Author: Fiona Craig

Rockfire Resources PLC (LSE:ROCK) has completed the first drill hole in its resource upgrade program at the Molaoi zinc deposit in Greece. The hole intersected a 2.5-metre-wide zone containing visible zinc mineralization, with preliminary spot samples indicating notable levels of zinc, lead, and silver. Despite challenging drilling conditions caused by extensive fault zones, the results have provided valuable geological insights into the structure of the deposit, particularly regarding regional growth faults. To accelerate progress, the company plans to relocate the current rig and is seeking an additional drill rig to increase drilling efficiency.

More about Rockfire Resources PLC

Rockfire Resources PLC is a mineral exploration company focused on gold, base metals, and critical minerals. Its flagship asset, the Molaoi zinc deposit in Greece, hosts high-grade zinc, lead, silver, and germanium mineralization. The company also holds a portfolio of exploration projects in Queensland, Australia, including the Plateau and Marengo prospects, which are prospective for gold, copper, and silver.

Auto Trader Group plc (LSE:AUTO) reported a 5% year-on-year increase in group revenue and a 6% rise in operating profit for the first half of 2025. The company introduced Co-Driver, a new generative AI tool designed to enhance vehicle listings and improve the customer experience across its platform. Growth in retailer revenue and continued strong demand for used cars contributed to the solid performance. Additionally, the introduction of a new government electric vehicle grant is expected to provide a tailwind for the new car segment in the coming months. Auto Trader also returned £162.2 million to shareholders and announced an interim dividend of 3.8 pence per share.

The company’s outlook remains positive, supported by strong financial results, effective strategic execution, and innovation in AI-driven services. While revenue and profit trends indicate continued growth momentum, mixed technical signals and a moderate valuation suggest a balanced near-term view.

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Auto Trader Group plc is the UK’s leading digital automotive marketplace and a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. The company is dedicated to transforming the car buying and selling process through technology, data analytics, and strategic industry partnerships. Its platform hosts a comprehensive range of vehicles, connecting consumers and retailers while promoting sustainable practices in the automotive sector. Auto Trader’s focus on innovation and user experience has solidified its position at the center of the UK automotive ecosystem.

Quantum Base Holdings Plc (LSE:QUBE) has confirmed that its 2025 Annual General Meeting will take place on December 1, 2025, at Lancaster University. The company continues to make progress in the development and commercialization of its Q-ID technology—a secure, non-intrusive authentication solution designed to combat counterfeiting across multiple industries. By enhancing the scalability and accessibility of its technology, Quantum Base aims to strengthen its position as a leader in next-generation security solutions.

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Quantum Base Holdings Plc is a pioneering quantum science company dedicated to establishing a new global benchmark in authentication through its patented Q-ID platform. Its Q-ID tags are built on atomic-level randomness, creating unique, non-replicable identifiers that guarantee product authenticity. These tags can be verified instantly using standard smartphone technology, providing a simple yet highly secure method to prevent counterfeiting in sectors ranging from luxury goods to pharmaceuticals.

RS Group plc (LSE:RS1) has announced its half-year results for 2025, reporting performance broadly in line with expectations and reaffirming its full-year outlook. While group revenue declined by 3% year-on-year, modest growth in the second quarter—driven by stronger demand in the Americas and APAC—helped offset weaker performance in the EMEA region. Ongoing restructuring initiatives and disciplined cost management have begun to deliver operational benefits, reinforcing the company’s financial stability amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges. Management remains confident in achieving its medium-term financial objectives as trading conditions gradually improve.

The company’s outlook highlights a stable balance sheet and continued operational efficiencies, though revenue growth remains an area of focus. Technical indicators point to a cautious stance amid prevailing bearish trends, while the stock’s valuation appears compelling, supported by a reasonable price-to-earnings ratio and a healthy dividend yield. Limited updates from earnings calls or corporate events provide few additional insights for now.

More about RS Group plc

RS Group plc is a global provider of high-service product and service solutions for industrial and commercial customers, operating across 36 markets worldwide. The company offers more than 830,000 stocked products and lists an additional five million items from over 2,500 suppliers. With a focus on sustainability and efficiency, RS Group combines physical, digital, and process infrastructure to deliver a seamless customer experience. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, the company reported annual revenue of £2.9 billion for the year ended 31 March 2025.

