Author: Fiona Craig

1Spatial plc (LSE:SPA), a leading provider of Location Master Data Management (LMDM) solutions, is making solid progress in its strategic shift toward a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) business model. The company reports a strong flow of new contracts, particularly in the UK, where recent wins and project extensions highlight growing demand for its offerings. Meanwhile, the US market is showing increased interest, though contract finalizations remain slower due to longer sales cycles.

To support its SaaS and Software Solutions growth, 1Spatial is continuing to invest in targeted business development while maintaining a disciplined approach to cost control. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to scale its cloud-based services and strengthen recurring revenue streams.

Financially, the company remains on firm footing, with steady revenue increases and effective cash flow management underpinning its performance. However, from a technical standpoint, the stock faces bearish momentum, and its elevated price-to-earnings ratio suggests potential overvaluation. These mixed signals result in a cautiously optimistic outlook for the near term.

About 1Spatial plc

Headquartered in Cambridge, UK, 1Spatial is a global technology company specializing in Location Master Data Management. Its platform helps organizations, including governments and enterprises, to validate, manage, and optimize spatial data for better decision-making. The company’s patented rules engine powers a suite of software solutions and SaaS applications, supporting clients across key markets including the UK, USA, France, Belgium, Ireland, Tunisia, and Australia. Listed on the AIM market, 1Spatial continues to position itself as an innovator in geospatial data management.

Catenae PLC (LSE:CTAI) recently spotlighted Alludium Ltd’s ‘First Look’ event, which unveiled a no-code AI agent platform aimed at automating complex workflows across professional services. The platform is designed to streamline business operations without requiring users to write code—positioning it as a game-changer in the emerging AI automation landscape.

A major highlight of the event was the strategic partnership with venture capital firm SVV, which plans to integrate more than 50 AI agents into its operations. This move underlines a growing trend within the VC sector toward operational efficiency powered by artificial intelligence. SVV also intends to make its AI agent infrastructure open-source, creating a ripple effect that could enhance capabilities across the wider venture capital ecosystem while preserving its own innovation edge.

The collaboration signals a broader shift toward smarter, more scalable business models within financial services, where automation and AI play a central role in improving decision-making and reducing manual overhead.

About Catenae PLC

Catenae PLC is an AIM-listed technology company providing digital media and IT solutions tailored to solve real-world business challenges. The company is actively integrating AI capabilities across its offerings and leverages a highly experienced tech team with a track record of delivering systems across corporate, public sector, and educational environments. Catenae continues to position itself as a forward-looking innovator in the digital transformation space.

Ferrexpo (LSE:FXPO) has reported a sharp drop in production for Q2 2025, citing financial strain from a halt in VAT reimbursements by Ukrainian tax authorities. The loss of liquidity has forced the company to scale back operations, amid broader cost pressures and continued geopolitical instability in the region.

In response, Ferrexpo has adjusted its production strategy to cater to robust Chinese demand for high-grade, low-alumina iron ore concentrate. This shift helped offset some of the impact from reduced volumes and allowed the company to maintain relevance in a competitive export market. To preserve financial stability, the company has also introduced a series of austerity measures, including shortened working hours and cuts to non-essential spending, in the face of falling iron ore prices and rising input costs.

The current outlook for Ferrexpo remains clouded by significant operational and financial headwinds. Core concerns include sliding revenues, eroding profitability, and unfavorable technical signals. Additionally, the ongoing geopolitical situation in Ukraine continues to present both legal and operational risks. While recent share purchases by company leadership indicate confidence, market sentiment remains cautious due to the broader array of challenges.

About Ferrexpo

Ferrexpo is a Swiss-based iron ore producer with key mining operations in Ukraine. Traded under the FXPO ticker on the London Stock Exchange, the company is a constituent of both the FTSE All Share and FTSE4Good indices. Ferrexpo specializes in high-grade iron ore pellets, which support efficiency and lower carbon emissions in steelmaking. Prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Ferrexpo ranked as the world’s third-largest exporter of iron ore pellets, supplying premium products to major steel producers around the globe.

MediaZest (LSE:MDZ) has announced a major contract win with First Rate Exchange Services, under which the company will roll out digital currency display boards at roughly 1,200 locations across the UK. The installations are scheduled to take place over the next five years, with the majority expected to be completed within the first 24 months. This agreement marks a significant achievement for MediaZest, reinforcing its reputation as a top-tier provider of integrated digital signage solutions and advancing its mission to deliver cutting-edge visual communication tools.

The collaboration not only elevates MediaZest’s industry presence but also enables First Rate Exchange Services to offer a more modern and dynamic experience to its customers. This contract is expected to serve as a springboard for future partnerships and broader market adoption of MediaZest’s technologies.

