Category: Market News

Oil prices were largely flat in Asian trade on Wednesday, following steep losses in the previous session, as investors assessed the effects of additional U.S. tariffs on India and a smaller-than-expected drop in U.S. crude inventories.

By 22:00 ET (02:00 GMT), October Brent futures edged down 0.1% to $67.16 per barrel, while WTI crude for the same month slipped 0.1% to $63.17 per barrel. Both contracts fell more than 2% on Tuesday, driven by diminishing hopes for a near-term Russia-Ukraine peace agreement.

New India Tariffs Take Effect

As part of Washington’s response to India’s ongoing purchases of Russian crude, an extra 25% tariff on Indian imports came into effect on August 27 at 12:01 a.m. ET, doubling the total levy to 50%. This measure is intended to pressure India over its energy ties with Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

“The secondary tariff has not been enough to stop India from buying Russian oil. Initially, secondary tariffs saw Indian refiners pause purchases. They have resumed purchases,” ING analysts said.

“The market will be watching Russian oil flows to India closely going forward to gauge the impact, if any, of secondary tariffs,” the analysts added.

The Ukraine conflict continues to dominate sentiment in energy markets. U.S. President Donald Trump has sought to present himself as a mediator but warned last week that he would implement new sanctions on Moscow if no progress toward a peace agreement occurs within two weeks.

U.S. Crude Inventories Drop Less Than Expected

Data from the American Petroleum Institute (API) on Tuesday indicated that U.S. crude inventories fell by 970,000 barrels in the week ending August 22, below analysts’ forecast of a 1.7 million-barrel decline. Gasoline and distillate inventories decreased by 2.1 million barrels and 1.5 million barrels, respectively.

“The draw in distillate stocks was slightly supportive for the middle distillate market, particularly given that we are in a period where stocks usually grow,” ING analysts noted.

Investors now look ahead to official inventory figures from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) later on Wednesday for a clearer picture of demand trends.

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 nudged higher Wednesday as markets awaited crucial earnings from Nvidia, the AI-focused tech giant, which is expected to influence short-term investor sentiment. Meanwhile, new U.S. tariffs on Indian imports are now in effect, and France remains under scrutiny due to ongoing political instability.

Nvidia’s earnings in focus

Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), a key indicator of the artificial intelligence boom, is set to release its fiscal second-quarter results after U.S. market close.

Technology shares, which had driven markets upward for much of the year, have cooled recently as investor enthusiasm tempered. Nvidia’s upcoming results are expected to provide a benchmark for near-term risk appetite, revealing whether the lofty valuations for AI-focused companies are justified.

The chipmaker is projected to report a 53% year-on-year revenue increase to $46 billion for the second quarter, according to LSEG data. While significant, this figure falls short of the triple-digit growth seen in previous quarters. Investors will also be closely monitoring Nvidia’s outlook, particularly the company’s China business, which is heavily influenced by trade negotiations and potential restrictions between the U.S. and China.

U.S. futures modestly higher

Ahead of Nvidia’s results, U.S. stock futures inched upward. At 03:00 ET, S&P 500 futures rose 20 points (0.1%), Nasdaq 100 futures added 4 points (0.1%), and Dow futures climbed 15 points (0.1%).

The major indices closed higher on Tuesday, buoyed by confidence ahead of Nvidia’s earnings, with the chipmaker seen as a bellwether for broader markets and AI-related developments. Nvidia has beaten earnings expectations in 11 of its past 12 quarterly reports.

Despite historically challenging August trading, all three major U.S. indexes are on track for gains this month: the S&P 500 up 2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average up 2.9%, and the Nasdaq Composite up 2%.

U.S.-India tariffs now active

President Donald Trump’s recently doubled 50% tariffs on Indian exports to the U.S. have taken effect, following a missed deadline for a trade agreement with New Delhi.

Earlier this month, Trump announced 25% tariffs on Indian goods, stating the rate would double to 50% after three weeks as a sign of frustration over India’s continued purchase of Russian oil. July shipping data showed India as Russia’s second-largest oil buyer after Saudi Arabia.

Along with Brazil, India now faces some of the highest U.S. tariffs globally.

