Category: Market News

Strategic Minerals (LSE:SML) has announced the completion of three additional drill holes at its Redmoor project, each intersecting the full thickness of the sheeted vein system. These results signal strong potential for expanding the project’s resource base. In parallel, the company is undertaking new metallurgical test work aimed at improving metal recovery rates and enhancing overall process economics. An updated mineral resource estimate is scheduled for release in early 2026.

The company’s outlook points to a solid financial recovery and an appealing valuation profile, although technical indicators suggest possible short-term pressure. Past market volatility remains a factor to watch.

About Strategic Minerals plc

Strategic Minerals is an international exploration and production company focused on the Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project in east Cornwall — recognized as the highest-grade undeveloped tungsten resource in Europe.

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.
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Supply@ME Capital PLC (LSE:SYME) has confirmed the successful receipt of the final tranche of US$2.198 million from its US$5.15 million on-demand convertible funding facility with Nuburu Inc.. The funds, fully received by 17 October 2025, are expected to boost the company’s cash flow and reinforce its overall financial position.

The transaction also underscores the strategic alignment between the two firms, with Alessandro Zamboni serving as both CEO of Supply@ME and Executive Chairman of Nuburu, highlighting the leadership synergy behind the funding arrangement.

About Supply@ME Capital PLC

Supply@ME is a fintech company providing inventory monetisation solutions for manufacturing and trading businesses. Its platform enables companies to unlock liquidity by converting existing stock into cash through third-party funders — all without taking on additional debt.

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.
Some portions of this content may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools and been reviewed for accuracy and quality by our editorial team.

Volex plc (LSE:VLX) has announced plans to release its interim results for the six-month period ending 30 September 2025 on 12 November 2025. The company will follow the announcement with an analyst briefing at 9:00 a.m. GMT on the same day, and a virtual investor presentation scheduled for 1:00 p.m. GMT on 14 November 2025. These events are expected to offer key insights into Volex’s financial performance and strategic direction.

The company’s outlook remains supported by strong financial results and constructive earnings commentary, reflecting solid growth momentum and effective strategy execution. While technical indicators suggest short-term bearish pressure, the broader trend continues to point toward long-term strength. With a fair valuation, the stock presents a balanced proposition for investors.

About Volex plc

Volex is a global leader in power and data connectivity solutions for mission-critical industries. Its diversified customer base spans five key sectors: electric vehicles, consumer electricals, medical technology, complex industrial systems, and off-highway applications. Headquartered in the UK, the company operates 25 advanced manufacturing sites worldwide and employs 13,000 people across 25 countries. Its products are distributed globally through local sales teams and authorized partners, serving major OEMs and EMS providers.

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.
Some portions of this content may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools and been reviewed for accuracy and quality by our editorial team.

Seraphim Space Investment Trust PLC (LSE:SSIT) has delivered robust financial results for the year ending June 2025, with its portfolio valuation climbing 28.9% to £259.8 million. This growth was driven by heightened defense sector activity and notable valuation gains in core investments such as ICEYE. The trust also expanded its investment footprint through new and follow-on commitments while several portfolio companies reached key operational milestones and secured fresh funding rounds.

Geopolitical developments, particularly across Europe, have accelerated demand for space-based intelligence and surveillance capabilities, directly benefiting the company’s investment portfolio. Liquidity has also improved thanks to IPO activity and partial sell-downs of listed assets, placing the trust in a solid position to capitalize on favorable market dynamics.

From a financial perspective, Seraphim Space Investment Trust shows a stable balance sheet and stronger profitability metrics. However, the stock faces headwinds from negative cash flows and bearish technical indicators. While the absence of a dividend yield could dampen near-term investor appetite, its strategic exposure to the expanding SpaceTech sector supports a positive long-term outlook.

About Seraphim Space Investment Trust PLC

Seraphim Space Investment Trust is the world’s first publicly listed SpaceTech investment vehicle. It focuses on innovative space technology companies, with a strong emphasis on private market investments. Key areas of focus include satellite systems, space intelligence, and surveillance — sectors gaining momentum amid rising defense budgets and geopolitical shifts.

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.
Some portions of this content may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools and been reviewed for accuracy and quality by our editorial team.

