Author: Fiona Craig

European stock markets were mostly in the red on Monday, pressured by heightened concerns over escalating trade tensions after U.S. President Donald Trump announced steep new tariffs on European Union imports. The move, seen as a blow to ongoing transatlantic negotiations, reignited fears of a broader trade conflict.

By 07:55 GMT, Germany’s DAX had dropped 0.7%, while France’s CAC 40 was down 0.5%. In contrast, the FTSE 100 in London edged up 0.2%, with the U.K. already having secured a trade agreement with the Trump administration.

Transatlantic Trade Strain Deepens

Trump revealed over the weekend that the U.S. would impose a 30% tariff on goods imported from both the EU and Mexico, starting August 1. This announcement comes after similar measures were introduced on imports from Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil in the previous week.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the tariffs, warning they would severely disrupt transatlantic supply chains, harming businesses, consumers, and patients alike. While reiterating the EU’s willingness to negotiate before the deadline, she emphasized that the bloc was “prepared to defend its interests” through proportional countermeasures if needed.

The EU and the U.S. collectively account for nearly 30% of global trade and 43% of global GDP, with bilateral trade valued at approximately €1.7 trillion in 2024, or roughly €4.6 billion per day.

German Automakers Hit by Tariff Shock

Shares of major German auto manufacturers were under pressure following the tariff announcement, which offered no exemptions for the automotive sector. Shares in Volkswagen (TG:VOW3), BMW (TG:BMW), Mercedes-Benz (TG:MBG) and Porsche (BIT:1PORS) all fell more than 1%.

AstraZeneca Gains on Trial Success

On a brighter note, shares of AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN) rose after the pharmaceutical giant reported that its hypertension drug Baxdrostat successfully met both primary and secondary endpoints in a key late-stage clinical trial involving patients with resistant high blood pressure.

Oil Prices Rise as Focus Shifts to Russia Sanctions

Crude oil prices climbed on Monday, driven by speculation that Washington may unveil new sanctions on Russia, potentially disrupting global supply flows.

As of 03:55 ET, Brent crude futures were up 1.1% at $71.14 per barrel, while WTI crude advanced 1.2% to $69.25 per barrel.

Trump is expected to deliver a “major statement” on Russia later in the day, amid growing bipartisan support in Congress for a bill proposing further sanctions aimed at pressuring Moscow over the war in Ukraine. At the same time, EU diplomats are reportedly nearing consensus on a new sanctions package that may include a tighter cap on Russian oil exports.

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 edged up modestly in Asian trading on Monday, continuing its recent upward trend as escalating trade tensions and geopolitical uncertainty drove investors toward safe-haven assets.

Market sentiment was rattled by fresh tariff announcements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who over the weekend confirmed a new round of import duties targeting Mexico and the European Union, fueling fears of a broader trade standoff. Meanwhile, news of Trump’s intention to send offensive weaponry to Ukraine added to global unease, potentially worsening relations with Russia.

Despite the supportive backdrop for gold, gains were restrained by a firmer U.S. dollar ahead of a closely watched inflation report due Tuesday. Silver, however, stood out with a notable surge, reaching its highest level in nearly 14 years.

As of 00:40 ET (04:40 GMT), spot gold was up 0.2% to $3,361.42 per ounce, while gold futures gained 0.3% to $3,374.80. Silver futures rallied 1.4% to $39.493, marking their strongest level since 2011.

Gold Holds Gains as Tariff Spree Sparks Economic Worries

Gold extended last week’s gains after Trump unveiled a sweeping 30% tariff on imports from Mexico and the EU, escalating a series of trade restrictions that now include major economies like Japan, South Korea, Brazil, and copper exporters. The new duties are set to take effect on August 1, leaving minimal room for renegotiation.

The widening tariff war raised concerns over global economic stability, prompting investors to seek shelter in gold and other precious metals. Geopolitical jitters also remained high following reports that Trump plans to increase military support to Ukraine — a move that could aggravate tensions with Moscow. Over the weekend, Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin for stalling ceasefire negotiations.

Although gold maintained an upward bias, analysts noted that the precious metal has already posted significant gains in 2025, limiting further upside in the near term. However, silver and platinum continued to shine, with platinum futures at $1,461.40, holding near decade highs despite a 0.6% dip.

Mixed Signals for Metals as Dollar Strength Offsets Gains

In the industrial metals space, copper prices showed mixed performance. London Metal Exchange copper futures climbed 0.3% to $9,694.45 per metric ton, supported by encouraging trade data out of China — the world’s largest copper consumer — which showed a rebound in red metal imports for June.

However, U.S. copper futures slipped 0.5% to $5.5783 per pound, as traders locked in profits following a record-breaking rally spurred by tariff-driven price jumps.

A stronger U.S. dollar capped gains across metal markets. The greenback rose 0.1% in Asian trading, recovering further from recent multi-year lows.

Investors now await the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data due Tuesday. The figures are expected to show an uptick in inflation, potentially linked to the recent surge in tariffs. Sticky inflation could prompt the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged — a stance President Trump has openly challenged, calling for immediate cuts.

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.

Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) surged to a new all-time high above $122,000 in early Asian trading on Monday, driven by a surge in institutional interest and ahead of a pivotal week for U.S. cryptocurrency legislation.

As of 05:48 GMT, Bitcoin was trading up 3.9% at $122,467.8, having briefly peaked at $122,562.4 earlier in the session.

Institutional Buying Fuels Rally Past $121K

The latest leg up in Bitcoin’s rally followed a major purchase from Metaplanet Inc. (USOTC:MTPLF), a Japanese hotel operator-turned-Bitcoin advocate, which added 797 coins to its balance sheet. The company now holds 16,352 BTC, making it the fifth-largest corporate Bitcoin holder globally.

Bitcoin’s momentum has been building steadily, underpinned by strong inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs and renewed optimism for crypto-positive regulatory developments. Hopes for supportive legislation in Washington have also played a role.

“Although Bitcoin showed mild bearishness after hitting its previous peak in late May, recent price action suggests the correction may have run its course,” analysts at IG wrote in a note. “Technical indicators are turning bullish, and July’s trading volume is on pace to match or surpass May’s levels after a quieter June.”

The rally has extended beyond Bitcoin itself, with shares of crypto-focused firms like Riot Platforms (NASDAQ:RIOT), Marathon Digital Holdings (NASDAQ:MARA), and MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) also posting strong gains in recent sessions.

Eyes on Washington as ‘Crypto Week’ Kicks Off

Investor sentiment is increasingly focused on a series of legislative debates scheduled for this week in the U.S. House of Representatives, dubbed “Crypto Week.” Lawmakers are set to discuss several significant proposals, including the Clarity for Digital Tokens Act, the Genius Act, and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.

If passed, these bills could lay the groundwork for long-awaited regulatory clarity around stablecoins, crypto custody, and the broader digital asset space.

Adding to the bullish tone was a high-level meeting held last Thursday by China’s state asset regulator in Shanghai, which reportedly discussed digital currency and stablecoin strategy with local officials. While crypto trading remains banned in China, the meeting has been interpreted by some as a potential softening of the country’s stance.

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.

Oil prices continued their upward momentum in early Asian trading on Monday, building on last week’s gains amid growing speculation that the United States could impose fresh sanctions on Russia. Market sentiment also remained cautious due to rising global trade tensions following President Donald Trump’s announcement of new tariffs targeting the European Union and Mexico.

As of 21:22 ET (01:22 GMT), September contracts for Brent crude rose 0.2% to $70.48 per barrel, while U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures gained a similar 0.2%, trading at $68.55.

Both benchmarks surged nearly 3% last week, with Friday’s rally fueled by comments from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which pointed to a tightening short-term supply outlook. According to the IEA, although OPEC+ surprised markets with a more substantial production increase, global supplies remain constrained as refiners increase output to meet peak summer travel demand.

Market Focus Shifts to Trump’s Pending Russia Announcement

Investor attention has now turned to a promised “major statement” on Russia, which President Trump said he plans to deliver Monday. Over the weekend, he confirmed plans to send Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, signaling deepening tensions with Moscow.

Trump has reportedly become increasingly dissatisfied with Russian President Vladimir Putin due to stalled peace talks over Ukraine. This has fueled speculation that Washington may introduce tougher sanctions aimed at restricting Russian energy exports.

In the U.S. Congress, a bipartisan effort to pressure the Kremlin through economic measures is gaining ground. A proposed bill would dramatically raise tariffs—up to 500%—on countries such as China and India if they continue importing Russian oil and gas. However, the legislation still awaits formal backing from the White House.

Tariff Headwinds Cap Oil Rally

While supply-side concerns are boosting oil prices, further upside may be limited due to escalating trade tensions. Over the weekend, Trump revealed plans to slap a 30% tariff on most goods imported from the EU and Mexico, effective August 1. This follows a broader tariff push announced earlier in the week, including duties on imports from Japan, South Korea, Canada, Brazil, and a steep 50% tariff on copper.

The increasingly aggressive trade stance has raised concerns about global economic growth. Trade barriers tend to dampen industrial output and international travel—both key drivers of energy consumption—raising the risk of weaker oil demand in the months ahead.

With less than three weeks to resolve looming trade disputes, markets are likely to remain on edge as geopolitical and macroeconomic risks collide.

Tern Plc (LSE:TERN) has announced an underwritten Open Offer to raise approximately £642,486 by issuing 64,248,646 shares at 1.00p each. The offer provides qualifying shareholders the opportunity to participate and is fully underwritten by CMC Markets UK Plc. Proceeds will support Tern’s strategy to maximize value from its portfolio companies through strategic exits or reinvestment opportunities. The Open Offer is conditional on AIM admission, with trading expected to begin on 31 July 2025.

More about Tern Plc

Tern Plc focuses on value creation in the Internet of Things (IoT) sector, nurturing early-stage tech companies and enhancing their growth prospects. The company leverages strategic partnerships and market expansion, particularly targeting opportunities in the USA.

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.

