Author: Fiona Craig

Begbies Traynor Group PLC (LSE:BEG) has published its latest Red Flag Alert report, revealing a sharp rise in the number of UK businesses experiencing ‘critical’ financial distress. Nearly 50,000 firms are now facing severe financial challenges, driven by a mix of weak consumer spending, global economic instability, and higher tax burdens.

The report shows that all 22 sectors analyzed saw an uptick in distress levels, with consumer-focused industries—such as Bars & Restaurants, Travel & Tourism, and Retail—among the hardest hit. Small and medium-sized enterprises appear especially exposed, struggling to absorb the impact of rising costs and shifting policy environments.

The findings paint a bleak picture for the near term, with Begbies Traynor warning that unless conditions improve, a growing number of businesses could face insolvency.

On the financial front, the company has demonstrated solid performance and continues to make positive strides through corporate developments. However, concerns remain regarding its valuation, particularly due to a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio. Despite this, the technical indicators suggest a stable outlook, offering a cautiously optimistic perspective.

About Begbies Traynor Group

Begbies Traynor Group PLC is a UK-based professional services firm specializing in corporate restructuring and financial advisory. Renowned for its Red Flag Alert research, the company provides critical insights into the financial well-being of businesses across multiple sectors, helping stakeholders navigate periods of economic stress and uncertainty.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Everyman Media Group PLC (LSE:EMAN) has posted strong results for the first half of 2025, reporting a 15% year-on-year increase in cinema admissions and a 21% rise in revenue. EBITDA surged by 33%, while the company also recorded a modest gain in market share. These results come despite ongoing economic headwinds, underscoring the effectiveness of Everyman’s growth strategy and its continued rollout of new cinema locations.

The group’s unique approach—blending premium entertainment with hospitality—continues to resonate with audiences and drive performance. With more openings planned, Everyman remains confident in achieving its full-year targets.

Looking ahead, the company’s outlook is supported by a healthy pipeline of corporate bookings and improved cash flow, suggesting early signs of recovery. However, challenges persist, including pressure on profitability, elevated debt levels, and valuation concerns. That said, recent corporate developments have reinforced confidence in the company’s leadership and strategic direction.

About Everyman Media Group

Everyman Media Group PLC is the UK’s fourth-largest cinema chain, recognized for its upmarket, experience-focused venues. With a growing portfolio of locations nationwide, the company is redefining cinema with boutique-style auditoriums, quality in-house food and drink offerings, and a carefully curated mix of mainstream films, independent productions, theatrical broadcasts, and live concert events.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Catenae PLC (LSE:CTAI) has taken a significant step toward refining its Bitcoin treasury operations by appointing Appold Associates Limited as its Professional Adviser. The partnership is designed to help the company establish a robust, secure, and regulation-compliant framework for managing its Bitcoin holdings. Key components of the initiative include the development of governance protocols and custody solutions.

As part of the strategy, BitGo has been selected to act as the official custodian, offering both the infrastructure and trading support required for managing digital assets securely. This move signals Catenae’s forward-thinking stance on digital finance, while also acknowledging the inherent volatility and risks tied to cryptocurrency investments.

About Catenae PLC

Catenae PLC, listed on AIM, delivers digital media and technology solutions tailored to meet complex business needs. The company provides a range of IT services, with a growing emphasis on artificial intelligence integration. With a seasoned team of technology professionals, Catenae has successfully implemented platforms across a diverse client base, including corporations, public sector organizations, and educational institutions.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Pensana Rare Earths PLC (LSE:PRE) has confirmed that development of its Longonjo project in Angola is progressing on schedule and within its allocated budget of $217 million. Once operational, the facility is expected to deliver 20,000 tonnes of Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate (MREC) annually, with long-term ambitions to double output.

In parallel, the company has commenced drilling activities at its Coola site, aiming to uncover high-grade material that could potentially enhance the feedstock supply for Longonjo. This move highlights Pensana’s proactive approach to expanding its resource base and strengthening its presence in the global rare earth supply chain.

As demand rises for materials vital to green technologies, Pensana continues to establish itself as a key player in the rare earths sector—an industry critical to the electrification of transportation and the growth of renewable energy infrastructure.

About Pensana Rare Earths PLC

Pensana Rare Earths PLC is focused on discovering and developing rare earth resources, with a primary emphasis on producing Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate. This material is a core component in the manufacture of permanent magnets used in electric vehicles and offshore wind power systems. The company is also recognized for its dedication to responsible and sustainable development practices across its operations.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Barclays analysts say European equities may be on the verge of a significant breakout, driven by a shift in sentiment around trade policy risks that have weighed on markets in recent months.