Strip Tinning Holdings plc (LSE:STG) has landed a significant purchase order to supply its battery system connector for the final development phase of the Zoox Robotaxi program. This contract marks an important strategic milestone for the company as it continues to face external pressures such as U.S. tariff measures and supply chain constraints.

Despite these headwinds, the company remains confident in meeting its 2025 market expectations and has also secured a research and development tax credit claim to support its financial position.

While Strip Tinning’s recent performance has been challenged by lower revenues and liquidity pressures, management points to strategic growth initiatives and grant funding opportunities as potential catalysts for future improvement. Technical analysis shows mixed signals but hints at the potential for a short-term recovery.

About Strip Tinning Holdings plc

Strip Tinning is a leading supplier of advanced connection solutions used in battery modules and automotive glazing systems across the global automotive sector.

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.
Some portions of this content may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools and been reviewed for accuracy and quality by our editorial team.

U.S. equities appear set for a subdued start on Friday, with index futures hovering around the flat line after pointing lower earlier in the session. The tentative recovery in futures reflects lingering uncertainty surrounding credit risks in the U.S. banking sector following Thursday’s sharp downturn.

Shares of Jefferies Financial Group (NYSE:JEF) are up 4% in pre-market trading after Oppenheimer & Co. upgraded the stock to “Outperform” from “Perform.” The investment bank’s shares had plunged more than 10% the previous day on concerns about its exposure to bankrupt auto parts firm First Brands. Oppenheimer noted, however, that its exposure is “very limited.”

Futures sentiment is also being supported by gains in several regional banks. Shares of Fifth Third Bancorp (NASDAQ:FITB), Huntington Bancshares (NASDAQ:HBAN), and Truist Financial (NYSE:TFC) have risen in pre-market trading after the lenders reported stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings.

Credit card giant American Express (NYSE:AXP) is also gaining ground after beating third-quarter estimates and raising its full-year guidance.

Still, overall trading volumes could remain light with no major U.S. economic data releases expected due to the ongoing government shutdown. Many traders are also staying cautious ahead of further developments in the trade dispute between the U.S. and China.

In an interview with Fox Business this morning, President Donald Trump commented on the tariffs he has threatened on Chinese goods, stating they are “probably not [sustainable]” but argued “they forced me to do that.”

Stocks initially rallied on Thursday but lost momentum as the day went on, ultimately finishing lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 301.07 points, or 0.7%, to 45,952.24; the S&P 500 slid 41.99 points, or 0.6%, to 6,629.07; and the Nasdaq Composite declined 107.54 points, or 0.5%, to 22,562.54.

The weakness was fueled by renewed concerns over bad loans linked to the bankruptcies of First Brands and Tricolor Holdings. “When you see one cockroach, there are probably more,” Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, warned earlier this week.

Regional lenders Zions Bancorporation (NASDAQ:ZION) and Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL) tumbled amid concerns over loan quality, while Jefferies also sank.

Earlier in the day, the tech sector got a temporary boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM), which reported a stronger-than-expected jump in Q3 profits on robust AI chip demand and raised its revenue outlook. Despite reaching a record intraday high, the chipmaker ended down 1.6%.

On the macroeconomic front, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia said its diffusion index for current general activity plunged to -12.8 in October from 23.2 in September, signaling contraction. Economists had anticipated a drop to 10.0.

Banking stocks led Thursday’s declines, dragging the KBW Bank Index down 3.6%. Brokerage shares also weakened, with the NYSE Arca Broker/Dealer Index losing 1.9%.

Airline, energy, and retail stocks faced additional selling pressure, while gold miners outperformed as the precious metal extended its rally to new record highs.

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.
Some portions of this content may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools and been reviewed for accuracy and quality by our editorial team.

European equities fell sharply on Friday as renewed concerns over the health of U.S. regional lenders sent shockwaves through global markets.

The selloff was triggered after Zions Bancorporation (NASDAQ:ZION) and Western Alliance Bancorporation (NYSE:WAL) revealed their exposure to alleged borrower fraud, reigniting fears of instability in the credit market.

The DAX in Germany dropped 1.4%, while the FTSE 100 in the U.K. slipped 1.0%. France’s CAC 40 held largely steady, showing minimal movement compared to its peers.

