Category: Market News

Gold prices eased in Asian trading on Thursday, retreating from record highs as investors took profits and the U.S. dollar stabilized ahead of key labor and interest rate indicators.

Earlier this week, the yellow metal soared past $3,500 an ounce, driven by expectations that the Federal Reserve could reduce interest rates later this month. Concerns over elevated government debt in developed economies also supported safe-haven demand for gold.

Spot gold declined 0.8% to $3,531.69 per ounce, while December gold futures dropped 1.3% to $3,589.92 per ounce by 01:14 ET (05:14 GMT).

Profit-Taking Follows Record Gains

Gold hit an all-time high of $3,578.80 per ounce earlier in the week, spurred by multiple factors driving safe-haven buying. However, easing worries about the Fed’s independence prompted some profit-taking.

U.S. trade uncertainty also bolstered gold, after an appeals court deemed most of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs illegal. Trump indicated he plans to appeal to the Supreme Court, warning that rulings against his levies could undermine his administration’s recent trade deals.

Questions over Fed independence lingered amid legal challenges surrounding Trump’s attempt to remove Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Markets were reassured, however, when Stephen Miran, Trump’s nominee for the Fed, committed to maintaining the central bank’s autonomy.

A softer dollar earlier this week had lifted gold and other precious metals, though a modest recovery in the greenback prompted a broad pullback from recent peaks. Spot platinum fell 0.9% to $1,411.09 per ounce, and spot silver slipped nearly 1% to $40.83 per ounce.

Industrial Metals Pull Back

Benchmark copper on the London Metal Exchange dropped 0.8% to $9,909.50 a ton, while COMEX copper futures fell 1.1% to $4.5685 per pound, retreating from near six-month highs. Copper had risen earlier this week on speculation that China, the world’s largest importer, may release additional stimulus measures to boost domestic growth and metal demand.

Fed Rate Cuts and U.S. Jobs in Focus

Expectations that the Fed will lower rates in September have supported metals markets. CME FedWatch data show a nearly 97% probability that the central bank will cut rates by 25 basis points at its September 16-17 meeting.

Investors are also awaiting Friday’s U.S. nonfarm payroll report for insights into the labor market. Several Fed officials have indicated that a cooling labor market could encourage rate cuts, echoing comments from Chair Jerome Powell in August. July’s JOLTS job openings came in weaker than anticipated, reinforcing signs of a cooling labor market, while August PMI data pointed to ongoing contraction in U.S. manufacturing.

Lower interest rates tend to benefit non-yielding assets such as gold, as reduced rates diminish the opportunity cost of holding the metal.

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.

Oil prices declined in early Asian trading on Thursday, extending losses from the previous session as reports suggested OPEC+ may consider another output increase at its upcoming meeting.

Markets were also weighed down by industry data indicating a weekly rise in U.S. oil inventories, raising concerns about a post-summer slowdown in American fuel demand. Brent crude for November delivery fell 0.4% to $67.35 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 0.4% to $63.30 a barrel by 20:35 ET (00:35 GMT).

OPEC+ Production Hike Speculation

Reuters reported Wednesday that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, will consider further raising oil output when it meets on Sunday. This news offset earlier expectations that the group would maintain current production levels after increasing output by more than 2.2 million barrels per day so far this year.

This year’s production boosts partially reversed deep cuts implemented over the past two years to support prices. Additional increases would further unwind previous reductions, reflecting OPEC+ efforts to reclaim market share and offset continued weakness in oil prices. However, actual output from some members has lagged behind pledged levels due to internal dissent, leaving markets well-supplied and potentially weighing on prices in the months ahead.

U.S. Inventory Data Signals Oversupply

Industry data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) showed U.S. crude inventories rose by 0.6 million barrels in the week ending August 29, compared with expectations for a 3.4 million-barrel draw. The API figures typically precede official readings from the Energy Information Administration, scheduled for release later Thursday.

Beyond inventory data, market attention this week focuses on U.S. nonfarm payrolls due Friday, which may offer clues on economic growth and interest rate trends. Soft economic indicators usually weigh on oil prices by dampening demand expectations. Earlier this week, purchasing managers’ index data showed U.S. manufacturing activity contracted for a sixth consecutive month.

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.

Shares of Grafton Group (LSE:GFTU) climbed on Thursday after the building materials distributor confirmed its full-year 2025 guidance, supported by a rebound in recent trading.