Hiscox Ltd (LSE:HSX) reported a 5.9% rise in group insurance contract written premiums for the first nine months of 2025, reflecting solid performance across its retail, London Market, and reinsurance divisions. The insurer expects retail segment growth to exceed 6%, supported by strong distribution partnerships, new broker agreements, and continued investment in digital capabilities. Hiscox also reported steady progress in its transformation program and share buyback initiative, both aimed at strengthening its capital efficiency and competitive position. The company’s disciplined approach to capital allocation and focus on product innovation continue to underpin its strategy amid challenging conditions in property and casualty lines.

Hiscox’s outlook remains constructive, backed by a solid earnings call performance and reasonable valuation levels. While financial results are stable, the company continues to manage some cash flow headwinds. Technical indicators currently point to a neutral trend, suggesting limited directional momentum in the near term.

More about Hiscox

Hiscox Ltd is a global specialist insurer providing tailored insurance solutions through its retail, London Market, and reinsurance (Hiscox Re & ILS) businesses. The company is recognized for its expertise in niche markets and commitment to high-quality service, offering a diverse portfolio of products that cover both individual and commercial clients. Hiscox leverages its underwriting experience and innovation to capture growth opportunities across multiple regions and market segments.

Howden Joinery Group plc (LSE:HWDN) has reported continued trading strength and reaffirmed its outlook for 2025, with group sales rising 2.8% year-on-year. The company achieved record revenues during its peak trading season, supported by a broad product offering and a strong customer service network. International operations also performed well, posting a 14.7% increase in sales, underscoring the success of Howdens’ trade-focused business model. Management remains confident in meeting full-year profit expectations, citing ongoing strategic investments and innovation across its kitchen and joinery ranges.

The company’s robust financial position and disciplined cash management continue to underpin its outlook. While short-term technical indicators suggest potential overbought conditions, valuation remains fair with a moderate price-to-earnings ratio and a healthy dividend yield. Recent commentary from its earnings call pointed to strong top-line growth alongside some cost pressures, resulting in an overall balanced view of near-term prospects.

More about Howden Joinery

Howden Joinery Group plc is the UK’s largest supplier of trade kitchens, offering a wide selection of kitchens, joinery, and related products designed for local builders and trade professionals. The company operates major manufacturing sites in Runcorn, Cheshire, and Howden, East Yorkshire. At the end of 2024, Howdens managed 869 depots across the UK, along with an expanding presence in France, Belgium, and the Republic of Ireland.

Frontier Developments plc (LSE:FDEV) has reported impressive early results for Jurassic World Evolution 3, with sales surpassing 500,000 units within just over two weeks—outpacing the launch performance of its previous installment. Building on this success, the company confirmed that a sequel to Planet Zoo, its top-selling title to date, is currently in development. These milestones underscore Frontier’s sustained creative momentum and the strong engagement of its gaming community across its flagship franchises.

The company’s near-term outlook remains positive, supported by solid financials and a fair market valuation. Technical indicators point to strong momentum, though some overbought signals suggest a cautious stance may be prudent. Despite the lack of recent earnings call updates or major corporate events, overall sentiment around Frontier Developments remains upbeat.

More about Frontier Developments

Founded in 1994 by David Braben, Frontier Developments plc is one of the UK’s leading independent video game developers and publishers. Headquartered in Cambridge, the company leverages its proprietary COBRA technology to deliver innovative, high-quality games across PC and console platforms. Frontier’s portfolio spans a mix of original IP and licensed titles, combining creativity with technical excellence to engage players worldwide.

Tate & Lyle PLC (LSE:TATE) has reported its interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2025, announcing an increase in its interim dividend to 6.6 pence per share, up from 6.4 pence a year earlier. The company will hold a presentation for analysts and investors, led by its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, which will also be streamed live online. The update underscores Tate & Lyle’s continued focus on rewarding shareholders and advancing its growth strategy, following the integration of CP Kelco—an acquisition that has strengthened its position in the global food ingredients market.

The company’s outlook points to steady financial performance supported by solid earnings call commentary, though tempered by technical market signals and a relatively high valuation. While its strategic initiatives and robust dividend yield remain key strengths, current trading momentum suggests a degree of caution may be warranted.

More about Tate & Lyle

Tate & Lyle PLC is an international leader in ingredient solutions, dedicated to making food and beverages healthier and more enjoyable. Its expertise spans sweetening, texture, and fortification, helping food producers reduce sugar, fat, and calories while boosting fiber and protein content. Operating in over 120 countries, the company serves diverse sectors including beverages, dairy, and bakery. Through its acquisition of CP Kelco—a specialist in pectin and hydrocolloids—Tate & Lyle has expanded its innovation capabilities. The company employs more than 5,000 people worldwide.

