Category: Market News

Guardian Metal Resources PLC (LSE:GMET) has unveiled plans to pursue a U.S. securities exchange listing, either through ordinary shares or American Depositary Receipts (ADRs). The company intends to use the capital raised from the listing to accelerate the development of its tungsten projects in Nevada. Management sees the move as a strategic step to strengthen its financial position, broaden investor access, and enhance market visibility, with potential benefits for both operations and stakeholders.

About Guardian Metal Resources PLC

Guardian Metal Resources PLC is focused on the exploration and development of tungsten assets, with its primary operations based in Nevada, USA.

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.

Norman Broadbent (LSE:NBB) has delivered its best-ever interim results for the first half of 2025, reporting sharp increases in net fee income and underlying EBITDA. Management credits the performance to strategic investment in talent and a sharpened focus on operational efficiency, which have driven higher productivity and enhanced financial resilience. The rollout of an AI-powered assessment platform, alongside new international hires in the U.S. and UAE, is expected to further support the company’s expansion efforts.

The group has undergone a successful transformation, strengthening its market presence and improving its cash position, laying solid foundations for future growth.

While the financial outlook still reflects challenges around profitability and liquidity, the company benefits from strong technical momentum and positive corporate developments. Although the stock’s valuation remains pressured by negative earnings, strategic actions and insider confidence are seen as encouraging signs for investors.

About Norman Broadbent

Founded in 1979, Norman Broadbent is a UK-based professional services firm specializing in executive search, interim management, and leadership advisory solutions. The company serves a broad client base across industries including consumer, financial services, life sciences, industrials, investor relations, and technology, media & telecoms (TMT), with both domestic and international 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.

Roquefort Therapeutics PLC (LSE:ROC) has announced the acquisition of Coiled Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage oncology firm, through a reverse takeover valued at £30 million in shares. This deal marks a pivotal shift for Roquefort, transitioning it into a clinical-stage biotech player with a stronger portfolio of advanced assets. Among these is AO-252, a cancer therapy currently in Phase I trials that holds considerable promise.

As part of the transaction, A2A Pharmaceuticals has committed significant funding to back Roquefort’s growth and pipeline expansion. The acquisition also establishes a strategic partnership with A2A, giving Roquefort access to its SCULPT™ drug discovery platform, which is expected to provide further opportunities for innovation. Management views the deal as a major step in enhancing shareholder value and strengthening the company’s market position.

About Roquefort Therapeutics PLC

Roquefort Therapeutics PLC is a London-listed biotechnology company focused on advancing from pre-clinical research to clinical-stage development. Its work centers on oncology drug discovery and development, incorporating machine learning technologies to improve treatment outcomes and accelerate progress in the field.

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.

Chill Brands Group (LSE:CHLL) has announced a strategic collaboration with SYP Global Limited aimed at creating and introducing an innovative nicotine delivery system. The partnership enhances Chill Brands’ position in the growing nicotine alternatives market by combining its established distribution network with SYP Global’s product development expertise. While the technology is still in the development phase and not expected to generate short-term revenue, the agreement represents a significant opportunity for Chill Brands to align with a breakthrough product that could influence the future direction of the industry.

About Chill Brands Group plc

Chill Brands Group plc is a consumer packaged goods company with a strong focus on distribution-led growth. Its portfolio spans tobacco alternatives, functional beverages, and other high-potential consumer products, with a core emphasis on the convenience retail channel. The company works with both emerging and established FMCG brands, offering end-to-end market access solutions, and also operates its own direct-to-consumer platform, chill.com.

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.

Solid State plc (LSE:SOLI) has revealed a new strategic alliance between its Custom Power division and Volklec, the UK’s sole independent battery manufacturer. The collaboration is designed to deliver an end-to-end energy solution for the defence sector, covering everything from cell development to battery pack design and lifecycle support. By combining Volklec’s 21700 lithium-ion cell technology with Custom Power’s advanced battery management systems, the partnership aims to reinforce the UK’s industrial base, reduce dependency on overseas suppliers, and contribute to national energy resilience. The initiative is supported by MAKE UK Defence and aligns with the priorities of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review and the government’s Net Zero commitments.

From a financial standpoint, Solid State faces headwinds. The company’s high price-to-earnings ratio points to potential overvaluation, while weaker technical indicators and financial performance limit near-term investor appeal. However, strategic collaborations like this one suggest room for longer-term growth.

About Solid State

Solid State plc is a specialist electronics group supplying durable components, assemblies, and systems for critical use cases in industrial and defence markets. Its expertise spans rugged computing, power solutions, secure communications, imaging, antennas, and electronic displays. The company operates through its Systems and Components divisions, serving industries such as defence, aerospace, energy, robotics, life sciences, and transportation. Headquartered in Redditch, UK, Solid State employs more than 400 staff worldwide and manages operations across 14 sites in the UK and abroad.

