ADVFN UK Market News

Author: Fiona Craig

  • Markets watch Iran deadline as futures slip, Broadcom surges on Google partnership: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street

    Markets watch Iran deadline as futures slip, Broadcom surges on Google partnership: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street

    U.S. equity futures moved lower early Tuesday while oil prices stayed above $110 a barrel, as investors focused on the approaching deadline set by President Donald Trump for Iran to accept a ceasefire agreement. Trump signaled that diplomacy remains possible but warned the United States could strike key Iranian infrastructure—including bridges and power plants—if no deal is reached by Tuesday evening. In corporate developments, Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) shares jumped after announcing a new partnership with Google, while Samsung Electronics (USOTC:SSNHZ) released strong preliminary earnings.

    U.S. futures edge lower

    U.S. stock futures declined on Tuesday morning as markets turned cautious ahead of Trump’s ultimatum to Iran to agree to a ceasefire or face significant military action targeting infrastructure.

    By 03:15 ET, Dow futures had fallen 104 points, or 0.2%. Futures tied to the S&P 500 dropped 25 points, or 0.4%, while Nasdaq 100 futures slid 118 points, or 0.5%.

    Despite the overnight decline in futures, the three major U.S. stock indices closed the previous trading session higher as investors searched for signs that negotiations might bring an end to the conflict that has lasted for more than a month.

    At the same time, markets continued to evaluate the economic effects of the war. Data released Monday showed that U.S. services activity expanded in March but at a slower pace than economists expected. Employment in the sector declined, and the prices-paid component—an indicator of inflationary pressures—rose to its highest level since October 2022.

    Investors were also watching developments in the $1.8 trillion private credit market. Shares of Blue Owl Capital (NYSE:OWL), which has been closely associated with concerns in that sector, fell to a record closing low after the company announced restrictions on withdrawals from two of its funds following a rise in redemption requests.

    Oil holds above $110

    Oil markets remained elevated as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continued to face major disruption.

    Brent crude futures, the global benchmark, climbed 1.5% to $111.45 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 2.4% to $115.14 per barrel.

    The Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping corridor off Iran’s southern coastline through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply normally passes, has been largely closed to tanker movements for weeks, raising fears of a significant disruption to global energy flows. Many Asian economies depend heavily on energy shipments through the strait, while European countries also rely on natural gas supplies originating from the Persian Gulf.

    Speaking to reporters Monday, Trump said any ceasefire agreement must include Iran’s commitment to reopen the shipping route. If Tehran fails to meet the Tuesday deadline of 8 p.m. Eastern time, he warned that U.S. strikes would target bridges and power plants so severely that Iran would need “100 years to rebuild.”

    Even so, Trump suggested that diplomacy remains possible, saying Iran would “like to make a deal.”

    Broadcom rises after Google agreement

    Broadcom shares surged in after-hours trading after the semiconductor company announced a long-term partnership with Google to develop and support custom processors optimized for artificial intelligence applications.

    The company also said it will provide networking hardware and other infrastructure components for Google’s AI systems through 2031.

    In a separate arrangement, Broadcom agreed to grant AI startup Anthropic access to around 3.5 gigawatts of computing power built on Google’s AI processors beginning next year.

    Analysts at Vital Knowledge said the deals point to “upside risk to Broadcom’s” earlier projection that artificial intelligence could generate more than $100 billion in revenue by 2027.

    Samsung forecasts strong profit growth

    Samsung Electronics reported preliminary guidance on Tuesday pointing to a sharp increase in first-quarter profits, fueled by strong demand for AI-related semiconductors that boosted its chip division.

    The company said operating profit for the January–March period is expected to reach approximately 57.2 trillion won ($38 billion), more than eight times the 6.69 trillion won recorded during the same quarter a year earlier.

    Revenue is projected to reach about 133 trillion won, compared with 79.14 trillion won in the prior-year period.

    The forecast highlights a strong recovery in the memory chip market, where demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and other AI-focused semiconductors has surged as generative AI technologies continue to expand rapidly.

    Pershing Square targets Universal Music Group

    Meanwhile, shares of Universal Music Group (EU:UMG) soared more than 14% in Amsterdam after Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square Capital announced a proposal to acquire the music company in a cash-and-stock transaction valued at more than €55 billion.

