Author: Fiona Craig

Helix Exploration PLC (LSE:HEX) has announced major operational milestones, including the successful drilling of its Darwin #1 well and the acquisition of a Xebec PSA gas processing unit—advancing its helium production capacity. These developments are part of a broader strategic push that includes a dual listing on the OTCQB Venture Market in the U.S. and the securing of funding for additional drilling activity.

With helium demand continuing to rise amid global supply constraints and geopolitical uncertainty, Helix is positioning itself as a reliable domestic supplier to the U.S. market. The company’s Montana-based operations are expected to generate significant pre-tax cash flow—potentially up to $20 million annually—underscoring its role as a disruptive force in the helium industry.

About Helix Exploration PLC

Helix Exploration PLC is a helium-focused exploration and production company operating in the ‘Montana Helium Fairway’, a key geological region for helium resources. The company’s flagship Rudyard Project in northern Montana is designed to supply critical helium for industries such as medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace. By concentrating on domestic production, Helix aims to offer a stable, secure helium supply that is less vulnerable to international disruptions.

Berkeley Group Holdings (LSE:BKG) has announced solid financial results for the year ending April 2025, reporting a pre-tax profit of £528.9 million despite a challenging economic backdrop. These results underscore the resilience of the company’s business model and the momentum behind its long-term growth strategy, Berkeley 2035.

Central to this strategy is a commitment to enhancing long-term shareholder value through strategic land investment and expansion of its Build to Rent portfolio. Notably, 92% of homes delivered during the period were built on brownfield land, aligning closely with UK government housing priorities and underscoring Berkeley’s role in sustainable urban development.

The company has continued to make headway in planning and site acquisition, securing important consents and new development opportunities. Sustainability remains a key focus, with active initiatives underway to boost biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions across its projects.

While valuation metrics and financial strength remain strong, technical indicators appear neutral. The lack of earnings call commentary leaves some room for interpretation regarding short-term momentum.

About The Berkeley Group Holdings

The Berkeley Group is a leading UK residential developer, specializing in the transformation of complex brownfield sites into vibrant, sustainable communities. With a focus on cities such as London, Birmingham, and the South East, Berkeley is known for its expertise in urban regeneration, contributing high-quality homes while prioritizing environmental responsibility and community impact.

Cykel AI (LSE:CYK) has announced a robust 68.4% increase in its monthly recurring revenue, fueled by rising demand for its autonomous AI recruitment agent, Lucy. This growth marks a key milestone in the company’s accelerating commercial trajectory, with over 500 product demonstrations delivered and a major enterprise agreement secured with Transpharmation.

In addition to expanding its portfolio of AI-driven digital workers, Cykel AI has introduced a Bitcoin Treasury Reserve Strategy—further signaling its forward-looking approach and reinforcing its position as a pioneer in the AI agent space. These developments highlight the growing acceptance of AI-driven automation in enterprise environments.

About Cykel AI

Cykel AI develops autonomous digital workers capable of handling sophisticated business functions without direct human intervention. Built on the company’s proprietary TaskOS platform, its suite of AI agents includes Lucy for talent acquisition, Samson for research tasks, and Eve for sales operations. Designed to collaborate with human teams, these digital agents enable businesses to scale efficiently and innovate across core functions.

Pennpetro Energy Plc (LSE:PPP) has announced a major step forward in its financial restructuring, securing a funding commitment from GEM Global LLC SCS. This arrangement has enabled the company to issue a going concern memorandum to its auditors—an essential milestone in completing its financial audit for the fiscal year ending March 2024.

As part of its broader turnaround strategy, Pennpetro is addressing legacy financial challenges, including the resolution of a £500,000 judgment and the renegotiation of outstanding debts held by its U.S. subsidiary. The company also plans to issue new ordinary shares as part of a debt reduction initiative and has established a Convertible Loan Note Facility with GEM. This facility is expected to provide vital working capital and support Pennpetro’s plans to resume trading on the London Stock Exchange.

About Pennpetro Energy Plc

Pennpetro Energy Plc is an oil and gas exploration and production company focused on developing energy assets. Through strategic financial agreements and targeted development plans, the company aims to stabilize its operations and expand its footprint within the energy sector.

Lords Group Trading PLC (LSE:LORD) has reaffirmed its positive outlook for the 2025 financial year during its Annual General Meeting, stating that trading performance is in line with management’s projections despite broader economic headwinds. The company has experienced encouraging growth in merchanting activity and has bolstered its digital capabilities through strategic acquisitions, notably the recent purchase of CMO Group Limited.

In addition to expanding its branch network, Lords has maintained a strong balance sheet, positioning it well to capitalize on opportunities in the repairs, maintenance, and improvement (RMI) sector. The Board remains optimistic about achieving its targets for the year ahead, underpinned by a focused growth strategy and operational resilience.

About Lords Group Trading PLC

Lords Group Trading PLC is a UK-based distributor specializing in building materials, with a particular emphasis on the construction supplies and plumbing & heating sectors. The company utilizes its extensive merchanting network and logistics platform to deliver a wide product range. Recent strategic investments and expansions have further solidified its role as a key player in the UK’s building materials market.