Banking stocks led the declines. Shares of Commerzbank (TG:CBK), Deutsche Bank (TG:DBK), BNP Paribas (EU:BNP), Societe Generale (EU:GLE) and Lloyds Banking Group (LSE:LLOY) all fell as investors assessed potential knock-on effects from U.S. credit market stress.

Automaker Volvo Group (BIT:1VOLC) also tumbled after warning that new U.S. tariffs could dampen demand for heavy-duty trucks in North America in 2025.

Drugmaker Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) slumped as well, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s promise to cut the price of its blockbuster weight-loss drug, Ozempic.

There were bright spots amid the downturn. Pearson (LSE:PSON) shares jumped after reporting a 4% rise in underlying group sales for the third quarter of 2025.

Spanish lender BBVA (NYSE:BBVA) also rallied after its hostile all-stock takeover offer for Banco de Sabadell fell short of the minimum acceptance level, lifting investor sentiment.

Meanwhile, Smiths Group (LSE:SMIN) gained ground after announcing plans to divest or spin off two of its four core business divisions as part of a strategic streamlining initiative.

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.
Some portions of this content may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools and been reviewed for accuracy and quality by our editorial team.

Shares of ASOS (LSE:ASC) declined more than 3% on Friday after the British online fashion retailer disclosed it is in talks with German customs authorities regarding a legal dispute tied to import duty corrections from previous financial years.

ASOS explained it has been engaged in “ongoing discussions and legal processes” with German customs after assessments were issued on past import duties. The company stated it is formally challenging the claims and believes the maximum potential impact is not material, having reviewed more than 95% of the tens of thousands of customs declarations under review.

According to ASOS, this analysis — which aligns with World Trade Organization customs valuation methods and is backed by external legal counsel — places its additional liability at approximately €0.5 million ($585,900). The company emphasized it will continue to follow the appropriate legal channels.

The development comes after a report from the Financial Times indicated that German tax authorities are pursuing unpaid customs duties on shipments entering the country over several years.

ASOS previously warned that its annual revenue may miss market forecasts due to weak consumer spending, with profits expected to land at the lower end of guidance.

The retailer has been attempting to revitalize its fast-fashion image among younger shoppers while simultaneously cutting costs, as it faces mounting competition from Chinese rivals and trade-related headwinds in the U.S.

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.
Some portions of this content may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools and been reviewed for accuracy and quality by our editorial team.

UBS Switzerland AG expects UK equities to rebound strongly over the next two years, forecasting a turnaround in earnings following a bottoming out in 2025.

In its latest outlook, UBS projects UK corporate earnings will contract by 3% in 2025 before staging a meaningful recovery with 5% growth in 2026 and accelerating further to between 15% and 20% in 2027.

The FTSE 100 has shown resilience this year despite muted economic growth, a firm British pound, and elevated interest rates. UBS highlighted that just five companies — mainly in defense, healthcare, banking, and tobacco — have accounted for almost half of the MSCI UK index’s returns so far.

Matthew Gilman, CIO Equity Strategist at UBS, said he expects market gains to become more broad-based as economic conditions improve. The bank set targets of 9,600 for the FTSE 100 by December 2025 and 9,800 by June 2026.

UBS recommends selective positioning in UK equities, prioritizing three themes: companies benefiting from structural transformation (such as IT, industrials, and utilities), undervalued high-quality exporters, and selective exposure to monetary and fiscal policy trends.

The bank recently upgraded its utilities sector view to “Attractive,” citing strong structural growth potential from rising power demand driven by electrification and data center expansion. It also sees opportunities in real estate, supported by expected interest rate cuts.

In its bullish case, UBS believes the FTSE 100 could climb to 10,500 by mid-2026, supported by progress on U.S. trade agreements, diversification by U.S. investors into UK assets, favorable policy responses, higher commodity prices, or a weaker pound.

Conversely, its downside scenario sees the index potentially falling to 7,000 if a global slowdown takes hold, inflation remains sticky, commodity prices drop, or sterling strengthens further.

While UBS holds an optimistic view on UK stocks, it continues to prefer U.S. and Asian markets overall, pointing to their stronger exposure to innovation-led growth.

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.
Some portions of this content may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools and been reviewed for accuracy and quality by our editorial team.

