Author: Fiona Craig

ProBiotix Health PLC (AQSE:PBX) has entered into a new commercial partnership in Slovakia, extending the international footprint of its proprietary LPLDL® probiotic ingredient through a collaboration with Slovak probiotics specialist iProbio.

Under the agreement, ProBiotix will supply its patented LPLDL® strain for use in CARDIObiom+®, a newly launched food supplement developed by iProbio, the consumer health brand of PerBiotiX s.r.o. The product is designed to support cardiovascular and metabolic health and marks iProbio’s entry into the growing cardiometabolic wellness market.

New Product Targets Significant Cardiovascular Health Needs

The launch comes against a backdrop of elevated cardiovascular health concerns in Slovakia. According to data from the European Society of Cardiology, cardiovascular disease mortality in the country is estimated to be around 50% above the European Union average, while nearly half of Slovak adults are believed to suffer from hypercholesterolaemia.

CARDIObiom+® was introduced to the market to coincide with World Hypertension Day and a broader international campaign focused on cardiovascular health awareness.

LPLDL® Selected Following Clinical Review

iProbio said it chose ProBiotix’s LPLDL® strain following an extensive assessment of clinically supported ingredients aimed at improving cardiometabolic health.

The new supplement combines LPLDL® with a standardized extract of lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora) and hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa), alongside vitamins D3 and B1. The formulation is delivered through a dual-capsule daily regimen designed to support cholesterol management, lipid and glucose metabolism, and overall metabolic wellbeing.

Distribution to Begin in Slovakia with Regional Expansion Planned

The product will initially be sold through iProbio’s online sales platform before expanding into pharmacies, health food retailers and distribution partners across Slovakia.

While ProBiotix will provide the LPLDL® active ingredient, iProbio will oversee manufacturing, packaging and commercialization of the product.

The companies also expect to broaden distribution into the Czech Republic and other Central European markets as the partnership develops.

ProBiotix Highlights Growing Commercial Scale

Commenting on the agreement, ProBiotix Chief Executive Steen Andersen said the deal reflects increasing demand for the company’s probiotic technology.

“Our partnership with iProbio to supply our unique LPLDL® strain to be used in their new CARDIObiom+® product is further validation of the growing scalability of our business.

“Increasing awareness of the need to focus on cardiovascular health is critical, and with this partnership agreement we are very pleased that we can help advance further awareness and increase sales in new geographic territories.”

iProbio Sees Opportunity in Cardiometabolic Health Market

iProbio Chief Executive Martin Haranta said the new product represents a strategic expansion of the company’s probiotics portfolio.

“CARDIObiom+® represents a natural next step for iProbio. After more than 40 years of microbiome research, we wanted to expand our targeted probiotic portfolio into the field of cardiometabolic health – a segment where there is strong scientific evidence as well as a clear consumer need.

“LPLDL® is a probiotic strain with clinically validated effects supporting cholesterol metabolism, and our partnership with ProBiotix Health has provided us with confidence both in the scientific foundation and in supply reliability. The product launch on World Hypertension Day also allowed us to naturally connect with the ongoing conversation among Slovak consumers about heart health and metabolic balance. We look forward to further developing this collaboration.”

Oil prices moved sharply higher on Monday after renewed military action between the United States and Iran, combined with expanded Israeli operations in Lebanon, raised concerns over the stability of energy supplies from the Middle East.

By 07:01 GMT, U.S. crude futures had advanced $2.88, or 3.3%, to $90.24 per barrel, while Brent crude futures gained $2.78, or 3.05%, to trade at $93.90 per barrel.

Market Optimism Over a Ceasefire Extension Fades

The latest outbreak of hostilities weakened expectations that Washington and Tehran could soon announce an extension to their existing ceasefire agreement.

Investor sentiment had improved at the end of last week following diplomatic initiatives, including U.S.-brokered discussions between Israel and Lebanon on Friday. Those developments helped push Brent and WTI prices lower by 1.8% and 1.7%, respectively, in the previous session.

However, the renewed military confrontation has once again shifted attention toward geopolitical risks and the possibility of prolonged instability in the region.

Washington and Tehran Exchange Military Responses

The United States confirmed on Sunday that it had launched “self-defence strikes” against radar facilities and drone-command infrastructure located in Iran’s Goruk area and on Qeshm Island.

