Author: Fiona Craig

GSK (LSE:GSK) has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted priority review status to gepotidacin, an oral therapy for uncomplicated urogenital gonorrhoea. A regulatory decision is anticipated in December 2025. If approved, this novel antibiotic could replace current injectable treatments, addressing a critical public health challenge as resistance to existing therapies continues to rise for this priority pathogen.

GSK’s broader outlook reflects solid financial results and strategic initiatives, including share repurchase programs and acquisitions aimed at boosting shareholder returns. Technical signals currently indicate a neutral market view, with the company’s valuation considered fair and supported by an appealing dividend yield. Recent earnings calls emphasized growth in specialty medicines, alongside noted headwinds in vaccine sales and evolving regulatory requirements.

About GSK

GSK is a global biopharmaceutical leader committed to advancing prevention and treatment through the integration of science, technology, and expertise. With more than seven decades of innovation in infectious diseases, the company maintains a diverse portfolio of medicines and vaccines designed to address unmet medical needs and combat antimicrobial resistance.

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.

Asiamet Resources Limited (LSE:ARS) has appointed Peter Oliver as Project Director for the first stage of its BKM Copper Project in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Bringing more than three decades of experience in delivering projects across the mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors, Oliver will oversee the transition from financing to construction. His leadership is expected to bolster the company’s execution capabilities and foster stronger relationships with stakeholders.

This strategic move is aimed at reinforcing Asiamet’s industry standing by ensuring the project adheres to international best practices, a step that could attract additional funding and strategic partnerships.

About Asiamet Resources

Asiamet Resources Limited is a mining company focused on copper development. Its flagship asset is the BKM Copper Project in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, operated through its subsidiary, PT Kalimantan Surya Kencana.

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.

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd (LSE:FOG) has reported a record-breaking 90-day initial production flow rate from its Shenandoah South 2H Sidetrack well in Australia’s Beetaloo Sub-basin, averaging 6.7 million cubic feet of gas per day. The strong performance underscores the region’s commercial viability, with gas sales to the Northern Territory Government expected to begin by mid-2026.

The company’s current drilling campaign is advancing without any cost exposure for Falcon Australia during this phase, a factor that could strengthen its market position and deliver increased value for stakeholders.

About Falcon Oil & Gas

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd is a global oil and gas exploration and development company focused on unconventional resource plays, particularly in Australia. Incorporated in British Columbia, Canada, and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, the company operates through key subsidiaries, including Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited.

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.

80 Mile Plc (LSE:80M) has finalized an asset purchase agreement with Amaroq Minerals Ltd., transferring ownership of its Kangerluarsuk zinc-lead-silver project in Greenland. The sale is part of the company’s strategy to divest non-core holdings and channel resources into priority ventures, including the Disko-Nuussuaq nickel-copper-cobalt project and the Jameson Land Basin Project. Proceeds from the transaction will be used to accelerate progress on these flagship assets and support broader strategic goals.

About 80 Mile Plc

80 Mile Plc is an exploration and development firm traded on the London AIM market, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and the U.S. OTC Market. Its portfolio targets high-grade critical metals in Tier 1 jurisdictions, with major operations in Greenland and an emerging industrial gas and biofuels initiative in Italy. The company’s growth strategy centers on advancing its most promising projects, leveraging partnerships, and pursuing strategic acquisitions across base and precious metals, as well as sustainable energy sectors.

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.

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc (LSE:CMCL) posted robust second-quarter 2025 results, fueled by record gold output from its Blanket Mine and a favorable gold price environment. Gold revenue surged 30% year-on-year to $65 million, while net profit attributable to shareholders jumped 147%.

The company’s financial position was further boosted by the $22.35 million sale of its solar power plant. On the operational front, Blanket Mine raised its 2025 production guidance and achieved its highest-ever plant recovery rate. Exploration activities at Blanket, along with ongoing work at the Bilboes and Motapa projects, continue to yield encouraging findings that could underpin future growth and resource expansion.

About Caledonia Mining

Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc is a gold-focused mining firm with its primary operation at the Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe. The company is also advancing exploration and development efforts at the Bilboes and Motapa projects. Its shares are traded on the NYSE American, AIM, and VFEX exchanges.

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.

UK equities edged lower on Friday, with the FTSE 100 down slightly as investors digested the Bank of England’s recent interest rate cut. The British pound also dipped, while TBC Bank Group PLC (LSE:TBCG) slid sharply following its quarterly earnings report.

As of 12:44 GMT, the FTSE 100 index had slipped 0.1%, while sterling declined 0.07% against the U.S. dollar to $1.34. Elsewhere in Europe, the German DAX was down around 1%, while France’s CAC 40 inched up 0.1%.

TBC Bank Reports Higher Earnings, Shares Fall

TBC Bank reported a year-on-year increase in second-quarter earnings, with pretax profit climbing 3.1% to 402,294 Georgian lari (approximately $147,360). Operating income rose 23% to 834,627 lari, while net profit also rose 3.1% to 346,275 lari. Despite the improved financials, shares of the London-listed bank dropped over 5% following the announcement. TBC operates primarily in Georgia and is expanding its presence in Uzbekistan.