The company posted first-half revenue of £1.25 billion, a 10.1% increase from the prior year, with like-for-like sales up 2.4%. Adjusted EBIT rose 9.5% to £91 million, slightly above expectations, representing 49% of consensus forecasts for the full year. Adjusted EPS reached 35.5 pence, a 6.5% increase, while free cash flow totaled £69 million, or 52% of the annual forecast. Net debt stood at £147 million, higher than RBC’s estimate of £103 million.

RBC analysts commented: “Despite unhelpful macro conditions, Grafton continues to operate well given the circumstances.” Trading momentum strengthened in July and August, with like-for-like sales up 2.3% year-on-year, matching the first-half pace after a slowdown in May and June. RBC noted that “Ireland and the Netherlands performed better against challenging conditions in the U.K. and Finland, in particular.”

The company declared a dividend of 10.75 pence per share, slightly below RBC’s forecast of 10.8 pence, and extended its share buyback program by £25 million. Consensus forecasts for FY25 point to total sales of £2.51 billion, up 10% from last year, with like-for-like growth of 2.2% and adjusted EBIT expected at £185.7 million. For 2026, consensus projects 4% sales growth and adjusted EBIT of £205 million.

RBC emphasized: “Despite a normalisation in trading, there is still a high level of caution heading into autumn trading and FY26.” They also highlighted Grafton’s financial strength: “Balance sheet firepower and earnings recovery potential remain core to our investment case, with an expanding pipeline of M&A opportunities.”

Regional performance varied, with Ireland seeing like-for-like sales rise 3.7% in H1 and accelerate to 5.3% in July and August. The Netherlands showed steady improvement, with summer sales up 2.8%. By contrast, the U.K. market remained subdued, with like-for-like sales of 0.2% in H1 and 0.5% in the summer, while Finland struggled, down 4.2% in H1 and 9% in July and August.

“Cash generation and net debt continue to be solid,” the analysts said, noting that these factors support Grafton’s stability despite pressure in some markets.

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.

Jet2 (LSE:JET2) shares fell more than 13% on Thursday after the airline and tour operator reported a shift toward later summer bookings and weaker flight-only pricing in its annual general meeting trading update, prompting analysts to lower earnings forecasts.

The company noted that summer 2025 demand has moved later in the season, with late bookings becoming more common since July. While package holidays remain resilient with modest price increases, flight-only tickets are being positioned as “increasingly attractive.” Summer seat capacity is unchanged at 18.5 million, up 8% from last year.

Jefferies analysts cut fiscal 2026 and 2027 EBIT estimates by 6% and 8%, reflecting softer capacity, mix, and pricing. EBIT for 2026 is now projected at £462 million, down from £493 million, while the 2027 forecast was reduced to £498 million from £540 million. The company expects EBIT to be “towards the lower end” of the consensus range of £449 million to £496 million.

Revenue forecasts were revised to £7.58 billion for 2026 and £8.17 billion for 2027, reflecting cuts of 3% and 5%, and earnings per share estimates were lowered to 210p in 2026 from 217p and 214p in 2027 from 226p. For the upcoming winter season, Jet2 reduced capacity plans slightly to 5.6 million seats from 5.8 million, still representing a 9% year-on-year increase. The company said “much of winter seat capacity still to sell” and intends “to maintain attractive pricing.”

Jefferies also lowered EBITDA forecasts to £772 million for 2026 from £803 million and £818 million for 2027 from £860 million, while reducing its Jet2 price target to £21 from £22, citing “greater UK uncertainty.”

Jet2 reported £7.17 billion in revenue for fiscal 2025, with EBITDA of £739 million. Shares, which closed at 1,613p on Wednesday, fell to their lowest level in over four months following Thursday’s decline, with a pre-drop market capitalization of £3.5 billion. Jefferies noted that packages remain a “bright spot” for Jet2, with demand and pricing trends unchanged. The analysts highlighted that the company’s vertically integrated model continues to provide flexibility, though later bookings and flight pricing pressure are weighing on earnings.

Despite these revisions, Jet2 shares trade at a 43% discount to pre-pandemic price-to-earnings multiples, and Jefferies maintained a “buy” rating on the stock.

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.

WAG Payment Solutions PLC (LSE:WPS), also known as Eurowag, confirmed its full-year guidance following first-half (H1) revenue that exceeded expectations.

