Author: Fiona Craig

UK stocks opened lower on Friday, with the FTSE 100 index declining amid rising geopolitical concerns following Israeli airstrikes on Iran. The British pound also weakened against the dollar, reflecting increased market caution.

By 07:03 GMT, the FTSE 100 was down 0.6%, while the pound slipped 0.5% to trade near 1.35 USD. European markets mirrored the trend, with Germany’s DAX falling 1.3% and France’s CAC 40 retreating 1.1%.

Israel Launches Strikes on Iran

In early Friday operations, Israel conducted extensive airstrikes targeting several Iranian military and nuclear facilities. A state of emergency was declared domestically amid warnings of possible retaliatory attacks. Iranian reports—though unconfirmed—suggested the death of Revolutionary Guards leader Hossein Salami.

Tehran promised a strong response targeting both Israel and the United States. However, Washington emphasized that the Israeli action was independent and undertaken in self-defense.

Eurozone Inflation Shows Signs of Cooling

Inflation figures across key European economies indicate easing price pressures. Germany’s annual inflation rate declined to 2.1% in May, confirming prior estimates. Sweden reported a modest 0.1% monthly increase and 2.3% yearly inflation, consistent with its central bank’s target. Meanwhile, France’s inflation eased to 0.7% year-on-year, signaling weakening inflationary trends in the eurozone.

GSK Seeks EU Approval to Expand RSV Vaccine Use

GlaxoSmithKline (LSE:GSK) announced that the European Medicines Agency has accepted its application to extend the approved age range for its RSV vaccine, Arexvy, to include adults aged 18 and older. The vaccine currently holds authorization for select age groups within the EU.

Dundee Precious Metals to Acquire Adriatic Metals

Dundee Precious Metals (TSX:DPM) revealed plans to acquire UK-listed Adriatic Metals (LSE:ADT1) in a deal valued at $1.3 billion. This acquisition will give Dundee full ownership of the Vareš mine project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, expanding its footprint in the region.

Oil Prices Climb Amid Middle East Unrest

Crude oil prices surged on heightened fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East and possible supply disruptions. As of 07:09 GMT, Brent crude rose 4.3% to $72.39 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude gained 4.8%, reaching $71.40 per barrel.

Norcros PLC (LSE:NXR) announced its financial results for the year ending March 31, 2025, revealing that strategic initiatives have driven market share growth and improved margins, even as revenue fell by 6.1%. The company recorded a record underlying profit in the UK and Ireland while maintaining a robust balance sheet. Key moves included the sale of Johnson Tiles UK and a continued focus on organic growth, operational efficiency, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives.

Looking ahead, Norcros remains optimistic about meeting its medium-term strategic goals and has maintained its guidance for fiscal year 2026 despite ongoing market uncertainties.

Financial and Market Outlook

Norcros demonstrates strong cash flow generation and profitability enhancements. While technical indicators suggest possible further gains, some caution is warranted due to overbought signals. The stock’s valuation appears reasonable, complemented by an attractive dividend yield. Recent positive corporate developments bolster confidence in the company’s future prospects.

About Norcros

Norcros is a leading designer and manufacturer of sustainable bathroom and kitchen products, serving markets in the UK, Ireland, South Africa, and select export regions. Known for its innovative, mid-premium product lines, Norcros holds the top position in the UK and Ireland bathroom market with well-established brands including Triton, MERLYN, Grant Westfield, VADO, Croydex, and Abode. In South Africa, the company’s portfolio includes Tile Africa, TAL, Johnson Tiles South Africa, and House of Plumbing. Headquartered in Wilmslow, Cheshire, Norcros is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange.

Great Southern Copper PLC (LSE:GSCU) has revealed encouraging assay outcomes from its Phase II diamond drilling campaign at the Mostaza Mine within the Cerro Negro district. The findings confirm the presence of high-grade copper and silver mineralization, extending the known boundaries of the deposit both at depth and along strike. These promising results set the stage for an upcoming Phase III drilling program aimed at further delineating and expanding the resource.

Exploration Success Amid Financial Challenges

While the drilling news marks a positive technical development, Great Southern Copper continues to face financial headwinds, with no current revenue streams and negative cash flow reported. Despite a solid equity base, the company’s financial performance remains a challenge, introducing risk factors for investors. Nonetheless, favorable corporate developments and positive market sentiment surrounding its exploration efforts provide some offset to these concerns. Lack of detailed valuation data adds complexity to the investment outlook.

About Great Southern Copper PLC

Great Southern Copper is a Chile-focused mineral exploration company targeting high-grade deposits of copper, silver, and gold. With a core emphasis on advancing resource definition and development in key mining districts, the company aims to establish a robust portfolio of valuable base and precious metal assets.

Johnson Matthey plc (LSE:JMAT) has published its audited financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, outlining a series of key financial decisions that underscore its ongoing strategic reorientation. The company reported a total net cash outflow of £333 million from financing activities, reflecting a mix of non-cash movements, share repurchases, dividend distributions, and interest payments.