    Pershing Square said the plan involves merging Universal with Pershing Square Sparc Holdings to create a new Nevada-based entity that would shift the company’s listing to the New York Stock Exchange. Universal Music Group began trading in Amsterdam in 2021 following its spin-off from media conglomerate Vivendi (EU:VIV).

    Ackman said in a statement that Universal’s share price has “languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated” to the underlying business and could be “addressed with this transaction.”

    Shares of European media groups including Vivendi and Bollore (EU:BOL) also rallied following the announcement of Pershing Square’s proposal.

  • FTSE 100 edges higher as markets reopen, investors watch Trump’s Iran deadline

    FTSE 100 edges higher as markets reopen, investors watch Trump’s Iran deadline

    UK equities opened slightly higher on Tuesday as trading resumed following the Easter holiday, while the pound weakened against the dollar as investors monitored geopolitical developments surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran. European markets showed a mixed performance.

    At 07:08 GMT, the FTSE 100 blue-chip index was up 0.09%, while sterling slipped 0.06% against the U.S. dollar to trade at 1.3237.

    Elsewhere in Europe, Germany’s DAX was broadly unchanged, while France’s CAC 40 advanced by 0.5%.

    UK market highlights

    Preliminary industry data published on Tuesday indicated that new car registrations in the UK increased by around 6% in March.

    Sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) reached a record level during the month, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Fully electric cars accounted for approximately 23% of total registrations, although this remains below the UK government’s target of 33% by 2026.

    Meanwhile, WH Smith PLC (LSE:SMWH) said Leo Quinn has formally taken on the role of Executive Chair after shareholders approved the appointment at the company’s General Meeting on March 12.

    Andrew Harrison stepped down from the board with immediate effect and will return to his previous role as chief executive of the group’s UK division.

  • European stocks edge higher as Trump’s Iran deadline approaches: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European stocks edge higher as Trump’s Iran deadline approaches: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    Major European equity markets opened slightly higher on Tuesday following the long weekend, though gains were limited as investors remained cautious ahead of a deadline set by U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to agree to a ceasefire.

    At 07:08 GMT, the pan-European Stoxx 600 was up 0.1%. Germany’s Dax was little changed, France’s CAC 40 advanced 0.5%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 gained 0.2%. Most European markets had been closed on Monday for a public holiday.

    During a press conference, Trump dampened expectations that Washington and Tehran might soon agree to a mediated pause in the conflict that has lasted for more than a month. Iran had previously rejected a proposal backed by the United States and regional mediators that would have halted fighting for 45 days and reopened the Strait of Hormuz.

    Trump warned that the United States would destroy “every bridge” and “power plant” in Iran if Tehran failed to meet his Tuesday night deadline to accept a deal that would allow shipping to resume through the strait. The waterway—through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply passes—has effectively been closed to tanker traffic, pushing oil prices higher and raising concerns about inflation and global economic growth.

    If the United States were to launch additional strikes, Trump said it would take Iran “100 years to rebuild.”

    Despite the tough rhetoric, Trump also suggested that a diplomatic settlement remains possible in the conflict, which began in late February with joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

    Since then, the fighting has spread across parts of the Middle East, with Israel targeting Iran-aligned Hezbollah militants in Lebanon. Iran has responded not only with attacks on Israel and the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but also with strikes on critical energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf, heightening worries about the stability of global crude supplies.

    Several Asian economies rely heavily on energy shipments passing through the strait, while many European countries depend on natural gas exports from the Persian Gulf for heating and to power data centres.

    Oil prices extended their recent rally. Brent crude futures, the international benchmark, rose 1.4% to $111.28 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 2.1% to $114.74 per barrel.

    “[T]he focus [for investors] will be on whether any ceasefire can be agreed and whether energy prices can avoid another large leg higher,” analysts at ING said in a note.

    Elsewhere, shares of Universal Music Group (EU:UMG), listed in Amsterdam, jumped more than 14% after Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square Capital (LSE:PSH) revealed a proposal to acquire the company through a cash-and-stock transaction valued at more than €55 billion.

  • Eurozone growth slows to nine-month low as cost pressures intensify

    Eurozone growth slows to nine-month low as cost pressures intensify

    Economic expansion in the eurozone’s private sector slowed to its weakest pace in nine months in March, according to the latest PMI survey released Tuesday by S&P Global, as incoming orders declined and input costs climbed to their highest level in more than three years.