U.S. officials said the action was taken in response to what they described as “aggressive” behaviour from Tehran.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responded on Monday, announcing that its aerospace forces had targeted an air base allegedly connected to a U.S. strike on a telecommunications facility on Sirik Island.

The exchange marked another escalation in tensions between the two countries and reinforced concerns over the wider regional conflict.

Negotiations Continue Despite Ongoing Tensions

President Donald Trump said on Friday that he was reviewing a proposed agreement that could prolong the ceasefire first announced in early April.

The proposal is intended to create additional time for negotiators to work toward a lasting settlement and address the long-running dispute surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.

Any eventual agreement is expected to require support from Israel, while Iranian officials have repeatedly maintained that Hezbollah must also be included in any broader arrangement.

According to a U.S. official, Washington has put forward a “gradual de-escalation” proposal under which Hezbollah would suspend attacks on Israel in return for Israel avoiding further military escalation in Beirut.

Hormuz Supply Risks Remain in Focus

Developments in the Strait of Hormuz continue to be closely watched by energy traders and investors.

Tony Sycamore, an analyst at IG, noted that growing concerns over naval mines in the strategic waterway could slow efforts to fully restore shipping traffic, even if a diplomatic agreement is eventually reached.

“Even if an agreement is reached, it won’t deliver a flood of supply,” Sycamore said.

Reports suggest that Iran deployed additional mines in the strait earlier in the week. An Axios journalist reported on X that the move came shortly after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that laying further mines would breach the ceasefire arrangement.

The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly 20% of global oil and natural gas shipments and has faced significant disruption since the conflict intensified following U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28.

Chinese Economic Weakness Overshadowed by Supply Concerns

Oil markets largely ignored disappointing economic indicators from China, which pointed to continued weakness in manufacturing activity.

The data added to concerns that the world’s second-largest economy is losing momentum amid weaker exports and ongoing cost pressures on businesses.

Nevertheless, worries about potential supply disruptions in the Middle East outweighed concerns about softer demand, allowing oil prices to move higher despite the weaker economic backdrop.

Goldman Sachs Warns of Demand-Driven Downside Risks

Goldman Sachs analysts said on Sunday that slower-than-expected oil consumption in both China and Europe could pose a meaningful downside risk to the bank’s current price forecasts.

The investment bank expects Brent crude to average $90 per barrel during the fourth quarter and forecasts WTI at an average of $83 per barrel.

However, the analysts also noted that further disruptions to energy exports from the Middle East could still drive crude prices above those projected levels.

Gold prices moved lower on Monday after fresh military action between the United States and Iran undermined confidence in ongoing ceasefire efforts and renewed concerns that elevated energy prices could keep inflationary pressures alive, potentially prompting further action from the Federal Reserve.

Spot gold was down 0.8% at $4,501.54 per ounce by 02:57 ET (06:57 GMT), while U.S. gold futures fell 1.3% to $4,532.22 per ounce.

The precious metal had posted modest gains last week as investors reacted positively to indications that Washington and Tehran could extend a temporary ceasefire arrangement.

Escalation in the Middle East Weighs on Sentiment

Over the weekend, the U.S. military announced strikes on Iranian military targets, including air-defense systems and facilities associated with drone operations, following allegations that Iran had shot down an American drone.

Tehran responded with attacks on a military installation used by U.S. forces, while regional defense systems were deployed to intercept incoming drones and missiles.

At the same time, tensions elsewhere in the region intensified as Israel expanded military operations in southern Lebanon amid escalating confrontations with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group.

Hopes for a Deal Face Fresh Challenges

Market optimism surrounding diplomatic negotiations weakened after the latest exchange of strikes.

Although reports last week suggested that U.S. and Iranian officials were discussing a possible extension of the ceasefire and measures to restore shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, major points of disagreement remain unresolved.

Any eventual agreement would also require approval from U.S. President Donald Trump, leaving the outcome uncertain and raising questions about how quickly a diplomatic breakthrough can be achieved.

Oil Rebound Fuels Inflation Concerns

Crude oil prices strengthened on Monday in response to the renewed military tensions, reinforcing fears that energy costs could remain elevated for longer.

Persistent strength in oil markets has increased concerns that inflation may prove more difficult to contain, creating additional challenges for policymakers at the Federal Reserve.