Focused Capital Allocation and Treasury Activity

During the year, Johnson Matthey executed a structured capital return program, including the repurchase of treasury shares and the continued payout of dividends to shareholders. These moves are part of a broader effort to optimize capital deployment and enhance shareholder value, despite the resulting short-term cash outflows. Interest payments on existing debt and changes in liabilities tied to financing also contributed to the overall net outflow.

Strategic Outlook Amid Mixed Market Conditions

The company’s outlook remains cautiously optimistic. Strong cash generation and solid valuation metrics provide a foundation for long-term stability. However, Johnson Matthey faces challenges in revenue growth, and technical indicators suggest some near-term volatility. Management continues to focus on efficiency and long-term positioning through disciplined financial and operational strategies.

About Johnson Matthey

Johnson Matthey is a global leader in sustainable technologies, with a diverse portfolio spanning clean air, chemical processing, and precious metal services. Serving industries such as automotive, healthcare, and energy, the company is well-known for its innovations in catalysis and advanced chemical materials, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and environmental performance.

CleanTech Lithium PLC (LSE:CTL) has released its audited 2024 results, showcasing meaningful advancements at its flagship Laguna Verde lithium brine project in Chile. The company confirmed a JORC-compliant resource estimate of 1.63 million tonnes of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE), reinforcing the project’s long-term production potential.

Progress on Regulatory Front and Technology Deployment

CleanTech continues to pursue a Special Lithium Operation Contract (CEOL) from the Chilean government, which is vital for progressing to commercial production. Meanwhile, the company is actively advancing its proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which has yielded high-purity lithium carbonate in early-stage testing. The approach supports CleanTech’s sustainability goals by minimizing environmental impact and water use compared to traditional lithium extraction methods.

Strategic Expansion and Community Engagement

In a move to broaden its capital markets reach, CleanTech is also seeking a dual listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). This initiative is expected to attract increased investor interest, particularly from markets with a strong focus on energy transition and battery minerals. The company has also strengthened its local engagement efforts, emphasizing transparent communication with communities in the Atacama region.

Outlook

Despite a challenging market backdrop for lithium developers, CleanTech Lithium remains focused on delivering long-term value through innovation, environmental responsibility, and regulatory alignment. With a robust resource base and growing technological capabilities, the company is well-positioned to support the accelerating global shift toward electric mobility and renewable energy storage.

About CleanTech Lithium

CleanTech Lithium PLC is a UK-listed exploration and development company with a strategic focus on sustainable lithium production in Chile. Leveraging cutting-edge DLE technology, the company targets high-purity lithium output from brine resources, aiming to supply the rapidly growing electric vehicle and energy storage markets.

Oxford Instruments plc (LSE:OXIG) has reported impressive full-year results for FY2024/25, surpassing the £500 million revenue milestone for the first time. The performance was fueled by strong demand in its core semiconductor and materials analysis divisions, underscoring the company’s successful strategic direction.

Strategic Quantum Exit and Shareholder Returns

As part of a strategic portfolio realignment, Oxford Instruments announced the divestiture of its NanoScience quantum business in a £60 million transaction. The move enables the company to double down on high-growth opportunities, while unlocking capital for a £50 million share buyback program—an initiative designed to deliver enhanced value to shareholders and support its medium-term operating margin objectives.

Financial and Market Outlook

Backed by consistent top-line expansion and solid profitability, Oxford Instruments remains in a strong financial position. Nevertheless, technical indicators suggest some short-term market caution, despite the company’s reasonable valuation and sound fundamentals. The announced share buyback is expected to support investor sentiment amid broader market uncertainty.

About Oxford Instruments

Founded in 1959 as a University of Oxford spin-out, Oxford Instruments has grown into a global FTSE250 technology leader. The company designs and manufactures advanced tools and systems used in research and industry, serving sectors such as semiconductors, materials science, and life sciences. Its commitment to innovation and scientific excellence continues to underpin its reputation as a trusted partner in cutting-edge applications across academia and commercial enterprise.

Ground Rents Income Fund plc (LSE:GRIO) has released its half-year financial update, revealing a £6.4 million decline in its unaudited portfolio valuation and a reduction in net asset value to £50.4 million. Despite ongoing sector headwinds, the company made £9.2 million in asset sales during the period, allowing for meaningful debt repayments.

Navigating Legislative and Cost Pressures

The company continues to face challenges stemming from recent Leasehold Reform measures and the evolving Building Safety Regulations. Efforts to address these include ongoing remediation projects and a judicial review aimed at contesting certain enfranchisement provisions in the Leasehold and Freehold Reform Act 2024.

While operational costs have risen and a recent unsolicited acquisition offer failed to materialize, the company remains focused on stabilizing its portfolio and responding to the shifting regulatory landscape.