Barclays Downgrades Just Group After Price Surge

Barclays (LSE:BARC) downgraded Just Group PLC (LSE:JUST) to “equal weight” from “overweight,” even as it raised its price target to 220p from 185p. The brokerage cited the company’s recent share price gains and reduced its discount rate on the stock valuation from 14% to 12%, reflecting solid capital strength and organic growth. However, Just Group’s first-half 2025 results missed analyst forecasts on key metrics, with adjusted operating profit down 23% to £192 million.

Goldman Sachs Upgrades Diageo

Meanwhile, Diageo PLC (LSE:DGE) received an upgrade from Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), which shifted its rating to “neutral” from “sell” while keeping its 12-month price target at 2,000p. The move follows a 20.4% slide in Diageo’s share price since July 2024—significantly worse than the 2% decline in Goldman’s consumer staples coverage and contrasting with an 8.2% gain in the MSCI World Europe index. Analysts pointed to attractive valuation and potential portfolio shifts, though challenges in the U.S. spirits market remain a concern.

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.

Crude prices saw a slight recovery on Friday but remained on track for steep weekly declines, weighed down by growing concerns over demand amid new trade tariffs and a potential surge in global supply.

As of 08:50 ET (12:50 GMT), Brent crude futures for October delivery were up 0.6% to $66.85 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures rose 0.5% to $64.18 per barrel. Despite the modest uptick, both benchmarks were still over 4% lower for the week.

Worst Weekly Performance Since Late June

The sharp drop in oil this week marks its weakest performance since late June. A key driver has been anxiety over weakening global demand, with recent U.S. tariff actions exacerbating fears that international trade flows—and energy consumption—could cool significantly.

Fresh data indicating a softening U.S. labor market added to those worries, raising doubts about fuel demand in the world’s largest economy. However, ongoing inventory drawdowns in the U.S. have helped limit the downside, suggesting that current consumption remains relatively resilient for now.

OPEC+ Output Moves Keep Supply Risks Elevated

On the supply side, markets are still digesting the latest OPEC+ decision to raise output quotas for September. The alliance continues to unwind supply restrictions put in place over the past three years, increasing fears of a market oversupply.

Geopolitical Focus on Russia-Ukraine Talks

Meanwhile, diplomatic developments involving Russia also weighed on sentiment. On Thursday, Moscow confirmed that President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming days, fueling speculation about a possible breakthrough in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Although the prolonged war had previously supported oil markets due to the potential for supply disruptions from Russia, the prospect of a ceasefire has weakened that argument.

“However, it is important to note that President Trump’s deadline for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal expires today, leaving open the risk that the U.S. will still tighten sanctions against Moscow,” analysts at ING said in a note.

The U.S. president also introduced new trade measures this week, imposing up to 50% tariffs on India for its purchases of Russian crude. He has similarly threatened tariffs against China, one of Russia’s top oil buyers.

Amid this uncertainty, some Indian state-owned refiners are reportedly reconsidering their purchases of Russian oil.

“Indian exports to the US dwarf the savings that India receives from buying discounted Russian crude oil. Therefore, we believe that India will likely switch to alternative crude supply in order to avoid these additional tariffs. This should lead to increased demand for other grades from the Middle East, continuing to provide support to Dubai relative to Brent,” ING analysts added.

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 equities were mixed on Friday as investors digested the impact of newly enacted U.S. tariffs and monitored geopolitical developments. Higher tariff rates imposed by the Trump administration on several trading partners officially took effect at midnight, while confirmation from Moscow that Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump are arranging a meeting has raised hopes for a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.

As of the latest trading, the French CAC 40 Index edged up by 0.1%, while both Germany’s DAX Index and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 Index slipped 0.1%.

On the economic side, France’s unemployment rate remained stable at 7.5% in the second quarter, in line with expectations, according to the country’s statistics agency INSEE. The number of unemployed individuals rose by 29,000 compared to the previous quarter, reaching a total of 2.4 million.

In corporate developments, British pharmaceutical company GSK (LSE:GSK) advanced after announcing it would receive $370 million through a patent litigation settlement in the U.S.

German real estate firm Deutsche Wohnen (TG:DWNE) also moved higher following a report showing a narrower first-half loss.

Dutch insurance and asset management group NN Group (EU:NN) jumped after posting first-half earnings that surpassed analyst estimates.

Conversely, German reinsurer Munich Re (TG:A2TSS7) saw its shares drop sharply after the company lowered its insurance revenue outlook for 2025.

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 suggest Wall Street could open modestly higher on Friday, hinting at a possible rebound after a choppy performance in the previous session.

However, overall market activity might remain muted due to the absence of significant economic data releases, potentially leading some investors to stay on the sidelines.

On Thursday, stocks started the session in positive territory but lost momentum throughout the day. The major indices pulled back from their early highs, ultimately closing the session mixed.