As a result, investors have increasingly reassessed expectations for U.S. monetary policy. Before the conflict erupted, markets had largely anticipated interest-rate cuts rather than further tightening.

Higher interest rates generally reduce demand for non-interest-bearing assets such as gold.

Stronger Dollar Adds Further Pressure

The precious metal also faced headwinds from a firmer U.S. currency. The U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.1% during Asian trading, making gold more expensive for investors holding other currencies.

A stronger dollar, combined with rising expectations for higher interest rates, has limited gold’s ability to benefit from geopolitical uncertainty in recent weeks.

Safe-Haven Appeal Struggles Against Monetary Policy Risks

Despite its reputation as a traditional refuge during periods of geopolitical turmoil and inflation, gold has struggled to maintain upward momentum.

The metal fell to a two-month low last week before recovering some ground when ceasefire discussions eased concerns over a broader regional escalation.

Attention is now turning to upcoming comments from Federal Reserve officials and a series of key U.S. economic releases, including labor market data, which could provide further guidance on the outlook for interest rates.

Silver, Platinum and Copper Move Higher

Elsewhere in commodities markets, silver edged up 0.5% to $75.69 per ounce.

Platinum also advanced, gaining 1.1% to $1,940.95 per ounce.

Industrial metals posted modest gains as well. Benchmark copper futures on the London Metal Exchange rose 0.3% to $13,663.33 per tonne, while U.S. copper futures increased by the same margin to $6.44 per pound.

Wise (LSE:WISE) shares came under significant pressure on Monday after the fintech company confirmed it was cooperating with authorities in Belgium following reports that its platform had been linked to a money laundering investigation.

The decline followed a report by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism stating that Belgian prosecutors launched an inquiry last year into allegations that accounts on the Wise platform may have been used to move funds connected to fraud, drug trafficking and corruption.

Company Confirms Cooperation With Authorities

Wise acknowledged that it is responding to requests for information from the Brussels prosecutor’s office but stressed that such interactions are a routine aspect of operating within the financial services sector.

“Requests for information from law enforcement agencies are a normal part of operations and are not, in themselves, indicative of non-compliance with anti-money laundering requirements or of any wrongdoing,” Wise said in a statement.

The company did not indicate that any formal findings had been made against the business and reiterated its commitment to working with regulators and law enforcement agencies where required.

Shares Suffer Sharpest Decline Since Listing

Investor reaction was swift, with Wise shares falling by as much as 19% during Monday trading in London. The move represented the company’s largest single-day decline since its stock market debut in 2021.

The shares later recovered part of the loss but remained sharply lower, trading about 13% down at approximately 812 pence by 08:52 GMT.

Compliance Measures Highlighted

In response to the reports, Wise outlined the measures it has in place to combat financial crime. The company said its controls include customer identity verification before account opening, ongoing transaction monitoring, account closures where necessary and the reporting of suspicious activity to relevant authorities.

Management also highlighted substantial investment in compliance and risk management systems. During the six months to 30 September, Wise spent £131 million on infrastructure and capabilities designed to operate within an increasingly regulated environment and to address evolving financial crime risks.

Recent New York Listing Shift

The developments come shortly after Wise completed a change to its stock market structure, moving its primary listing from London to New York. The company said the move was intended to broaden access to investors and increase its profile in U.S. capital markets.

Although New York is now its primary listing venue, Wise continues to maintain a secondary listing in London, where the company remains headquartered.

More about Wise

Wise is a global financial technology company that provides international payments, multi-currency accounts and cross-border money transfer services for consumers and businesses. Founded to reduce the cost and complexity of international banking transactions, the company operates across multiple jurisdictions and serves millions of customers worldwide through its digital payments platform.

ME Group International (LSE:MEGP) has reported a 2% increase in revenue for the first half of its financial year but warned that trading conditions weakened during April, prompting a reduction in its full-year profit outlook. The company said demand softened across parts of its business, particularly within its French photobooth and laundry operations.

Management attributed the slowdown to declining consumer confidence and increased uncertainty linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These factors affected demand for official photo identification services and reduced discretionary spending on self-service laundry facilities.