“Reduced tariff tail risk could give legs to the relief rally in EU equities and pave the way to a breakout,” the bank wrote in its most recent review of equity markets, pointing to improving trade dynamics as a potential catalyst.

Markets found relief after a trade agreement between the U.S. and Japan introduced a 15% tariff on most imports—a figure notably lower than anticipated. The Financial Times also reported that the European Union and the U.S. are close to finalizing a comparable deal, which comes in far below the 30% tariff level once proposed by the Trump administration.

“We think markets have good reasons to cheer the reduced tail risk, as the worst case scenario should be avoided,” Barclays noted, signaling confidence that a damaging trade war scenario is now less likely.

Despite a 10% rise in European equities so far this year, performance has largely been flat since April. Barclays views the recent trade progress as a pivotal moment: “The removal of the tariffs overhang [is] a precondition for our breakout scenario to materialize in H2, which now seems to be on the right track.”

That said, the economic consequences of increased tariffs are still expected to be felt. Barclays cautioned that a shift from 5% to 15% tariff levels “will have a negative impact on growth at some point.”

However, much of the downside may already be accounted for in earnings forecasts. “Consensus EPS growth for 2025E in tariff-sensitive names has been revised sharply lower—now at -20%,” the report noted, implying that markets have begun to price in the pressure.

While the bank maintains its preference for domestic sectors like financials and telecom, it is beginning to revisit previously underperforming export-oriented stocks. Analysts also highlighted signs of stabilization in China as a possible tailwind: “Bottoming-out in Chinese growth could also provide some additional support to EU exporters,” they wrote, though they remain wary of industries facing structural headwinds such as automotive manufacturing.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

U.S. stock index futures moved slightly higher early Friday as traders evaluated a fresh wave of corporate earnings ahead of next week’s Federal Reserve interest rate decision.

Here’s a look at some of the notable premarket movers:

• Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) shares dropped 8% after the semiconductor giant issued a weaker-than-expected outlook for the third quarter and unveiled plans to reduce its workforce by the end of 2025. The company said headcount would decline to approximately 75,000—down 22% from the end of last year—through attrition and “other means.”
• Centene (NYSE:CNC) fell 13% after the health insurance provider surprised markets with a quarterly loss, driven in part by increased medical costs across its insurance offerings.
• Deckers Outdoor (NYSE:DECK) jumped 12% following strong fiscal first-quarter results. The footwear company reported better-than-anticipated sales for both its Hoka and Ugg brands.
• Phillips 66 (NYSE:PSX) edged up 0.6% after the oil refiner topped Wall Street profit forecasts for Q2, benefiting from favorable refining margins and reduced turnaround expenses.
• Charter Communications (NASDAQ:CHTR) slid 7.6% as its second-quarter earnings missed expectations, weighed down by ongoing declines in its customer base.
• Newmont (NYSE:NEM) advanced 1.9% after the mining giant exceeded analyst forecasts for second-quarter earnings. The beat was driven by a combination of rising gold prices and solid operational execution.
• Paramount Global (NASDAQ:PARA) rose 1.1% after the Federal Communications Commission approved its planned $8 billion merger with Skydance Media, clearing a major regulatory hurdle.
• Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD) added 0.8% after the casino and entertainment company posted second-quarter results that topped expectations. Management cited continued strength among core customers and an uptick in retail play.
• Sarepta Therapeutics (NASDAQ:SRPT) dropped 10% after European regulators declined to recommend approval for Elevidys, the company’s gene therapy treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average, S&P 500, and Nasdaq 100 were all modestly in the green heading into the final trading day of the week, as earnings season remains in focus and investors brace for clues from the Fed on the path of interest rates.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

The U.S. dollar climbed on Friday, bouncing back from two-week lows, yet it remains at subdued levels as traders digest the shifting landscape around global trade ahead of next week’s Federal Reserve meeting.

At 04:35 ET (08:35 GMT), the Dollar Index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of six currencies, increased 0.2% to 97.340. Still, it’s on track for a roughly 1% weekly decline, marking its weakest performance in a month.

