 2.4% in July, just above the expected 2.6% gain. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, ticked up 0.2% after a 0.1% rise the previous month. Economists had predicted a slightly higher 0.3% increase.

Despite the encouraging inflation data and earnings results, market enthusiasm faded later in the day amid persistent unease over President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade disputes, which continue to cloud the economic outlook.

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.

Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO) posted a strong performance in the second quarter, with copper production across the group rising 3% compared to the previous quarter to reach 160,100 tonnes. The increase was largely supported by improved output from its Los Pelambres and Centinela operations.

For the first half of the year, total copper production climbed to 314,900 tonnes—marking an 11% increase from the same period in 2024.

The company also benefited from higher by-product volumes, which helped lift margins. Gold output rose 13% sequentially to 48,300 ounces, while molybdenum production jumped 42% to 4,400 tonnes. These gains contributed to a significant 27% drop in net cash costs for the quarter, which came in at $1.12 per pound. On a half-year basis, net cash costs declined 32% to $1.32/lb, aided by what the company described as “lower underlying costs and an increase in by-product credits.”

CEO Ivan Arriagada commented that the company delivered “increased production at our two large operations, Los Pelambres and Centinela,” while also highlighting that “net cash costs fell by 27%, benefitting from gold and molybdenum by-products.”

The company reaffirmed its full-year copper production guidance of 660,000 to 700,000 tonnes and expects net cash costs to end the year near the lower end of the projected $1.45 to $1.65/lb range. Arriagada added, “Production is expected to increase quarter-on-quarter for the remainder of the year, following maintenance activities completed in H1 2025.”

Capital expenditure guidance remains steady at $3.9 billion.

On the asset level, Los Pelambres produced 73,300 tonnes of copper in Q2, representing a 5% rise from Q1. Cost efficiencies from by-products helped drive net cash costs at the site down to $0.71/lb. Centinela, meanwhile, delivered a 9% increase in copper output to 60,600 tonnes, with net cash costs falling to $0.84/lb.

Work continues on major development projects at both Los Pelambres and Centinela. These include the construction of a second concentrator at Centinela and the expansion of the desalination plant at Los Pelambres. Arriagada confirmed that the project pipeline is “on track and on budget.”

He also reiterated the miner’s strong long-term view on copper: “Our conviction in copper as the metal of the future remains,” citing rising demand driven by decarbonisation efforts, artificial intelligence, and infrastructure development, alongside increasingly limited global supply.

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.