“We estimate 70% ($55 billion) of India’s exports to the United States are now under serious threat, accelerating downside risks to growth,” said Aastha Gudwani, India chief economist at Barclays. “From a ’good friend’ to a ’bad trading partner’, it has come a long way.”

Political and financial instability in France

French markets remain under pressure after Prime Minister François Bayrou’s plan to win support for his unpopular debt-reduction proposal failed, exacerbating political and financial uncertainty.

Earlier this week, Bayrou called for a confidence vote on his plan, scheduled for September 8. Opposition parties rejected the proposal, potentially shortening his tenure as leader of a minority government.

If Bayrou falls, President Emmanuel Macron could dissolve Parliament for fresh elections or appoint a new government, though neither solution is expected to resolve the country’s budgetary issues or political gridlock.

France’s CAC 40 has fallen over 3% this week, while the spread between French and German 10-year government bonds—a measure of the premium investors demand to hold French debt—widened to roughly 79 basis points on Tuesday, its highest level since April.

Oil markets react to tariffs

Oil prices stabilized after sharp losses in the previous session as traders digested the impact of new U.S. tariffs on India, the world’s third-largest crude consumer.

At 03:00 ET, Brent futures slipped 0.1% to $66.66 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures rose 0.1% to $63.27 a barrel. Both contracts fell over 2% on Tuesday after opening the week at a two-week high.

Goldman Sachs forecasts Brent crude prices could drop to the low $50s a barrel by late 2026, citing growing global oil surplus.

“We expect the oil surplus to widen and average 1.8 million barrels per day in 2025 Q4 (through) 2026 Q4, resulting in a nearly 800 million barrel rise in global stocks by end 2026,” the U.S. investment bank said in a client note Tuesday.

Goldman expects Brent prices to remain near forward contract levels through 2025 but fall below those contracts in 2026 as OECD stockpiles grow.

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 showed a mixed performance on Wednesday as investors awaited key corporate results and monitored political developments in France.

At 08:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX fell 0.2%, France’s CAC 40 gained 0.5%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 rose 0.2%.

Nvidia Earnings in Spotlight

Market participants were closely watching the upcoming second-quarter results from Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), a central indicator of the artificial intelligence boom, scheduled after the U.S. market close. The report is expected to influence near-term investor sentiment, offering insights into whether lofty valuations for AI-driven tech stocks remain justified.

Nvidia has seen its market value surge in recent years, becoming the largest weighting in the S&P 500 and exerting significant influence over U.S. market movements. According to LSEG data, second-quarter revenue is expected to rise 53% to $46 billion, though this growth still falls short of the triple-digit increases the company achieved in previous quarters.

French Politics Under the Microscope

Attention also remained on France, where Prime Minister François Bayrou is projected to lose a confidence vote on his debt-reduction plan next month, potentially cutting short his tenure leading a minority government. Should Bayrou fall, President Emmanuel Macron could either dissolve parliament for fresh elections or form a new government, though neither option is likely to resolve France’s budget challenges or political deadlock.

The CAC 40 edged higher on Wednesday but remains down more than 3% this week. Meanwhile, the spread between French and German 10-year government bond yields, a measure of the risk premium for holding French debt, hovered near its highest level since April.

In Germany, consumer sentiment is expected to decline for the third consecutive month in September, with the GfK index projected at -23.6 points, down from a revised -21.7 points in August.

Corporate Updates

JD Sports Fashion (LSE:JD.) reported a steeper drop in Q2 underlying sales, pressured by weakness in the U.K., though its U.S. business showed signs of stabilizing after a sharp prior-quarter decline.

Rio Tinto (LSE:RIO) announced plans to consolidate operations into three divisions—Iron Ore, Aluminium & Lithium, and Copper—aiming to simplify its structure and concentrate on the most profitable assets.

Hochschild Mining (LSE:HOC) cut its full-year gold output forecast following disappointing production from its Mara Rosa mine in Brazil, now expecting 35,000–45,000 ounces from the site in 2025, less than half the prior estimate of 94,000–104,000 ounces.