While the company continues to face challenges in financial performance and profitability, its outlook is supported by positive shifts in technical indicators and recent changes in executive leadership. These developments signal potential for a turnaround and increased investor confidence, even amid ongoing fiscal pressures.

About MediaZest

MediaZest is a specialist in audio-visual and digital signage solutions, offering end-to-end services from concept and design to implementation and ongoing support. Serving a broad client base that includes retailers, brand managers, and corporate clients, the company delivers innovative visual and audio experiences that drive engagement. Listed on the London Stock Exchange’s AIM since 2005, MediaZest continues to position itself as a forward-thinking partner in the evolving digital media landscape.

Pinewood Technologies Group PLC (LSE:PINE) has unveiled plans to acquire core assets from Motify Group’s Pinewood South Africa operations in a £2.5 million deal, set to close on August 1, 2025. This strategic acquisition marks a significant step in Pinewood.AI’s efforts to bolster its influence in Southern Africa, enabling the company to take greater control of its local sales and customer support infrastructure.

The move is in line with Pinewood.AI’s broader expansion strategy, which targets growth across Southern Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Northern and Central Europe. The company anticipates the transaction will contribute between £0.5 million and £0.7 million in annual EBITDA. As part of the deal, existing staff will transition into Pinewood’s operations, ensuring continuity in service and reinforcing the company’s dedication to customer satisfaction in the region.

Pinewood Technologies continues to demonstrate strong financial recovery alongside advancing its technological capabilities. Recent strategic initiatives and a series of positive business actions underscore its promising growth trajectory. Although traditional valuation indicators are limited, favorable analyst outlooks and proactive corporate developments add confidence to its future prospects. Ongoing operational gains and market expansion remain core pillars of its strength.

About Pinewood Technologies Group

Founded in 1981, Pinewood Technologies Group PLC is a cloud-first technology company serving the global automotive retail and manufacturing sectors. The firm delivers an industry-leading automotive intelligence platform, co-developed with OEMs and dealership networks, covering areas such as sales, aftersales, finance, and customer relationship management. Headquartered in the UK and North America, Pinewood.AI supports clients in over 20 countries and collaborates with more than 50 automotive brands worldwide.

U.S. equity markets closed the holiday-shortened week on a high note, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite hitting fresh record highs. Despite this optimism in the U.S., European markets showed caution as doubts linger over America’s assertive trade policies.

U.S. Stocks Rally on Strong Jobs Data and Policy Progress

The S&P 500 and tech-heavy Nasdaq both closed at all-time highs on Thursday, buoyed by a robust jobs report that exceeded expectations. This positive employment data reduced market fears that the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates imminently. The S&P 500 climbed 0.8%, the Nasdaq gained 1.0%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.7%, approaching its own record territory. U.S. markets were closed Friday in observance of Independence Day.

June’s jobs report revealed a solid addition of jobs, although private sector hiring slowed to its lowest pace in eight months. The unemployment rate dipped slightly to 4.1%, partly because more workers exited the labor force, while shorter average workweeks suggested some cutbacks in hours.

Overall, the labor market’s strength combined with moderate inflation has led investors to expect the Federal Reserve will hold steady on interest rates at its upcoming meeting on July 29-30.

Nvidia Surges Toward Historic Valuation

Nvidia, the leading manufacturer of advanced AI chips, saw its market value surge toward an eye-popping $4 trillion, setting it on track to become the most valuable company ever. The company is at the center of the AI boom that continues to captivate investors.

Congressional Approval for Trump’s Major Policy Bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a sweeping tax and spending package championed by President Trump, marking a legislative win despite some opposition within his own party. This bill, which extends tax cuts from 2017 and increases spending on defense and border security, is expected to be signed into law by Trump soon.

Proponents say the legislation will drive economic growth, with Trump describing it as a “rocket ship” for the U.S. economy. Critics, including some Republicans, worry about the bill’s impact on the national debt, which the Congressional Budget Office estimates will increase by over $3 trillion. The bill also includes cuts to key food assistance and healthcare programs and rolls back certain clean energy tax credits. The White House disputes these fiscal impact estimates.

Trade Tensions Cast Shadow Ahead of Tariff Deadline

Despite the upbeat economic news and legislative progress, markets remain unsettled over the looming expiration of a pause on sweeping U.S. tariffs next week. The administration initially promised a series of individual trade deals but has only secured agreements with China, the UK, and Vietnam so far.

President Trump indicated a shift in strategy, announcing that letters would be sent to trading partners detailing specific tariffs on their exports starting Friday. He acknowledged the difficulty of negotiating with roughly 170 countries, signaling a possible tougher stance ahead.

Middle East Ceasefire Talks and Diplomatic Moves

In other developments, President Trump said a decision from Hamas on a potential ceasefire with Israel could come within 24 hours. The conflict between Israel and Hamas escalated in October 2023, and Israel has recently agreed to a 60-day ceasefire framework that could pave the way for more permanent peace.