The company reported a 15% year-on-year rise in H1 net revenue to €162 million, 4% above consensus estimates. Payment Solutions revenue climbed 23% to €98 million, while Mobility Solutions increased 4.9% to €64.3 million, or 8% when excluding non-truck revenue from fleet management services. Eurowag shares fell 2% in early London trading.

Adjusted EBITDA grew 7.7% to €63.9 million, or 11.7% excluding a prior-year commercial settlement. Adjusted cash EBITDA rose 14.1% to €49.2 million, delivering a margin of 30.4%, ahead of consensus of €46 million and 30%. Adjusted profit before tax increased to €27.8 million from €21.6 million, driving a 16.3% rise in adjusted EPS to 2.92 cents per share.

The company reaffirmed its 2025 guidance, anticipating net revenue growth of 10–13% to €322–331 million, in line with consensus of €323 million. Jefferies analysts note this implies second-half revenue growth of around 8%. Adjusted cash EBITDA is projected between €90–100 million, with margins expected to remain flat year-on-year and R&D costs staying below the €50 million cap.

“Despite strong results, guidance was only confirmed as visibility remains low, but with toll possibly continuing its run, we could see the high-end as achievable,” Jefferies analysts commented, adding that they expected the stock to rise on the results.

“Eurowag has delivered an impressive performance for the first half with double-digit net revenue growth and strong cash generation, despite the sustained macroeconomic challenges,” said Founder and Chief Executive Martin Vohánka. He added that the phased rollout of Eurowag Office is progressing as the company transforms into a “data-centric and AI driven company,” while noting that macroeconomic headwinds are expected to continue in the second half.

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.

Genus Plc (LSE:GNS) posted strong annual results on Thursday, with profit growth and record cash generation, following U.S. approval for its gene-edited pigs—the first of their kind cleared for the food supply chain.

For the year ending June 30, 2025, adjusted profit before tax climbed 24% to £74.3 million, up from £59.8 million the previous year. Statutory profit before tax reached £28.5 million versus £5.5 million a year earlier, reflecting a £13.3 million reduction in biological asset values and £11.4 million in exceptional costs.

Revenue rose 1% to £672.8 million, while operating profit increased 21% to £81.1 million. Including joint ventures, operating profit grew 19% to £93.1 million from £78.1 million. Basic earnings per share rose to 81.8 pence from 65.5 pence, with adjusted EPS up 25%.

The effective tax rate fell to 36.7% from 78.6%, while the adjusted rate stood at 27.5%. Net finance costs edged higher to £18.8 million from £18.3 million. Cash generated from operations nearly doubled to £106.2 million from £55.1 million, producing record free cash flow of £40.9 million compared with a £3.2 million outflow last year. Cash conversion improved to 114% from 71%, and net debt declined to £228.2 million from £248.7 million, supported by stronger free cash inflows. Return on adjusted invested capital rose to 14.7% from 11.5%.

In the porcine division, PIC reported revenue of £362.9 million, up 3% in actual terms and 8% at constant currency. Adjusted operating profit, including joint ventures, rose to £111.9 million from £103.6 million. Latin America led growth with a 14% increase, while Asia surged 70%; Europe fell 4% due to health and regulatory pressures. PIC added 12 new royalty customers in China, strengthening its recurring revenue pipeline.

The bovine division, ABS, generated £307.7 million in revenue, down 2%, though up 2% in constant currency. Adjusted operating profit increased to £19.5 million from £14 million, a 53% rise at constant currency, with margins improving to 6.3% from 4.4%. The company said its Value Acceleration Programme contributed £11.8 million in benefits during the year.

R&D costs declined to £16.5 million from £21.8 million due to efficiency measures. Exceptional expenses totaled £11.4 million, down from £24.6 million the previous year, including redundancy and restructuring at ABS.

The board proposed a final dividend of 21.7 pence per share, unchanged from last year, keeping the total dividend at 32 pence. Dividend cover remained within the targeted 2.5–3x range. Payment is scheduled for Dec. 5 to shareholders on record Nov. 7.

Separately, Genus announced a joint venture with Beijing Capital Agribusiness, which will hold 51% against Genus’s 49%. Genus will receive $160 million on completion—about $140 million net of tax and transaction costs—while retaining royalty rights on future gene-edited pig sales in China.