    The S&P Global Eurozone Composite PMI Output Index slipped to 50.7 in March from 51.9 in February, signalling the slowest rate of growth since June 2025. Although the figure remained above the 50 mark that separates expansion from contraction, it was well below the long-term average of 52.4.

    The deceleration was largely driven by the services sector. The Services Business Activity Index dropped to 50.2 from 51.9 the previous month, reaching its lowest level in ten months. By contrast, manufacturing output continued to show solid growth.

    Among the largest eurozone economies, Spain recorded the strongest expansion in March, with growth accelerating. Ireland followed, although its growth rate eased to a six-month low. Germany also remained in expansion territory, but activity grew at the slowest pace of the year so far. Meanwhile, France and Italy both recorded declines in activity.

    Across the eurozone, total new orders fell in March for the first time since July 2025, largely reflecting weaker demand for services. Export orders—including trade within the euro area—also declined, though the pace of the drop remained modest.

    Employment in the private sector edged lower during the month, marking the sharpest reduction in payrolls in 13 months. The decline was mainly linked to a stronger fall in manufacturing jobs.

    Cost pressures increased sharply. Input price inflation rose to its highest level in just over three years, with manufacturers reporting a record one-month jump in their input price index, which climbed nearly 11 points compared with February. Service providers also reported steep increases in operating costs.

    Companies raised their selling prices at the fastest pace since February 2024, although the rise in output prices was still smaller than the surge in input costs.

    Business sentiment weakened as well. Overall optimism among firms declined for the first time since December 2025 and fell to its lowest level in almost a year.

    Chris Williamson, Chief Business Economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said the March PMI figures show that the eurozone economy has been significantly affected by the conflict in the Middle East. “The encouraging signs of growth seen earlier in the year have been eradicated thanks to surging energy prices, choked supply chains, financial market volatility and a renewed downturn in demand,” Williamson said.

    According to Williamson, the survey data point to eurozone GDP growth of around 0.2% in the first quarter. However, he warned that the region could face a contraction in the second quarter unless the conflict is resolved quickly.

  • Pershing Square proposes takeover of Universal Music Group at 78% premium

    Pershing Square proposes takeover of Universal Music Group at 78% premium

    Pershing Square Capital Management (LSE:PSH) announced on Tuesday that it has put forward a non-binding offer to acquire Universal Music Group (EU:UMG), valuing the music company at roughly €30.40 per share—about 78% above its current market price.

    According to the proposal, UMG shareholders would receive €5.05 per share in cash, representing approximately €9.4 billion in total, alongside 0.77 shares in a newly listed company for each UMG share they hold.

    The hedge fund, led by chief executive Bill Ackman, said the deal would be carried out through a merger with Pershing Square SPARC Holdings. The transaction would result in a U.S.-listed entity trading on the New York Stock Exchange under U.S. GAAP reporting standards, potentially making it eligible for inclusion in the S&P 500 index.

    Ackman argued that UMG’s shares have “languished” despite strong operating performance, pointing to factors unrelated to the underlying music business. These include uncertainty surrounding Bolloré Group’s 18% shareholding, delays to a planned U.S. listing, what he described as an underutilised balance sheet and the absence of a clearly defined capital allocation strategy. He also highlighted what he believes is a lack of market recognition for UMG’s €2.7 billion stake in Spotify.

    “Sir Lucian Grainge and the company’s management have done an excellent job… generating strong business performance,” Ackman said.

    “However, UMG’s stock price has languished due to a combination of issues that are unrelated to the performance of its music business.”

    Pershing Square said it expects the transaction could be completed before the end of the year. The equity portion of the financing would be fully supported by Pershing Square and its affiliates, while debt financing would be secured at the time of signing.

    If completed, the deal would result in the cancellation of about 17% of UMG’s outstanding shares, leaving the newly formed entity—referred to as New UMG—with around 1.54 billion shares outstanding, while maintaining an investment-grade balance sheet.

    Legal advice to Pershing Square and SPARC is being provided by Sullivan & Cromwell, White & Case and Stibbe, with Jefferies acting as financial adviser.

  • hVIVO Schedules 15 April Release for 2025 Final Results

    hVIVO Schedules 15 April Release for 2025 Final Results

    hVIVO plc (LSE:HVO), a contract research organisation specialising in human challenge trials and early-stage drug development, has confirmed that it will publish its final results for the year ended 31 December 2025 on 15 April 2026.