Wall Street futures were under pressure Friday as concerns over the stability of U.S. regional banks mixed with persistent trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. Oracle Corporation (NYSE:ORCL) unveiled an ambitious long-term growth forecast fueled by surging AI demand, while CSX Transportation (NASDAQ:CSX) posted weaker profits but still outperformed expectations. Meanwhile, Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU) is reportedly preparing to halt server chip shipments to Chinese data centers, and gold’s record-setting rally shows no sign of slowing.

Futures Extend Losses

U.S. equity futures pointed sharply lower, setting up a continuation of Thursday’s selloff as investors grew uneasy about credit risks facing regional lenders.

By 03:46 ET, Dow futures were down 546 points (1.2%), S&P 500 futures fell 96 points (1.5%), and Nasdaq 100 futures slid 382 points (1.5%).

Thursday’s session saw the main indexes retreat after a negative credit update from Zions Bancorporation intensified worries linked to the recent collapses of auto parts supplier First Brands and dealership TriColor.

Zions shares plunged 13%, while Western Alliance Bancorporation lost more than 10% after disclosing a fraud lawsuit against one of its borrowers. Rising U.S. Treasury yields added further pressure across equities.

In a note, analysts at Vital Knowledge warned that “people [are growing] more concerned about a potential systemic problem,” but also noted that “based on all the bank reports thus far, it does seem like First Brands and TriColor are isolated, as credit quality in aggregate remains healthy.”

Oracle’s Bold AI Forecast

Oracle Corporation offered investors an optimistic view of its future, unveiling a long-term financial outlook driven by skyrocketing AI demand that the company described as “really hard to comprehend.”

At an analyst meeting Thursday, executives projected revenue of $225 billion and adjusted earnings of $21 per share by fiscal 2030 — both ahead of Wall Street estimates. Nearly two-thirds of that revenue is expected to come from Oracle’s AI-powered cloud infrastructure.

CEO Clay Magouyrk emphasized the breadth of demand, noting that new bookings are arriving from a diverse customer base, not just from OpenAI.

Although the guidance was widely anticipated, analysts flagged potential margin pressures as Oracle ramps up AI spending. According to LSEG data cited by Reuters, gross margins are expected to dip slightly by fiscal 2027. Shares fell in after-hours trading.

CSX Posts Mixed Quarter

Shares of CSX Transportation moved higher after hours despite reporting a drop in third-quarter profit to $694 million, or $0.37 per share, compared to the prior year. Excluding $164 million in impairment charges, earnings came in at $0.44 a share, topping analyst forecasts.

CEO Steve Angel hinted that the company remains open to “any strategic options” that make sense, fueling ongoing speculation about potential mergers. Earlier this year, an $85 billion deal between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern intensified talk of consolidation in the sector.

CSX and BNSF Railway already announced a partnership in August to link routes between the U.S. West and East Coasts, a move that eased some of the merger rumors. Nonetheless, activist investor Ancora Holdings continues to pressure CSX to pursue a tie-up.

Micron to Halt Server Chip Sales to China

Micron Technology plans to stop supplying server chips to Chinese data centers, according to Reuters, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

The move comes after China’s 2023 ban on Micron products in “critical infrastructure,” widely seen as a response to U.S. export controls on advanced technology. Micron will continue to sell to Chinese firms with data center operations outside the country, including Lenovo Group, as well as to the automotive and mobile sectors.

China accounted for roughly 12% of Micron’s revenue in its last fiscal year. Server chips are vital for running advanced AI applications, making the decision strategically significant.

Gold Rally Extends

Gold prices surged to new record highs as expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut and U.S.-China trade tensions fueled safe-haven demand.

Spot gold rose 0.3% to $4,339.28 per ounce at 03:33 ET after hitting a fresh high of $4,379.29 earlier in the session. U.S. gold futures for December climbed 1.0% to $4,348.86.

The metal is on track for its ninth consecutive weekly gain and fifth straight session of record-breaking prices. In addition to Fed expectations, strong central bank buying, inflows into gold ETFs, and robust Asian demand are sustaining the rally.

Trade tensions and concerns over a prolonged U.S. government shutdown have further reinforced the flight to gold.

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.
Some portions of this content may have been generated or assisted by artificial intelligence (AI) tools and been reviewed for accuracy and quality by our editorial team.