The Nasdaq, buoyed by strong tech momentum, extended Wednesday’s rally, climbing 73.27 points or 0.4% to end at 21,242.70. In contrast, the S&P 500 dipped slightly by 5.06 points or 0.1% to finish at 6,340.00, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 224.48 points or 0.5% to 43,968.64.

Markets were initially lifted after former President Donald Trump unveiled a sweeping 100% tariff on imported semiconductors and chips, while exempting firms that manufacture domestically.

“The good news for companies like Apple is if you’re building in the United States or have committed to build, without question, committed to build in the United States, there will be no charge,” Trump said.

“So in other words, we’ll be putting a tariff on of approximately 100 percent on chips and semiconductors,” he added. “But if you’re building in the United States of America, there’s no charge.”

The announcement coincided with Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) CEO Tim Cook joining Trump to confirm the company’s intention to invest an additional $100 billion in its U.S. operations.

Following reports of the planned investment, Apple shares helped lead Wednesday’s gains and added another 3.2% on Thursday.

Despite the initial optimism, buying appetite faded as investors processed the broader economic implications of Trump’s escalating trade measures, which include fresh tariffs on numerous countries taking effect today.

Adding to the market pressure was a sharp decline in Intel (NASDAQ:INTC), with its shares falling 3.0% after Trump demanded the resignation of CEO Lip-Bu Tan, labeling him “highly conflicted.”

On the economic front, the Labor Department reported that first-time applications for unemployment benefits increased more than anticipated. Jobless claims rose to 226,000 for the week ending August 2, up by 7,000 from the revised prior-week figure of 219,000. Economists had forecast a smaller increase to 221,000.

Meanwhile, a separate report showed that labor productivity saw a notable rebound in the second quarter, offering a more positive view of the labor market.

Sector-wise, most industries saw only slight movements, but pharmaceutical stocks took a significant hit. The NYSE Arca Pharmaceutical Index sank 2.1%, marking its lowest close in nearly three months. Eli Lilly (NYSE:LLY) led the downturn, plummeting 14.1% despite surpassing Q2 expectations and boosting its full-year forecast. Disappointment around late-stage trial results for its obesity drug appeared to drive the selloff.

Oil services stocks also came under pressure as crude oil prices fell, pushing the Philadelphia Oil Service Index down 1.4%. Software and transportation stocks lagged as well, while gains were seen in semiconductors, utilities, and computer hardware names.

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.

Gold prices climbed in Asian trading on Friday, set to close the week with gains as escalating U.S. trade tariffs fueled uncertainty in the global economy. Market attention also turned to the potential impact of new U.S. tariffs on imports of one-kilogram gold bars, which could disrupt the physical bullion market and tighten available supplies.

Spot gold inched up 0.1% to $3,398.65 per ounce, while December futures on the COMEX surged 1% to $3,488.60 per ounce by 00:26 ET (04:26 GMT). For the week, spot gold was up roughly 0.8%, with futures poised to rise about 2.6%.

U.S. Imposes Tariffs on 1-Kilo Gold Bars, Financial Times Reports

According to a Thursday report from the Financial Times, the United States has introduced import tariffs on one-kilo gold bars, a move that could shake up the global bullion trade and negatively affect Switzerland.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency determined that one-kilogram and 100-ounce gold bars fall under a customs classification subject to duties, referencing a ruling dated July 31. This decision deviates from earlier expectations that gold bars would be exempt from the broad tariffs enacted under President Trump’s administration. One-kilo bars represent the most commonly traded size on the COMEX, the world’s largest gold futures market, with many of these bars originating from Switzerland.

These tariffs add further pressure on Switzerland, which already faces a 39% duty on exports to the U.S. The country is a leading global gold refiner and a major exporter of gold to the American market.

News of the tariffs contributed to a sharp rally in COMEX gold futures this week, which outperformed spot prices significantly.

This year, gold prices have surged to historic highs, driven by increased safe-haven demand amid rising global economic uncertainties largely tied to the trade tensions sparked by Trump’s tariff policies.

Meanwhile, other precious metals retreated on Friday as investors favored gold amid fears of supply disruptions. Spot platinum dipped 0.5% to $1,334.14 per ounce, and spot silver fell 0.2% to $38.2065 per ounce.

Among industrial metals, copper prices saw modest gains. London Metal Exchange copper futures rose 0.4% to $9,716.65 per ton, while COMEX copper futures edged up 0.2% to $4.4235 per pound.

COMEX copper initially rallied above $5 per pound following Trump’s announcement of 50% tariffs on copper imports. However, his subsequent exemption of refined copper from these tariffs triggered a notable pullback in U.S. copper prices.

Dollar Weakness Supports Metal Prices; Fed Leadership in Spotlight

The dollar’s recent weakness has bolstered metal prices this week, as investors increasingly price in a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September.

This expectation follows a series of disappointing labor market data, indicating a steady slowdown in employment growth.

In related news, Bloomberg reported that Fed Governor Christopher Waller is emerging as President Trump’s preferred candidate to succeed Jerome Powell, whose term ends in mid-2026.

Waller was one of two Fed officials who voted for a rate reduction in July, aligning with Trump’s calls for more accommodative monetary policy.

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.