KEFI Gold and Copper plc (LSE:KEFI) has announced that Executive Chairman Harry Anagnostaras-Adams will be hosting a live presentation for investors through the Investor Meet Company platform. This event underscores the company’s focus on maintaining open communication with its investor base and reinforces its dedication to transparency as it progresses with key mining initiatives in Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia.

About KEFI Gold and Copper

KEFI Gold and Copper plc is an exploration and development firm targeting gold and copper deposits within the Arabian-Nubian Shield. With an active project pipeline in both Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, the company is positioning itself to harness the rich mineral potential of these regions.

Carr’s Group plc (LSE:CARR) has successfully completed its £70 million share buyback initiative, finalizing the Tender Offer on 19 June 2025. As a result, the company will acquire and cancel 42,944,785 of its Ordinary Shares—equivalent to roughly 45.4% of its total share capital. Following this reduction, the company’s voting share count will drop to 51,638,052, a change that will affect shareholder interest calculations under the FCA’s regulations.

This substantial buyback highlights Carr’s proactive approach to financial structuring and reflects a strategic effort to streamline its capital framework, which could enhance its overall market competitiveness.

Looking ahead, Carr’s Group presents a complex financial picture. While profitability challenges persist, they are offset by robust technical indicators and favorable corporate developments. The company’s ongoing strategic overhaul and commitment to delivering shareholder value remain key strengths, although concerns around valuation linger due to current negative earnings.

About Carr’s Group plc

Carr’s Group plc is an agriculture-focused manufacturer known for producing high-quality, scientifically backed livestock supplements. These include feed licks, mineral blocks, bagged supplements, and boluses. The company operates production facilities across three nations and distributes its products under five well-established global brands, reaching customers in over 20 countries.

Stocks showed little change after the Federal Reserve kept interest rates steady but signaled that cuts could still come later this year. Investors focused on Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks warning that the impact of heightened U.S. tariffs has yet to be felt. Meanwhile, tensions escalated in the Middle East as Israel and Iran exchanged fresh airstrikes, with markets awaiting clarity on whether President Donald Trump will involve the U.S. in the conflict.

Markets Steady Amid Fed Decision

The S&P 500 closed nearly flat on Wednesday as markets digested the Fed’s decision to hold rates at 4.25%-4.5%. The Nasdaq edged up 0.1%, while the Dow Jones slipped 0.1%. Underlying concerns over the Middle East persisted.

Middle East Conflict Intensifies

On Thursday, Israel struck a major Iranian nuclear facility in Arak, while Iranian missiles targeted an Israeli hospital. The weeklong violence marks the worst escalation yet, with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear sites and military leaders, and Iran retaliating with attacks killing at least two dozen civilians.

President Trump remained ambiguous about U.S. involvement, saying, “nobody knows what I’m going to do,” while also noting that Iranian officials had sought talks but “it’s a little late.” Trump faced criticism from some supporters urging the U.S. to avoid entering another Middle East war.

Oil prices rose modestly on fears that the conflict could disrupt critical crude shipping lanes.

Fed Signals Cautious Path on Rates

The Fed kept rates unchanged but maintained projections for a 50 basis-point cut in 2025, consistent with previous forecasts. However, it slowed the pace of expected rate cuts for 2026 and 2027, indicating a potentially prolonged battle to rein in inflation.

Powell warned that Trump’s tariffs might soon cause a “meaningful” increase in consumer prices. He also emphasized the uncertainty around future rate paths, as economists expect tariffs could reignite inflation, weaken labor demand, and slow growth.

The Fed now expects inflation to end 2025 at 3%, growth to slow to 1.4%, and unemployment to rise slightly to 4.5%, suggesting a period of modest stagflation ahead.

Bank of England Decision Looms

Attention shifts to the Bank of England on Thursday, where rates are expected to remain at 4.25%. Inflation data showed a slight cooling in May to 3.4% year-on-year, still above the BoE’s 2% target. Monthly inflation ticked up 0.2%, down from March’s sharp rise. Analysts expect the BoE to carefully weigh recent inflation trends and trade developments before adjusting policy.

Trump Pushes Stablecoin Bill

Separately, Trump praised Senate approval of the GENIUS Act, a bill to regulate stablecoin cryptocurrencies, urging the House of Representatives to pass it swiftly. The legislation aims to set reserve requirements and transparency rules for stablecoin issuers, positioning the U.S. as a leader in digital assets. Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to traditional currencies like the U.S. dollar, widely used for crypto transactions and payments.

European equities declined on Thursday as growing speculation of potential U.S. intervention in the Middle East kept investors cautious ahead of several key central bank meetings.

By 07:15 GMT, Germany’s DAX index fell 0.7%, France’s CAC 40 dropped 0.7%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 declined 0.4%.

Rising Concerns Over U.S. Entry into Israel-Iran Conflict

Israel and Iran continued exchanging airstrikes on Thursday, with investor anxiety rising over the possibility that the United States might join Israel’s campaign against Iranian nuclear and missile sites. Such a move would significantly escalate the conflict and destabilize the region.