    The results announcement will be accompanied by presentations for equity analysts and an online investor briefing hosted by chief executive Yamin ‘Mo’ Khan and chief financial officer Stephen Pinkerton. The sessions will provide additional insight into the company’s performance and operations across its clinical research platform.

    Management said the engagement reflects the company’s continued efforts to maintain active communication with the investment community while highlighting progress across its human challenge studies, laboratory services and early-phase clinical trial activities.

    The company’s outlook is supported by strong financial performance and an attractive valuation profile. Solid revenue growth and relatively low leverage position the business favourably within the biotechnology services sector. While technical indicators suggest bullish momentum, the share price remains below certain longer-term moving averages, which may act as near-term resistance. A low price-to-earnings ratio combined with a reasonable dividend yield also adds to the company’s appeal for value and income-focused investors.

    More about hVIVO plc

    hVIVO plc is a full-service early-phase contract research organisation focused on human challenge clinical trials in infectious and respiratory diseases. The company operates the world’s largest quarantine facility in London and provides virology and immunology laboratory services through its hLAB division. It also runs early-phase clinical trial units in Germany through its CRS subsidiary and offers consulting and biometry services via Venn Life Sciences, supporting pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients worldwide.

  • MobilityOne Advances Super Apps Joint Venture and Planned 1Shop Stake Disposal

    MobilityOne Advances Super Apps Joint Venture and Planned 1Shop Stake Disposal

    MobilityOne (LSE:MBO) has announced progress on its proposed joint venture with Super Apps after Technology & Telecommunication Acquisition Corporation confirmed that all resolutions were approved at its extraordinary general meeting.

    The approval marks another step forward in the planned business combination that forms part of MobilityOne’s agreement to dispose of a 60% stake in its 1Shop subsidiary and implement the related transaction structure.

    As part of the arrangement, M1 Malaysia is expected to receive cash payments totalling RM60 million from Super Apps once the business combination is completed. MobilityOne has also committed to ensuring that 1Shop generates at least $125 million in revenue during 2026, or over another agreed reporting period.

    To support this target, the company will transfer a portion of its existing electronic voucher operations into the 1Shop business. If the revenue milestone is achieved following completion of the merger, MobilityOne would also receive shares in TETE valued at RM20 million. All payments and share consideration remain contingent on the successful completion and timing of the merger transaction.

    MobilityOne’s broader outlook continues to be affected by weak financial fundamentals, including ongoing losses, limited margins, negative equity and pressured cash flows. However, technical indicators provide some positive signals, with the share price trading above major moving averages and a positive MACD suggesting strong momentum. Valuation metrics remain mixed, reflecting a negative price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of a dividend yield.

    More about MobilityOne

    MobilityOne Limited is a Malaysian provider of e-commerce infrastructure and digital payment solutions. The company focuses on the virtual distribution of mobile prepaid reloads and bill payment services, connecting with banks, telecom operators, utilities, government agencies and transportation providers. Its payment services are delivered through mobile wallets, e-commerce platforms, ATMs, kiosks and other banking channels.

  • Beeks Secures £2.1m Proximity Cloud Contract With Major FX Broker

    Beeks Secures £2.1m Proximity Cloud Contract With Major FX Broker

    Beeks Financial Cloud Group (LSE:BKS) has won a £2.1 million, five-year contract to provide its Proximity Cloud service to a major foreign exchange broker, strengthening its presence in delivering high-performance trading infrastructure to institutional clients.

    The broker has been using Beeks’ Private Cloud platform since September 2025 and has now chosen to expand its relationship by deploying Proximity Cloud services across multiple locations. The upgrade reflects growing demand for dedicated, client-owned trading environments that offer high performance and low latency.

    Management said the contract demonstrates strong commercial momentum and highlights the potential for further upselling opportunities within Beeks’ existing client base. It also reinforces the company’s expanding pipeline of customers across the global financial markets sector.

    Beeks’ broader outlook is supported by solid financial performance, including steady revenue growth, improving margins and a stable balance sheet. However, technical indicators currently remain weak, with the share price trading below key moving averages and showing bearish momentum. Valuation metrics also suggest caution, as the company trades on a relatively high price-to-earnings multiple and does not currently provide a dividend yield.