“Genus achieved a strong performance in FY25 as we executed our strategic priorities, secured FDA approval for our PRRS-resistant pigs and won significant new royalty customers in China,” chief executive Jorgen Kokke said.

For fiscal 2026, Genus expects stable market conditions, neutral currency impact, and anticipates adjusted profit before tax to grow significantly within analyst consensus.

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.

Safestore Holdings (LSE:SAFE) reported a 5.7% year-on-year increase in group revenue for the third quarter at constant exchange rates, with like-for-like (LFL) revenue up 3.4%.

In the U.K., like-for-like revenue rose 2.8%, reflecting a continuation of the company’s positive quarterly trajectory, supported by steady domestic customer demand and gains from unit partitioning. Paris saw a 1.7% increase in like-for-like revenue, buoyed by higher occupancy levels.

Expansion markets delivered the strongest growth, with like-for-like revenue climbing 13%, driven by a combination of higher occupancy and improved rates. Overall group closing occupancy reached 81.8% of the company’s lettable space, slightly above the 81.4% recorded in fiscal 2024. Newly opened sites also contributed to revenue gains during the period.

During the quarter, Safestore opened a 47,400 sq ft facility in Brussels, followed by a 60,000 sq ft store in Noisy, Paris at the start of Q4. The development pipeline remains on schedule, with over 700,000 sq ft of additional space expected to come online this financial year.

Chief Executive Officer Frederic Vecchioli said the company was “encouraged with our continued momentum with growth coming across all markets driven by both LFL stores and our new store opening programme.” He added that the U.K. performance was improving due to “robust domestic customer demand and the benefits from our space partitioning programme.”

Safestore continues to anticipate that full-year 2025 earnings per share (EPS) will align with market expectations.

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.

Empire Metals Limited (LSE:EEE) released its interim results for the first half of 2025, emphasizing the Pitfield Project as a globally significant titanium discovery. The company reported outstanding drilling and metallurgical test results, achieving a 99.25% TiO₂ product, reinforcing Pitfield’s status as a leading titanium project.

With robust financial support and an enhanced technical team, Empire Metals is well-positioned to progress the project toward commercial production, targeting high-value markets such as aerospace and defense. The company’s strategic role as a secure titanium supplier continues to attract investor and industry interest.

About Empire Metals

Empire Metals Limited is a natural resources company focused on exploration and development. Its primary product is titanium, with the Pitfield Project in Western Australia recognized for high-grade titanium mineralization. The company aims to supply sectors with high-value demand, including aerospace and defense.

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.

Power Metal Resources PLC (LSE:POW) has made a strategic investment in Minestarters, a blockchain-based DeFi platform designed to revolutionize mining finance by offering tokenized investment opportunities in early-stage mining projects. This initiative positions Power Metal as a pioneer in the emerging real-world asset tokenization space, potentially creating new value streams for shareholders.

Minestarters will deliver a compliant and transparent platform for both institutional and retail investors, helping to bridge the funding gap in early-stage mining ventures and establishing a new hybrid DeFi asset class.

Power Metal Resources’ outlook is supported by strong revenue growth and a robust balance sheet, though operational challenges and negative cash flows are factors to monitor. The stock’s undervaluation presents a potential opportunity, while technical indicators signal caution amid bearish trends.

About Power Metal Resources PLC

Power Metal Resources PLC is a London-listed natural resources exploration company and project incubator with a global portfolio. The company specializes in creating value through project incubation and crystallization, with a particular focus on the mining 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.

Metals Exploration PLC (LSE:MTL) posted record free cash flow and strong first-half 2025 earnings, supported by operations at the Runruno project and favorable gold market conditions. The company’s acquisition of Condor Gold and the launch of the La India project in Nicaragua represent key milestones in its expansion strategy, with plans for extensive drilling and development to grow gold resources and production capacity. Community engagement and safety remain central, with ongoing initiatives in both the Philippines and Nicaragua.

The company’s outlook is underpinned by robust financial performance, including significant revenue growth and strong cash flow generation. However, technical indicators suggest a bearish trend, and while the valuation is fair, the absence of a dividend yield is a consideration. Limited earnings call data and recent corporate events mean these factors have minimal impact on the current assessment.

About Metals Exploration PLC

Metals Exploration PLC is a gold production, exploration, and development company with assets in the Philippines and Nicaragua. Its strategy focuses on growth through strategic acquisitions and development projects, aiming to establish a multi-project portfolio.

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.