Sources close to Hamas say the group is seeking assurances that the U.S.-backed truce will lead to lasting peace. Trump also hinted that the Abraham Accords, the peace agreements between Israel and some Gulf states, might expand to include additional countries.

Oil Markets Steady Ahead of OPEC+ Meeting

Oil prices remained largely unchanged in thin trading ahead of the weekend’s OPEC+ meeting, where another increase in production is widely expected. Brent crude futures slipped 0.1% to $68.75 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose 0.1% to $67.05.

Both contracts have recovered between 1% and 2% this week after steep losses last week. OPEC+ is anticipated to raise production by 411,000 barrels per day in August, continuing a trend of easing cuts that had been in place for two years, partly to counteract the effects of prolonged low oil prices.

U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Could Resume Soon

Separately, Axios reported that the U.S. plans to meet with Iran next week to revive nuclear negotiations. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reiterated Tehran’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

European equities edged lower on Friday as investor sentiment soured amid renewed uncertainty around global trade negotiations and weaker-than-expected economic data from Germany. The downturn marks a cautious end to the week as market participants await clarity from the U.S. on tariff measures.

As of 07:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX slipped 0.2%, France’s CAC 40 dropped 0.7%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 declined 0.3%. With U.S. markets shut for the Independence Day holiday, trading volumes were expected to remain light.

Trade Anxiety Builds as U.S. Tariff Deadline Approaches

Optimism around potential trade agreements with the U.S. had helped lift European stocks to near-record highs in recent sessions. But concerns resurfaced after President Donald Trump confirmed that countries not yet aligned with Washington would soon be notified of the specific tariff rates on their exports.

Letters detailing the planned duties were expected to be sent out on Friday, with rates ranging from 10% to as high as 70%. These new levies are scheduled to take effect starting August 1, with a July 9 deadline looming for finalizing trade deals.

The European Union is aiming to strike a preliminary agreement with the U.S. ahead of that deadline. However, EU negotiators remain cautious, preparing for the possibility of renewed tariff retaliation if talks fall apart.

German Industrial Orders Post Sharp Decline

Economic concerns deepened with fresh data out of Germany showing a surprise drop in industrial orders. New orders fell 1.4% month-on-month in May, significantly underperforming forecasts. The steep decline was largely driven by a 17.7% plunge in the computer, electronic, and optical goods sector — a reversal following large-scale orders in April.

While the drop may be a temporary correction, it casts doubt on the stability of Germany’s recovery and, by extension, the wider eurozone. The European Central Bank has lowered interest rates by 200 basis points since June 2024 but paused this month, although another cut to 1.75% remains likely later this year.

Air France-KLM Expands Stake in SAS

In corporate news, Air France-KLM (EU:AF) announced plans to raise its stake in Scandinavian carrier SAS from 19.9% to 60.5%, acquiring shares held by Castlelake and Lind Invest. The move is part of a strategic effort to expand in Northern Europe and create operational synergies.

Separately, rail manufacturer Alstom (EU:ALO) revealed it secured a €2 billion contract from the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority to supply M-9A railcars for Long Island and Metro-North lines, strengthening its presence in the U.S. infrastructure market.

Crude Prices Ease Ahead of OPEC+ Gathering

Oil prices slipped slightly on Friday as traders awaited signals from this weekend’s OPEC+ meeting, where another modest output increase is anticipated. Brent crude futures dropped 0.4% to $68.51 per barrel, while WTI futures edged down 0.3% to $66.82 per barrel.

Despite the pullback, both benchmarks are on track to close the week higher by 1–2%, recovering some of the steep losses suffered in the prior week.

OPEC+ is expected to agree on a production hike of 411,000 barrels per day in August, maintaining its gradual rollback of supply curbs imposed over the past two years to support prices.

In geopolitics, Axios reported that U.S. and Iranian officials could resume nuclear talks as early as next week. Iran’s foreign minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, signaling a potential diplomatic thaw that could influence future oil supply dynamics.

The US dollar weakened against major global currencies on Friday, as markets grew jittery ahead of a looming tariff deadline and mounting fiscal concerns following President Donald Trump’s approval of a sweeping tax cut bill.

While the greenback had rallied on Thursday after better-than-expected job numbers delayed expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, gains proved short-lived. The US Dollar Index, which tracks the dollar’s performance against a basket of six major currencies, edged down 0.1% to 96.96 in early European trading. The index remains on course for its second consecutive weekly loss.

The dip comes after the House of Representatives narrowly passed Trump’s major tax-and-spending bill, projected to add $3.4 trillion to the US’s already substantial $36.2 trillion national debt. The legislation, which includes large-scale tax cuts and reductions in social safety-net programs, is expected to be signed into law on Friday.