    More about Beeks Financial Cloud Group Plc

    Beeks Financial Cloud Group plc is a UK-listed provider of managed private infrastructure designed specifically for capital markets and financial services firms. The company delivers low-latency cloud computing, connectivity and analytics through an Infrastructure-as-a-Service model, enabling clients to deploy trading systems and connect to exchanges, trading venues and public cloud platforms for hybrid trading solutions.

  • KEFI Updates Tulu Kapi Funding Structure and Announces Investor Presentation

    KEFI Updates Tulu Kapi Funding Structure and Announces Investor Presentation

    KEFI Gold and Copper (LSE:KEFI) has released an updated corporate presentation outlining the revised capital structure for its Tulu Kapi Gold Project following a recent £34 million institutional placing and a £0.9 million retail offer, both subject to shareholder approval.

    The updated materials, now available on the company’s website, reflect adjustments to the project’s financial profile and provide a broader overview of the group’s development plans. Management highlighted that the new funding arrangements represent an important step in advancing the Tulu Kapi project and strengthening the company’s overall development pipeline.

    Executive chairman Harry Anagnostaras-Adams will also host a live, interactive investor presentation on 8 April through the Engage Investor platform. The session will allow current shareholders and potential investors to ask questions and gain further insight into the company’s strategy and project progress.

    The event forms part of KEFI’s efforts to increase engagement with the investment community and to clarify how the strengthened balance sheet is expected to support development activities at its key assets in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia.

    KEFI’s outlook remains constrained by weak financial fundamentals, including the absence of revenue, continued operating losses and ongoing cash burn. Technical indicators offer some support, with the share price currently trading above key moving averages and a positive MACD signal suggesting improving momentum. However, valuation metrics remain challenged due to negative earnings and the lack of dividend support.

    More about KEFI Minerals

    KEFI Gold and Copper plc is an exploration and development company focused on gold and copper assets in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia. Listed on AIM, the company is advancing its flagship Tulu Kapi Gold Project in Ethiopia while also pursuing additional exploration opportunities across the Arabian-Nubian Shield region.

  • BSF Enterprise Unveils Handbag Made From Lab-Grown T-Rex Leather

    BSF Enterprise Unveils Handbag Made From Lab-Grown T-Rex Leather

    BSF Enterprise’s Lab-Grown Leather (LSE:BSFA) subsidiary has presented what it describes as the world’s first handbag created from cultivated T-Rex Leather—a biomaterial produced using reconstructed dinosaur collagen. The piece is currently on display at the Art Zoo Museum in Amsterdam, where it will remain exhibited until 10 May 2026.

    The one-off handbag was designed by avant-garde techwear brand Enfin Levé and developed in collaboration with creative agency VML and biotechnology partner The Organoid Company. After the exhibition concludes, the item is expected to be auctioned. The company says its T-Rex leather technology is being prepared for wider commercial introduction with luxury brands, initially for accessories and potentially later for fashion, automotive and other high-performance applications.

    The project aims to showcase a new approach to luxury materials by demonstrating that premium leather products can be created without animal slaughter, deforestation or chromium-intensive tanning processes. Through its Elemental Leather product line, BSF is positioning cultivated leather as a sustainable material that retains the structural characteristics of traditional hides.

    By combining synthetic biology, tissue engineering and high-end fashion design, the company hopes to establish a foothold in the emerging market for biotechnology-derived luxury materials. Management believes this could create opportunities for licensing agreements and collaborations with global brands while reinforcing the concept of “biotech exclusivity” in the luxury sector.

    Despite the innovation, the company’s outlook remains affected by weak financial fundamentals, including ongoing losses, negative gross profit and continued cash burn, although leverage on the balance sheet remains relatively low. Technical indicators offer some support following a short-term share price rebound above key near-term moving averages, but mixed momentum and high share price volatility add risk. Valuation also remains constrained due to negative earnings and the absence of a dividend.

    More about BSF Enterprise PLC

    BSF Enterprise PLC is a UK-listed biotechnology company specialising in tissue engineering and sustainable materials. The group develops lab-grown leather, cultivated meat and corneal repair technologies using its proprietary scaffold-free ATEP platform. Its innovations are aimed at delivering ethical, high-performance alternatives to conventional materials for global industries where sustainability, traceability and advanced material performance are increasingly important.