Oil Prices Steady After Sharp Decline

Crude futures stabilized following heavy losses in the previous session, as markets weighed new U.S. tariffs on India, the world’s third-largest crude consumer. At 04:05 ET, Brent crude was down 0.1% at $66.67 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose 0.1% to $63.27 a barrel. Both contracts had fallen more than 2% on Tuesday after starting the week near a two-week high.

The U.S. doubled tariffs on goods from India to as much as 50%, citing India’s continued purchases of Russian oil, taking effect Wednesday. Investors are also tracking developments in the Ukraine conflict, with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff scheduled to meet Ukrainian representatives in New York this week.

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.

British stocks climbed on Wednesday, driven by earnings momentum from companies such as Prudential and JD Sports, while Hochschild Mining fell sharply following a disappointing guidance update.

At 0800 GMT, the FTSE 100 rose 0.2%, while the pound slipped 0.2% against the U.S. dollar to 1.34. Germany’s DAX slipped 0.1%, and France’s CAC 40 gained 0.5%.

U.K. Energy Bills Set to Increase as Ofgem Raises Price Cap

U.K. households will face higher energy costs this winter after regulator Ofgem announced a 2% increase in the price cap effective from October through December. This will add around £2.93 per month, or £35.14 annually, to the average household on a default tariff, with a typical monthly bill rising to £102 from £100.

Despite the increase, the new cap of £1,755 for annual costs remains £625, or 26.3%, below its peak at the start of 2023 during the energy crisis. Adjusted for inflation, costs are 0.9% lower than the same period last year. Ofgem cited higher electricity balancing costs as the main driver, contributing about £1.23 per month to bills.

Rio Tinto Streamlines Operations into Three Core Divisions

Rio Tinto Ltd (LSE:RIO) announced a major reorganization, forming three primary divisions: Iron Ore, Aluminium & Lithium, and Copper, to focus on its most profitable assets. Matthew Holcz was appointed CEO of the Iron Ore unit, which will integrate the company’s Western Australian operations with its Canadian business and the Simandou project in Guinea. Jérôme Pécresse will lead Aluminium & Lithium, combining Atlantic and Pacific aluminium operations with the newly acquired Arcadium Lithium business. Katie Jackson continues to oversee Copper, focusing on ramping up production from the Oyu Tolgoi mine.

Prudential Shares Rise on Strong H1 Results, $5 Billion Buyback Plan

Prudential PLC (LSE:PRU) shares rose after the insurer reported first-half results above expectations and announced a capital return plan exceeding $5 billion through 2027. The group posted an Annual Premium Equivalent of $3.29 billion, slightly above the $3.27 billion consensus.

JD Sports Sees Steeper Q2 Sales Decline Amid U.K. Weakness

JD Sports Fashion PLC (LSE:JD.) reported a 3% drop in like-for-like sales for Q2, compared with a 2% fall in Q1. Weakness in the U.K., where sales fell 6.1%, weighed on results. North America and Europe declined 2.3% and 1.1%, respectively, while Asia Pacific grew 0.3%. First-half sales were down 2.5%.

Hochschild Mining Cuts Gold Output, Increases Cost Guidance

Hochschild Mining PLC (LSE:HOC) shares fell more than 13% after lowering its full-year production outlook. The Mara Rosa mine in Brazil is now expected to produce 35,000-45,000 ounces of gold in 2025, less than half the previous forecast. Overall attributable production guidance was reduced to 291,000-319,000 gold equivalent ounces, down from 350,000-378,000. Cost expectations were raised to $1,980-$2,080 per ounce from $1,587-$1,687.

Boohoo Boosted by Debenhams Performance

Boohoo Group PLC (LSE:DEBS) shares rose 2.6% after reporting FY25 adjusted EBITDA of £41.6 million. The Debenhams brand performed strongly, with GMV up 34% year-on-year to £654 million and adjusted EBITDA of £25 million, a £14 million increase from the prior year. The group is also exploring a potential sale of PrettyLittleThing.