Dollar finds some support

As the week wraps up, the dollar has found modest backing, helped by talks of future trade agreements with the European Union and China—two of America’s biggest trading partners. Earlier this week, the European Commission indicated that a negotiated solution was near ahead of the August 1 deadline, while U.S. and Chinese officials plan to meet in Stockholm next week to discuss extending the deadline for trade talks.

All eyes now turn to the Federal Reserve meeting, which is widely expected to keep rates steady. Traders will be looking closely at the Fed’s subsequent commentary for clues on the timing of future moves.

“We’re still of the opinion that the dollar can find a little stability this summer on higher inflation and delayed Fed rate cuts – but clearly this view stands against pervasive dollar pessimism in the market,” said analysts at ING, in a note.

Euro stays near four-year high

In Europe, EUR/USD slipped 0.1% to 1.1745, but the euro remains close to the near four-year peak of $1.183 touched earlier this month. The European Central Bank held its policy rate steady at 2% on Thursday, ending a year of easing to await more clarity on U.S. trade relations.

ECB President Christine Lagarde described the economy as resilient and a little better than expected during the press conference. However, data released on Friday showed German business morale improved less than anticipated in July.

The Ifo institute said its business climate index rose to 88.6 in July from 88.4 in June, below the forecast of 89.0.

“The upturn in the German economy remains anaemic,” Ifo president Clemens Fuest said.

Pound dips after weak UK retail sales

GBP/USD fell 0.4% to 1.3468 following data revealing that UK retail sales volumes grew by 0.9% month-on-month in June, missing the expected 1.2% rise and recovering less than a third of May’s 2.8% drop. Household goods retailers faced particular difficulties, with sales declining 0.1% month-on-month for the second month running, as the housing market continued to struggle after stamp duty changes.

Yen falls after softer inflation data

Elsewhere, USD/JPY traded 0.5% higher at 147.71 after Friday’s data showed Tokyo’s consumer price inflation eased more than expected in July, despite core inflation staying above the Bank of Japan’s target. The BOJ is expected to keep interest rates steady next week amid U.S. tariff tensions and domestic political uncertainty.

AUD/USD dropped 0.4% to 0.6568 but is still on track for a weekly gain of around 1% following the trade deal between Japan and the U.S., while USD/CNY rose 0.2% to 7.1672.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

British stocks fell Friday morning, with the FTSE 100 down 0.4% and the British pound slipping 0.3% against the dollar to trade below $1.35, after retail sales data missed expectations.

At 08:06 GMT, Germany’s DAX index dropped 0.9%, while France’s CAC 40 declined 0.4%.

UK retail sales rise but fall short of forecasts

UK retail sales volumes rose 0.9% month-on-month in June, below the 1.2% analysts anticipated and recovering less than a third of May’s 2.8% slump. Retail growth slowed considerably in Q2, with sales volumes up only 0.2% quarter-on-quarter compared to 1.3% in Q1.

Household goods retailers saw sales decline 0.1% month-on-month for the second consecutive month, hit by ongoing challenges in the housing market following stamp duty changes.

NatWest reports strong H1 results

NatWest Group (LSE:NWG) posted a £2.68 billion profit for the first half of 2025, supported by £6.12 billion in net interest income. Total revenues reached £7.99 billion, including £1.87 billion from non-interest sources. Operating expenses amounted to £4.02 billion, which included £118 million in litigation and conduct charges.

Marshalls shares plunge on profit warning

Shares of Marshalls PLC (LSE:MSLH) fell nearly 19% after lowering its full-year 2025 adjusted profit before tax guidance to between £42 million and £46 million—about 21% below the consensus midpoint of £55.4 million. The company warned market conditions are unlikely to improve in H2 and is implementing cost-cutting and capacity reduction measures.

Jupiter Fund Management sees profits fall on lower revenue

Jupiter Fund Management (LSE:JUP) reported that second-quarter inflows partly offset previous outflows, but profits declined compared to last year. Basic EPS for H1 dropped to 4.1p from 5.4p, while underlying EPS fell from 6.6p to 4.2p. Net revenue slipped to £153.9 million from £173.7 million.

Rightmove beats revenue estimates but signals slower growth

Rightmove PLC (LSE:RMV)posted stronger-than-expected H1 results, with revenue rising to £211.7 million versus a £209 million consensus. The boost was driven by increased platform activity, though the company cautioned growth will likely slow after a record 2024.

Starmer to push Trump for faster steel tariff deal

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to press U.S. President Donald Trump for a swift trade agreement to reduce tariffs on British steel, according to the Financial Times.