European markets were largely unchanged on Wednesday, hovering close to a two-week low as investors digested a sharp overnight sell-off in U.S. technology shares.

Losses in the region were partially offset by encouraging economic data from Germany, where factory orders rose more than expected in September, helped by stronger demand in the automotive and electrical equipment sectors.

According to Destatis, German factory orders increased 1.1% month-on-month in September, exceeding forecasts for a 0.9% gain and rebounding from a revised 0.4% drop in August.

In equity markets, the U.K.’s FTSE 100 edged up 0.2%, while the French CAC 40 slipped 0.1% and Germany’s DAX declined 0.3%.

Among individual movers, Bouygues (EU:EN) rose after the French conglomerate maintained its full-year revenue growth outlook and posted a stronger-than-expected operating profit for the first nine months.
Fresenius (BIT:1FME) gained ground as the German healthcare group lifted its full-year EBIT guidance, while Kontron (TG:KTN) rallied after confirming its 2025 earnings forecast and reporting robust margin expansion.

BMW (TG:BMW) advanced after the automaker reported a higher-than-expected profit margin in its core automotive division for the third quarter.

In the U.K., Barratt Redrow (LSE:BTRW) climbed after reaffirming its fiscal 2026 target for total home completions.

Elsewhere, Ahold Delhaize (EU:AD) jumped after announcing a €1 billion share buyback, reflecting confidence in its financial position.

On the downside, Siemens Healthineers (BIT:1SHL) plunged after quarterly revenue came in slightly below forecasts, while Marks & Spencer (LSE:MKS) retreated as first-half profits were cut in half following a major cyberattack earlier this year that disrupted its online operations.

U.S. stock futures pointed to a slightly lower open on Wednesday, suggesting that Wall Street may extend the previous session’s losses amid renewed unease over stretched valuations and mounting fears of a potential artificial intelligence bubble.

Among early movers, Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) dropped 2.5% in premarket trading, leading the decline after reporting better-than-expected third-quarter results but offering fourth-quarter margin guidance that merely met market forecasts, dampening investor sentiment.

Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:SMCI) also slid 7.6% premarket, following fiscal first-quarter results that fell short of expectations, while Arista Networks (NYSE:ANET) retreated sharply despite posting strong beats on both earnings and revenue.

The futures market, however, pared some losses after ADP’s private employment report showed a stronger-than-anticipated rebound in hiring for October. According to ADP, U.S. private sector employment rose by 42,000 jobs last month, following a revised loss of 29,000 in September. Economists had forecast a gain of just 25,000 jobs.

Tuesday’s session saw stocks struggle to sustain early gains, with all major averages finishing in the red. The Nasdaq Composite tumbled 486.09 points, or 2.0%, to 23,348.64, while the S&P 500 lost 80.42 points, or 1.2%, to 6,771.55, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 251.44 points, or 0.5%, to 47,085.24.

The sell-off reflected growing skepticism about tech valuations, which have fueled market highs this year amid enthusiasm surrounding AI-driven growth.

Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:PLTR) was a notable laggard, plunging 8%, even after the company beat estimates and raised its revenue outlook.
“It speaks to just how supercharged Palantir’s share price has been in 2025 that even a set of numbers as impressive as those it produced for its third quarter were insufficient to sustain the momentum,” said Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell.
He added, “Even in the context of the booming AI sector, the company’s valuation has reached high levels as investors have seized on its perceived close links with the Trump administration and AI-driven revenue growth.”

Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER) also fell 5.1%, despite stronger-than-expected third-quarter revenue, while Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM) gained 7.3% after reporting robust results that exceeded forecasts.

Further weighing on sentiment, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon warned investors to brace for a potential correction, saying, “It’s likely there’ll be a 10 to 20 percent drawdown in equity markets sometime in the next 12 to 24 months. Things run, and then they pull back so people can reassess.”

Sector-wise, gold miners led the declines, with the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index sinking 4.5%, following a sharp drop in gold prices. Computer hardware stocks also fell steeply, with the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index down 4.4% after hitting a record high earlier in the week.

The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index slid 4.0%, while airline, steel, networking, and energy stocks all came under pressure — underscoring the breadth of Tuesday’s market retreat.