Photobooth and Laundry Growth Slows

The group noted that revenue growth in its higher-margin Wash.ME laundry division moderated significantly in April after a strong performance earlier in the reporting period. At the same time, equipment sales declined by 14% as the company continued to prioritise revenue generation from operating its installed machine network rather than pursuing hardware sales.

The combination of softer consumer demand and slower growth in key business segments contributed to a more cautious near-term trading outlook.

Full-Year Guidance Reduced

In response to recent trading trends and expectations that broader economic uncertainty may continue, the board revised its forecast for full-year 2026 profit before tax. The company now expects profit before tax to fall within a range of £69 million to £74 million.

Management indicated that the revised guidance reflects a prudent assessment of current market conditions while acknowledging that consumer spending patterns remain difficult to predict.

Expansion Strategy Remains on Course

Despite the weaker outlook for the current year, ME Group emphasised that its financial position remains strong. The company continues to maintain a solid balance sheet and believes it is well positioned to pursue long-term growth opportunities.

The group confirmed that its programme to install more than 1,300 additional Wash.ME machines during the year remains on schedule. Management views the expansion of its unattended laundry network as a key driver of future growth and remains committed to investing in the business despite short-term market challenges.

Outlook Supported by Strong Fundamentals

While recent trading has softened, ME Group continues to benefit from a strong financial profile characterised by healthy profitability and a conservative balance sheet. Valuation metrics also remain attractive, supported by a relatively low earnings multiple and a high dividend yield.

These strengths are partly offset by weaker technical indicators, including a negative MACD signal and a share price trading below longer-term moving averages. Recent softness in free cash flow has also added an element of caution to the investment case.

More about ME Group International

ME Group International is a London-listed operator of self-service vending and automated retail equipment, managing more than 48,000 units across 16 countries. Its core activities include Photo.ME photobooths, biometric identification solutions and Wash.ME unattended laundry services. The group also operates printing kiosks, food vending concepts and children’s rides, supported by long-term partnerships in high-traffic retail and public locations across Europe, the UK, Ireland and Asia-Pacific.

EnSilica (LSE:ENSI) has been awarded a long-term manufacturing and supply agreement with a German automotive components supplier, strengthening its presence in the automotive semiconductor market. The seven-year contract covers production of an Arm-based sensing chip that is already in commercial manufacture and was secured through a competitive bidding process.

The agreement is expected to generate approximately $75 million in revenue over its duration, with around $4 million anticipated during the financial year ending 31 May 2027. As the contract is focused on manufacturing and supply rather than chip design, profit margins are expected to reflect the lower-margin nature of production services.

Automotive Supply Chain Presence Expands

The award provides EnSilica with deeper access to the German automotive industry by integrating the company into a Tier 1 automotive supply chain. Management believes this represents an important milestone in expanding its footprint within one of the world’s most significant automotive manufacturing markets.

The contract is also expected to increase production volumes through the company’s semiconductor foundry partners, strengthening relationships across its manufacturing ecosystem.

Platform for Future Design Opportunities

Beyond the immediate revenue contribution, EnSilica views the agreement as strategically important in supporting future growth opportunities. The company expects the project to reinforce its credentials in meeting stringent automotive quality requirements, including standards aligned with the German automotive industry’s VDA framework.

Management believes the enhanced industry profile could improve its ability to secure higher-margin application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) design contracts in the future, particularly within the automotive sector where demand for specialised semiconductor solutions continues to grow.

Outlook Balances Strategic Progress and Financial Challenges

Despite the significance of the new contract, EnSilica’s outlook continues to be influenced by weaker financial performance, including declining revenue, ongoing losses and pressure on free cash flow.

Market indicators have been more encouraging, with the shares benefiting from strong recent momentum. However, technical measures also suggest the stock may be approaching overbought territory, increasing the possibility of short-term volatility. Valuation remains difficult to justify on traditional metrics given the company’s loss-making status and the absence of dividend payments.

More about EnSilica PLC

EnSilica plc is a UK-based fabless semiconductor company specialising in the design and development of application-specific integrated circuits. Its expertise spans radio frequency, millimetre-wave, mixed-signal and advanced digital chip technologies, serving sectors including automotive, industrial, healthcare, communications and space. The company operates design centres across the UK, India, Brazil and Hungary and leverages a growing portfolio of intellectual property and silicon platforms to deliver customised, production-ready semiconductor solutions.