Market Outlook and Strategic Positioning

Ground Rents Income Fund maintains a stable balance sheet, providing a degree of financial resilience. However, profitability hurdles and uneven cash flow performance have contributed to negative market sentiment. Technically, the stock reflects a bearish trend, though its dividend yield offers some valuation appeal. Ongoing legal actions and evolving regulatory frameworks introduce uncertainty, complicating the company’s near-term strategic prospects.

About Ground Rents Income Fund

Ground Rents Income Fund plc is a listed real estate investment trust (REIT), trading on the SETSqx platform of the London Stock Exchange and listed on The International Stock Exchange. Specializing in residential leasehold asset management, the fund promotes transparency, fairness, and affordability for leaseholders. It is managed by Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Limited, which has led efforts since 2019 to address complex regulatory and safety challenges within the portfolio.

Carnival Corporation & plc (LSE:CCL) has announced that it will host its second-quarter earnings call on June 24, 2025. The upcoming conference call is expected to provide a detailed overview of the company’s financial results, offering critical insights for investors, analysts, and industry watchers.

Market Expectations and Financial Outlook

The cruise industry giant is navigating a strong post-pandemic rebound, with improved earnings forecasts and encouraging financial momentum bolstering its outlook. Strategic corporate decisions and favorable technical indicators further support the company’s recovery narrative. However, Carnival continues to grapple with a substantial debt load, which remains a focal point for market observers.

About Carnival Corporation

Carnival Corporation & plc is recognized as the world’s largest cruise operator and one of the premier global leisure travel companies. It oversees a diverse portfolio of renowned cruise brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, Cunard, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, and P&O Cruises. The company offers vacation experiences to millions of passengers annually across all major international cruise markets.

Haydale Graphene Industries PLC (LSE:HAYD) is making notable headway in the commercialization of its JustHeat product—a graphene-enhanced, low-energy heating system designed for efficiency and sustainability. Since its April 2025 debut, JustHeat has received UL certification, paving the way for sales and deployment across the U.S. and Canadian markets.

Strategic Distribution and Pilot Programs Underway

In the UK, the company has secured initial pilot installations and signed key distribution agreements with Quidos Protect and Jersey Energy Technologies to drive regional adoption. Haydale also reports active discussions with prospective partners in multiple countries, signaling a growing global appetite for alternative heating technologies.

Path to Scaled Deployment

The company is leveraging partnerships and cost-optimization strategies to position JustHeat for broad commercial rollout. With both regulatory approval and market interest now established, Haydale aims to scale the system across a variety of residential and commercial settings internationally.

Business Outlook: Innovation Meets Financial Pressure

Despite its technological progress and encouraging partnerships, Haydale continues to face headwinds in profitability and cash flow, which weigh heavily on investor sentiment. Technical indicators reflect strong momentum, although some metrics, such as the Relative Strength Index (RSI), suggest caution due to potential overvaluation. Strategic board appointments and the attainment of regulatory milestones have strengthened its corporate narrative, even as the company navigates restructuring complexities.

About Haydale Graphene Industries

Haydale Graphene Industries PLC is a UK-based advanced materials company specializing in the development and functionalization of nanomaterials—particularly graphene. Its proprietary HDPlas® plasma process enhances the performance of materials for a range of applications, with current focus areas including energy-efficient heating, composites, and sustainable infrastructure. The company is at the forefront of developing smart solutions for the built environment, aiming to merge innovation with real-world functionality.

AFC Energy (LSE:AFC) has unveiled a major breakthrough in cost efficiency, announcing an approximate 85% reduction in the production costs of its 30kW hydrogen fuel cell generators. This achievement is credited to innovations in low-cost stack design and strategic value engineering, aimed at accelerating adoption of hydrogen-based power without dependency on government incentives.

Strategic Supply Agreement and Manufacturing Expansion

Alongside this cost milestone, AFC Energy has finalized a new supply agreement for its fuel cell systems and is moving forward with establishing a global manufacturing partnership with Volex Plc. The collaboration is expected to enable further cost reductions through scale efficiencies, positioning AFC Energy for significant growth as it ramps up production volumes.

Market Potential and Corporate Outlook

While the company’s technological progress and partnerships reflect a strong strategic direction, analysts note that its financial metrics—particularly recurring losses and a high cash burn rate—remain areas of concern. Still, the recent developments have added momentum to investor confidence in the firm’s long-term prospects.

About AFC Energy

AFC Energy is a UK-based innovator in hydrogen-powered energy solutions, offering clean and sustainable electricity for a wide range of on-grid and off-grid uses. The company’s hydrogen fuel cells are already being deployed in electric vehicle charging, remote construction power, and temporary site energy. Future applications are being explored in sectors such as maritime transport, data centers, and rail infrastructure.

In addition, AFC Energy is advancing ammonia-to-hydrogen cracking technology, targeting industries such as mining, cement, and heavy engineering—sectors where decarbonization is both critical and complex. The firm’s expanding portfolio reflects its ambition to be a leader in clean energy technologies addressing industrial and commercial power needs worldwide.