EU approves GSK’s Blenrep for cancer treatment

GSK (LSE:GSK) announced that the European Union has approved its drug Blenrep for treating relapsed or treatment-resistant multiple myeloma, a cancer affecting plasma cells.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

The European Central Bank’s latest Survey of Professional Forecasters, published Friday, reveals a softer inflation outlook for the euro area this year and next compared to earlier estimates.

Inflation is now expected to average 2% in 2025, a decrease from the 2.2% forecast made just three months ago. Looking further ahead, inflation is projected to ease even more in 2026, settling at 1.8%, below the previous estimate of 2%.

After a sharp decline in inflation over recent years, current figures are close to the ECB’s target rate of 2%. This steady trend influenced the ECB’s decision to keep interest rates steady on Thursday, signaling a cautious approach rather than moving quickly to cut rates again.

Since June 2024, the ECB has already slashed its main interest rate by half—from 4% down to 2%.

The survey also highlights that tariffs will have only a modest dampening effect on inflation in the short term and are expected to be “broadly neutral on balance in 2027 and over the longer-term horizon.”

In the longer run, inflation is anticipated to hover near the ECB’s 2% goal, maintaining price stability across the eurozone.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

European equity markets fell on Friday as worries grew that tariff-related uncertainties might already be weighing on corporate earnings, despite ongoing talks about a possible trade agreement between the U.S. and the European Union.
By 08:00 GMT, Germany’s DAX index dropped 0.9%, France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.4%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 also declined by 0.4%.

EU-U.S. trade deal “within reach”

On Thursday, a spokesperson from the European Commission indicated that a trade tariff agreement between the EU and the U.S. is “within reach,” ahead of the August 1 deadline when U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a broad 30% tariff on European imports.
Reuters, citing two diplomats, reported that this deal would likely impose a general 15% tariff on EU goods entering the United States.

Although the announcement of potential deals — including the recently finalized U.S.-Japan trade agreement earlier this week — has generated some optimism, it’s important to recognize that such arrangements could still negatively affect many of Europe’s biggest companies.

Volkswagen reveals substantial tariff impact

Within the corporate sector, Volkswagen (TG:VOW3) shares dropped after the German automaker lowered its full-year financial outlook, revealing a €1.3 billion impact from tariffs.
Michelin (EU:ML) also suffered losses after the French automotive parts supplier reported a 27.8% plunge in net income during the first half of the year, largely due to tariff threats causing a sharp downturn in North and Central America.
Shares of Puma (TG:PUM) fell following disappointing second-quarter sales and a downward revision of its full-year guidance, as the German sportswear company pointed to the effect of U.S. trade tariffs.
Similarly, Traton (TG:8TRA) saw a steep decline after cutting its annual forecast and warning of a challenging trading environment.

Not all news was negative: Remy Cointreau (EU:RCO) shares rose after the French spirits producer raised its profit forecast for the year and posted better-than-expected first-quarter sales, helped by reduced tariff effects in China.
NatWest Group (LSE:NWG) also saw its stock rise after the British bank reported an 18% jump in first-half profits, boosted by higher interest income.

U.K. consumer confidence weakens

Economically, consumer confidence in the U.K. declined in July amid sluggish economic growth and persistent inflation, according to data released on Friday.
The consumer confidence index, compiled by research firm GfK in partnership with the Nuremberg Institute for Market Decisions, fell to minus 19 in July from minus 18 in June, reversing the slight improvement seen the previous month.
Germany’s Ifo business climate index also showed a modest drop in sentiment in July, reflecting ongoing struggles in broader European economic growth.

The European Central Bank held interest rates steady on Thursday after cutting rates eight times over the past year, choosing to wait as Brussels and Washington negotiate a trade deal that could reduce ongoing tariff-related uncertainty.

Oil prices rise on trade deal optimism

Oil prices advanced on Friday, building on sharp gains from the previous session, driven by hopes for additional U.S. trade agreements before President Donald Trump’s looming deadline.
At 04:00 ET, Brent crude futures rose 0.5% to $69.54 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 0.5% to $66.37 per barrel.
Both contracts surged more than 1% on Thursday after data showed a notable drop in U.S. crude stockpiles.

Oil markets have been supported by expectations of new trade deals between the U.S. and its partners ahead of the August 1 deadline for fresh tariffs on goods from several countries.
Lower trade tensions help stimulate economic activity and cross-border commerce, which in turn raises oil demand through increased transportation and industrial energy consumption.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.