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.

BHP Group Limited (LSE:BHP) has announced its final dividend for the financial year ending June 30, 2025, confirming a payout of 60 US cents per share. The dividend is scheduled for distribution on September 25, 2025. Payments to shareholders in Australia, the United Kingdom, and South Africa will be converted from U.S. dollars into local currencies, based on the relevant exchange rates at the time. This update highlights BHP’s ongoing commitment to delivering value to its investors, while also noting that currency movements will influence the final returns for international holders.

About BHP Group Ltd

BHP Group Limited, headquartered in Australia, is one of the world’s largest resource companies. Its operations focus on the extraction and processing of key commodities including iron ore, copper, coal, and energy products. With a global footprint, BHP continues to emphasize sustainable development and technological innovation in managing natural resources.

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.

Shell plc (LSE:SHEL) has released the euro and British pound equivalents of its second-quarter 2025 dividend, following its earlier declaration of a US$0.358 per ordinary share payout. The dividend, scheduled for distribution on September 22, 2025, was translated from U.S. dollars using prevailing market exchange rates. This update underscores Shell’s continued focus on rewarding investors while advancing its broader strategy around the energy transition and evolving market conditions.

The company’s outlook reflects a combination of resilience and caution. A solid balance sheet and efficient operations remain key strengths, yet pressures from softer revenue and cash flow trends highlight ongoing risks. During its earnings call, management emphasized strategic progress, which was well received, though short-term market signals still point to a need for prudence.

About Shell (UK)

Shell plc is a multinational energy group with operations spanning oil and gas exploration, production, refining, and marketing, alongside its chemicals business. The company is actively reshaping its portfolio to align with net-zero ambitions and to position itself for long-term demand shifts in the global energy landscape.

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 dollar slid against major currencies on Friday, trimming its weekly gains as bond markets steadied and traders prepared for the release of U.S. employment data that could reinforce expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut.

Thursday’s data showing higher-than-anticipated U.S. jobless claims served as a prelude to the upcoming nonfarm payrolls report. Government bonds rallied across the U.S., Europe, and Japan after long-term yields had surged amid fiscal concerns, while the S&P 500 reached a new record high.

“It seems to me that the reaction to the ADP yesterday was a bit too muted,” said Francesco Pesole, FX strategist at ING. “All in all, it is pointing to a probably weak payroll figure today. I was a little surprised to see the dollar holding up yesterday.”

Pesole noted that early weakness in the dollar during European trading could reflect investors offloading greenbacks ahead of the U.S. employment release later in the session.

The dollar index, which tracks the greenback against a basket of major currencies, fell 0.2% to 98.018 on Friday, cutting its weekly gain to 0.2%. The dollar dropped 0.2% versus the yen to 148.14, while the euro rose 0.2% to $1.1682.

In the UK, July retail sales came in stronger than expected but had little effect on sterling, which gained 0.2% to $1.34695, while falling 0.05% versus the euro to 86.74 pence.

Investor caution has been heightened by U.S. President Donald Trump’s interference with Fed policy and unpredictable tariff moves, according to Bart Wakabayashi, Tokyo Branch Manager at State Street.

“The dollar remains very, very underweight,” Wakabayashi said. “I do think there is room for the dollar buying to come back at some point. Maybe investors are just waiting for the rate cut to happen and then pile back in.”

Several Fed officials have indicated that concerns about the labor market continue to support calls for rate cuts, strengthening expectations of an imminent easing. The Fed is scheduled to meet on September 16-17.

Economists surveyed by Reuters expect the Labor Department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics to report 75,000 new jobs in August, up slightly from July’s 73,000. Thursday’s figures had already signaled weaker-than-expected private payroll gains and higher jobless claims at month-end.

“The risk is still tilted to payrolls underperforming U.S. economists’ expectations that will weigh on the USD tonight,” wrote Joseph Capurso, head of international economics at the Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

CME FedWatch shows traders are now pricing in nearly a 100% chance of a Fed rate cut this month, up from 87% a week ago.

Michael Brown, senior research strategist at Pepperstone, said Friday’s report will not significantly alter the Fed’s course.

“The Fed will be delivering a 25-bp cut at the September meeting. A hot report shan’t dissuade them from doing so, given the broader trend of softening jobs data. A cool report shan’t convince them to plump for a larger rate reduction, given lingering upside inflation risks,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Stephen Miran, Trump’s nominee for a Fed seat, assured lawmakers on Thursday that he would “not at all” act as the president’s puppet in making interest-rate decisions.

Trump signed an order on Thursday to implement reduced tariffs on Japanese automobile imports and other products, initially announced in July. Japan confirmed it will continue purchasing $7 billion in U.S. energy products annually, according to a joint statement.