Investors are now turning their focus to July 9—the date when a new wave of US tariffs is set to take effect on countries that haven’t finalized trade agreements with Washington. Trump confirmed that formal tariff notifications would be sent out Friday, signaling a move away from bilateral negotiations in favor of across-the-board rate impositions between 10% and 70%.

Dollar Retreats Amid Trade Friction

The euro rose 0.1% to $1.1773, positioning itself for a 0.4% weekly gain. The Japanese yen gained 0.4% to 144.375 per dollar, and the Swiss franc advanced 0.2% to 0.7939 per dollar. The dollar’s broader retreat reflects investor unease over the potential drag from escalating trade tensions and growing skepticism around US debt sustainability.

“The appetite for the dollar is shrinking,” said Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote Bank. “Concerns over ballooning US debt and the fallout from trade disruptions are reducing investor confidence. If inflation rises while trade slows, the Fed will find itself in a difficult position.”

Earlier in the week, the dollar hit multi-year lows against the euro and pound, capping its worst first-half performance since 1973. Traders were rattled by the administration’s volatile tariff strategy and the perceived erosion of US fiscal discipline.

Global Response to Tariff Deadline

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU aims to reach a trade deal “in principle” with the US before the July 9 deadline. Meanwhile, Japan—one of the countries yet to secure a deal—is reportedly dispatching its top trade negotiator to Washington this weekend.

China also intensified trade tensions, announcing retaliatory tariffs of up to 34.9% on European brandy imports, effective July 5 and lasting for five years.

Strong Jobs Report Offers Temporary Support

Thursday’s release of the US Labor Department’s June employment report provided brief support to the dollar. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 147,000—beating estimates of 110,000—easing fears of a sharp labor market downturn.

“The labor market is softening gradually rather than collapsing, which is encouraging,” said Hirofumi Suzuki, chief currency strategist at SMBC. “Still, with trade negotiations likely to disappoint, we could see further dollar weakness and renewed yen strength.”

Market expectations for the Fed to hold interest rates steady at its July meeting have surged to 95.3%, up from 76.2% earlier this week, according to CME’s FedWatch tool. Most analysts now anticipate no rate cuts until September at the earliest.

Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) vehicle registrations in the United Kingdom rose by 12% year-over-year in June, boosted by the rollout of the latest Model Y version, according to figures released Friday by research firm New AutoMotive.

The electric vehicle maker registered 7,891 new cars last month, up from 7,019 during the same period in 2024. The increase aligns with the start of deliveries for Tesla’s updated Model Y, which began reaching UK customers in June.

Tesla’s performance mirrors a broader upswing in Britain’s automotive market. Total new car registrations reached 187,655 for the month, marking a 12.8% annual increase.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) stood out in particular, with sales soaring 45.5% compared to June last year—highlighting the continued momentum behind EV adoption in the UK.

U.K. equities slipped in early trading Friday, mirroring losses across major European markets, as investor sentiment weakened ahead of anticipated tariff measures from the United States.

At 07:06 GMT, the FTSE 100 was down 0.3%, while the pound held firm, rising 0.1% against the dollar to trade above $1.36. In mainland Europe, Germany’s DAX fell 0.2%, and France’s CAC 40 declined by 0.8%.

Trump Tariff Announcement Imminent

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the U.S. would begin formally notifying key trade partners of new export tariffs starting Friday. The new measures, expected to take effect from August 1, include a wide range of tariff rates, reportedly between 10% and 70%.

As the July 9 implementation deadline nears, trade uncertainty continues to weigh on global markets. Despite early optimism around reaching multiple trade agreements, the U.S. has confirmed just three deals so far.

Major U.K. Pension Reform on the Horizon

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is preparing to unveil a sweeping reform of the U.K.’s pension system in her upcoming Mansion House speech on July 15, the Financial Times reports. The overhaul is expected to include the launch of a national commission to assess retirement adequacy across the country, a move aimed at enhancing long-term financial security for pensioners.

MJ Gleeson Issues Another Profit Warning

In corporate news, housebuilder MJ Gleeson (LSE:GLE) has issued a second profit warning in just one month. The company blamed stagnant house prices and surging build costs for deteriorating margins, citing continued softness in buyer demand.

Gleeson has responded by offering sales incentives and exploring bulk transactions to move inventory. It is also grappling with delayed site launches due to planning bottlenecks. CEO of Gleeson Homes, Mark Knight, has exited the company amid a broader reorganization initiative.

AstraZeneca Wins EU Nod for Bladder Cancer Drug

AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN) secured regulatory approval from the European Union for its cancer treatment Imfinzi, which targets specific bladder cancer indications. The drug had already been greenlit in the U.S., and applications are under review in Japan and additional international markets.