President Donald Trump added to the uncertainty on Wednesday, stating, “I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I’m going to do,” when asked about U.S. involvement. He also noted, “Iran’s got a lot of trouble, and they want to negotiate.”

Bloomberg reported Thursday that senior U.S. officials are preparing for a possible strike on Iran as soon as this weekend, though the situation remains fluid.

In response, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed Trump’s earlier call for Iranian surrender, warning of “irreparable damage” should the U.S. intervene militarily. He affirmed, “The Iranian nation will not surrender.” Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, despite the International Atomic Energy Agency’s recent declaration of Tehran breaching non-proliferation obligations for the first time in two decades.

Federal Reserve Holds Rates; Eyes Turn to European Central Banks

The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4.25% to 4.5% on Wednesday, as expected. Chair Jerome Powell reiterated a cautious stance on future rate cuts, highlighting inflation risks from Trump’s trade tariffs. The Fed still projects two more rate cuts in 2025 but trimmed expectations for 2026.

U.S. markets were closed Thursday for the Juneteenth holiday, shifting attention to upcoming monetary policy decisions in Europe. Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom are set to announce policy moves soon.

The Bank of England is widely expected to keep rates steady, with markets focused on the vote split and forward guidance. Most analysts predict a rate cut in August.

The Swiss National Bank is likely to cut rates again, potentially moving back into negative territory, while Norway’s Norges Bank is expected to maintain its current stance.

Corporate Updates: Vodafone Names New CFO; Frasers Group Withdraws from Revolution Beauty Deal

European economic data and corporate earnings were limited. Vodafone (LSE:VOD) announced the appointment of Microsoft executive Pilar López as Chief Financial Officer, effective October 1. She will succeed Luka Mucic, who is stepping down.

Frasers Group (LSE:FRAS) confirmed it will not pursue an offer for British cosmetics retailer Revolution Beauty (LSE:REVB).

Oil Prices Rise Amid Conflict Concerns

Oil prices gained on Thursday amid worries that U.S. involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict could disrupt regional energy infrastructure.

At 03:15 ET, Brent crude futures climbed 1% to $77.47 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose 1.1% to $74.31 per barrel.

Goldman Sachs estimated a geopolitical risk premium of about $10 per barrel is justified, given reduced Iranian supply and the threat of broader disruptions potentially pushing Brent crude above $90 per barrel.

The U.S. dollar inched higher on Thursday, supported by safe-haven demand as tensions in the Middle East escalate shortly after the Federal Reserve’s recent policy meeting.

At 04:25 ET (08:25 GMT), the Dollar Index—which measures the greenback against six major currencies—rose 0.1% to 98.585. This puts it on track for a weekly gain of 0.9%, marking its best weekly performance since late January.

Safe-Haven Dollar Boosted by Middle East Conflict

Fresh air strikes between Israel and Iran continued on Thursday, fueling market speculation that U.S. involvement under President Donald Trump could be imminent in the ongoing conflict now entering its seventh day. Trump told reporters Wednesday that “nobody knows what I’m going to do” regarding U.S. entry into the fray. He also hinted at a missed opportunity for negotiations with Iranian officials.

Analysts at ING noted, “Geopolitical risks combined with elevated oil prices are external to the U.S., keeping the dollar more attractive than energy-dependent safe havens such as the euro.” They added, “Upside risks for the USD remain.”

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday as expected, but Chair Jerome Powell cautioned that inflation pressures could rise over summer as Trump’s tariffs begin to affect consumers. While the Fed’s projection of two rate cuts in 2025 may sound dovish, ING pointed out the central bank appears less concerned about growth and unemployment.

Euro Faces Pressure, Poised for Weekly Loss

In Europe, the euro slipped 0.2% against the dollar to 1.1465, hitting a one-week low earlier in the session. It’s on track for its largest weekly drop since February, driven largely by geopolitical worries.

ING’s outlook suggests EUR/USD could decline further amid these risks, with a near-term target of 1.140. However, they cautioned that unless geopolitical tensions lead to sustained commodity price shifts, such effects are likely temporary. “We expect buyers to return to EUR/USD dips once de-escalation signs appear,” they added.

Other Currency Moves Ahead of BoE Decision

The British pound fell 0.1% to 1.3410 ahead of the Bank of England’s policy announcement later Thursday. The BoE is widely expected to keep rates unchanged after a 25 basis point cut to 4.25% in early May. Investors will focus on the vote split and forward guidance, with market expectations pointing to two additional rate cuts before year-end.

USD/CHF climbed 0.1% to 0.8185 following the Swiss National Bank’s 25 basis point rate cut to 0%, opening the door to possible future negative rates. The SNB said the move counters reduced inflationary pressures seen since last quarter.

Asia-Pacific FX Update

In Asia, USD/JPY gained 0.1% to 145.31, with limited safe-haven demand for the yen. USD/CNY held steady at 7.1912 ahead of the People’s Bank of China meeting later this week. Meanwhile, AUD/USD dropped 0.6% to 0.6473 after data showed unexpected weakness in Australia’s May labor market.