Elsewhere, the Australian dollar climbed 0.4% to $0.6544, and the New Zealand dollar rose 0.6% to $0.58785. Bitcoin advanced 2.16% to $112,796.78, while ether increased 2.1% to $4,398.61.

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 futures were slightly higher Friday as investors prepared for the release of the closely watched August nonfarm payrolls report. Market participants are eager for clues on the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate move, with expectations largely tilted toward a rate cut later this month. In other developments, ChatGPT developer OpenAI is reportedly planning to produce its own AI chip in partnership with Broadcom.

Futures show modest gains

By early Friday, Dow futures were largely flat, S&P 500 futures had risen about 0.2%, and Nasdaq 100 futures gained roughly 0.4%. Wall Street indices posted gains in the previous session, with the S&P 500 hitting a record closing high. Recent labor market data, showing slower private-sector hiring and slightly higher unemployment claims, have reinforced bets on a Fed rate reduction at the September 16-17 meeting.

Nonfarm payrolls report looms

Economists expect the U.S. to have added around 75,000 jobs in August, slightly above July’s 73,000. A weaker-than-expected reading could solidify market anticipation for a 25-basis point cut, with CME FedWatch pricing nearly a 100% probability. Fed officials face the dual challenge of managing inflation while supporting employment, with recent comments indicating labor market support may be the current priority.

The upcoming report follows a weaker-than-expected prior print, which also included significant downward revisions to May and June figures. That report had drawn criticism from President Donald Trump, who accused the data agency of political bias and later replaced its head with a loyalist.

OpenAI moves into in-house AI chips

OpenAI plans to manufacture its own AI chip starting in 2026, partnering with Broadcom, according to the Financial Times. The initiative aims to meet rising computing demands for AI programs while reducing dependence on Nvidia. Broadcom CEO Hock Tan confirmed a new customer had committed $10 billion in orders, which the FT identified as OpenAI. The chips will be used internally by OpenAI rather than sold externally. The announcement follows Broadcom’s strong Q3 earnings and upbeat guidance, with shares rising more than 6% in after-hours trading.

USMCA renegotiation on the horizon

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration is preparing to restart negotiations on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative is expected to hold public hearings, aiming for a formal renegotiation by the October 4 deadline. While initial consultations will gather input from businesses and unions, the process is expected to extend over several months. Trump’s administration has previously imposed and scaled back tariffs on Canada and Mexico, adding complexity to the talks.

Gold remains near highs

Gold prices were subdued in early European trading as investors awaited the U.S. payrolls report. Spot gold rose 0.1% to $3,547.80 an ounce, while December futures held near $3,607.82/oz. Expectations of a September rate cut have kept the yellow metal close to recent peaks, with broader metals markets also positioned for weekly gains. Lower rates tend to favor non-yielding assets like precious metals by reducing the opportunity cost relative to government bonds.

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 rose in early Asian trading on Friday, hovering near recent highs as investors increased bets on potential U.S. interest rate cuts. Market attention is focused on the upcoming nonfarm payrolls report, which could reinforce expectations of lower rates.

Spot gold advanced 0.4% to $3,559.82 an ounce, while December gold futures gained 0.3% to $3,617.87/oz by 01:04 ET (05:04 GMT). Earlier this week, spot prices touched a record $3,578.80/oz. Broader metal prices also moved higher, reflecting a weaker U.S. dollar amid growing confidence in a September rate reduction.

Gold Set for Third Consecutive Week of Gains

Gold is on track to rise about 3.2% this week, marking its third straight week of solid gains. Investor optimism about a September rate cut has been a key driver, alongside heightened safe-haven demand triggered by concerns over elevated government debt in developed nations and uncertainties surrounding the U.S. economy, including trade tariffs and the Fed’s independence.

Several Federal Reserve officials signaled this week that the central bank may be open to cutting rates in response to a cooling labor market. Recent data on jobless claims and job openings came in weaker than expected, prompting traders to increase expectations for a September rate reduction. CME FedWatch shows markets pricing in a more than 96% probability of a 25-basis-point cut at the September 16-17 meeting.

Industrial Metals Also Rise Ahead of Payrolls

Other metals followed gold’s upward trajectory. Spot platinum climbed 0.6% to $1,383.20/oz, gaining 1.1% for the week. Spot silver rose 0.5% to $40.8615/oz, up nearly 3% for the week.

Among industrial metals, London Metal Exchange copper futures increased 0.7% to $9,957.05 per ton, while COMEX copper rose 0.6% to $4.5932 per pound.

Investors are closely watching the U.S. nonfarm payrolls report, due at 08:30 ET (12:30 GMT), which is expected to show continued weak job growth in August. A soft reading could further support market expectations for a Fed rate cut in September. Lower interest rates generally benefit non-yielding assets such as gold and other metals, as the opportunity cost of holding them versus government bonds decreases.

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.