Vast Resources plc (LSE:VAST) has made positive strides in enhancing its diamond beneficiation process by collaborating with consultants to develop improved cleaning and sorting techniques. This initiative aims to optimize shareholder value and potentially unlock new business opportunities by expanding the company’s role along the diamond value chain.

While Vast Resources faces financial challenges—marked by ongoing operational losses and negative equity—the company’s outlook is somewhat bolstered by recent strategic developments and favorable technical indicators. Despite persistent valuation and profitability issues, these positive corporate events suggest potential for operational turnaround and strengthened market positioning.

More about Vast Resources

Vast Resources plc is an AIM-listed mining company based in the UK, with operations spanning Romania, Tajikistan, and Zimbabwe. The company focuses on developing high-quality mining assets, including the Baita Plai Polymetallic Mine in Romania, alongside joint ventures and management agreements in Tajikistan. Vast Resources is also renewing its investment focus in Zimbabwe.

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.

Beeks Financial Cloud Group Plc (LSE:BKS) announced it has secured around $10 million in contracts for its Proximity Cloud solution during June 2025. These agreements, involving brokerage and fintech clients across the UAE and Europe, underscore the rising demand for Beeks’ scalable, high-performance cloud infrastructure. Revenue from these contracts is expected to be recognized in FY25 and FY26, contributing to a robust start for FY26. For the full year 2025, Beeks reported a 25% revenue increase, driven by strong cloud service demand, with a positive outlook for continued expansion supported by a healthy sales pipeline and ongoing client activity.

Beeks Financial Cloud Group’s prospects remain favorable due to solid financial results and strategic corporate developments like its ASX partnership and share capital raise. However, technical indicators show mixed signals, and a relatively high P/E ratio suggests some valuation concerns. Overall, the investment case is moderately positive, hinging on sustained strategic execution and improved financial performance.

More about Beeks Financial Cloud Group Plc

Beeks Financial Cloud Group Plc is a specialist managed cloud provider serving the capital markets and financial services industries. The company delivers Infrastructure-as-a-Service tailored for low-latency private cloud compute, connectivity, and analytics, facilitating hybrid cloud environments for exchanges, trading venues, and public cloud users. ISO 27001 certified, Beeks is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

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.

Helix Exploration PLC (LSE:HEX) has successfully completed drilling at its Inez #1 well, the fourth production well in the Rudyard Project located in Montana. The well reached a depth of 6,510 feet and revealed noteworthy helium concentrations, reinforcing the company’s view of the Rudyard Field as a significant helium resource. This drilling success enhances Helix’s insight into helium-bearing zones within the structure, potentially expanding its commercially viable reserves. The next steps include wireline logging and flow testing to evaluate helium quality and production capacity more precisely.

About Helix Exploration Plc

Helix Exploration specializes in helium exploration and development, focusing on deposits within the Montana Helium Fairway. Established by industry veterans with deep expertise in US helium systems, the company went public in April 2024. Its primary focus is on advancing production at the Rudyard Project in northern Montana, leveraging established infrastructure and cost-effective processing with an aim to achieve first gas output in 2025. Helix is targeting strong revenue generation over the life of the field.

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.

Ariana Resources (LSE:AAU) has begun hot commissioning at its Tavsan Mine in Türkiye, with full operational status anticipated by late July 2025. This milestone represents a key advance toward gold production at Ariana’s second active gold mining site in the country. Progress includes the completion of heap-leach pads and ongoing system testing, signaling the company’s readiness for ramping up production. This development is expected to strengthen Ariana’s foothold in the gold mining sector and deliver enhanced value to its stakeholders through increased output.

About Ariana Resources

Ariana Resources is a mineral exploration and development company listed on AIM, with a portfolio spanning gold projects in Africa and Europe. The firm holds substantial interests in gold assets including the Dokwe Gold Project in Zimbabwe, the Tavsan Mine in Türkiye, as well as projects in Cyprus and Kosovo.

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.

Supermarket Income REIT plc (LSE:SUPR) has completed the purchase of a Tesco omnichannel supermarket located in Ashford, Kent, for £54.1 million, delivering a net initial yield of 7.0%. This acquisition aligns with the company’s strategy to reinvest proceeds from its recent joint venture with Blue Owl Capital. Given the current market environment, where supermarket property valuations remain attractive, this deal is viewed as a timely addition to the portfolio. The acquisition is expected to boost earnings and support the REIT’s commitment to sustainable income growth and increasing dividends for shareholders.

The company’s outlook is positive, supported by appealing valuation levels and strong technical indicators, despite ongoing profitability challenges. Strategic initiatives, including refinancing and partnership developments, enhance financial flexibility and growth prospects. With a robust balance sheet and clear growth strategy, Supermarket Income REIT remains a strong candidate for investors seeking steady income.

About Supermarket Income REIT plc

Supermarket Income REIT plc specializes in investing in grocery-focused real estate critical to food supply chains. Its portfolio primarily consists of omnichannel supermarket properties that cater to both physical and online retail. The company leases these assets to major supermarket operators across the UK and Europe, generating long-term, secure, and inflation-linked rental income, underpinned by a strategy focused on progressive dividends and capital appreciation.

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.