Frasers Group Acquires Minority Stake in We Do Play

Frasers Group PLC (LSE:FRAS) expanded into leisure activities by purchasing a minority stake in We Do Play. The company highlighted synergies with its existing portfolio, which includes the Sports Direct retail chain. Financial terms were not disclosed.

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.

Rio Tinto Ltd (LSE:RIO) announced a major restructuring of its operations into three primary divisions—Iron Ore, Aluminium & Lithium, and Copper—to simplify its business and focus on its most profitable assets.

Matthew Holcz has been appointed CEO of the newly consolidated Iron Ore division, which will merge the company’s operations in Western Australia with its Canadian business and Guinea’s Simandou project upon completion. The Aluminium & Lithium division, led by Jérôme Pécresse, will combine Atlantic and Pacific aluminium operations with the Arcadium Lithium business acquired earlier this year. Katie Jackson will continue to oversee the Copper division, concentrating on ramping up production from the Oyu Tolgoi mine.

Operations outside these three key areas, including Borates and Iron & Titanium, will be reviewed under the chief commercial officer, with future plans to be announced. Earlier reports indicated that Rio was considering the sale of its titanium unit due to low returns.

Shares in Rio Tinto closed 1% higher in Australia following the announcement. As part of the leadership changes, Sinead Kaufman, currently head of the Minerals division, will leave in October after nearly three decades with the company, and the chief executive Australia role, held by Kellie Parker, will be eliminated.

The changes follow the appointment of Simon Trott as CEO on Monday, succeeding Jakob Stausholm. Trott, who formerly led Rio’s iron ore operations in Western Australia, has pledged to deliver enhanced value for both shareholders and communities. His promotion was well received by investors given his track record in leading Rio’s most profitable segment, which accounts for more than half of the company’s earnings.

“A simplified business structure, grounded in our fundamental commitment to safety and with sharper focus on the most compelling opportunities we have, will enable us to deliver new standards of operational excellence and value creation,” Trott said in the announcement.

“We have delivered resilient results this year, remain on track to deliver strong mid-term production growth, and continue to make progress against our objectives. Our focus now is on unlocking further shareholder value, putting both our capital and talent where it will deliver the greatest returns.”

Rio Tinto is also increasing investment in its iron ore business, including the Simandou project in Africa and several new mines in Australia, while pursuing a target of producing 1 million metric tons of copper annually by 2030.

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.

JD Sports Fashion (LSE:JD.) saw a sharper decline in second-quarter underlying sales, pressured by a weak performance in the U.K., although its U.S. business showed signs of stabilizing after a steep setback in the previous quarter.

The retailer, which earns nearly 40% of its revenue in the U.S. through its JD Sports, Hibbett, DTLR, and Shoe Palace chains, reported a 3% drop in like-for-like sales over the 13 weeks to August 2, compared with a 2% decline in Q1. Sales fell across most regions, with Asia Pacific the sole market posting growth of 0.3%. In North America, sales slipped 2.3%, while Europe and the U.K. saw declines of 1.1% and 6.1%, respectively. For the first half of the year, total sales were down 2.5%.

“For Q2, in North America we saw an improved performance following the deferral of several product launches from Q1, along with stronger sales trends in apparel and online,” said Regis Schultz, CEO of JD Sports Fashion.

“In both Europe and the U.K., we were annualising tough comparators from the Euros football tournament last year, but still saw a good underlying performance in apparel and from newer footwear lines.”

Alongside the results, JD Sports announced a £100 million share buyback programme, citing “confidence in medium-term industry growth, our ongoing market share gains and focused execution.”

Looking forward, the company expects profit before tax and adjusting items for fiscal 2026 to align with market forecasts, while continuing to monitor potential impacts from U.S. tariffs. Regarding the second half of the year, JD Sports said it “remains cautious given the continued strains on consumer finances, unemployment risk, and the ongoing shift in the footwear product cycle.”

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.

Boohoo Group PLC (LSE:DEBS) shares rose 2.6% following the release of FY25 results, which showed adjusted EBITDA of £41.6 million, signaling progress in the company’s turnaround strategy despite ongoing challenges.

As part of its restructuring plans, the group is evaluating a potential sale of PrettyLittleThing (PLT). The strongest performer was the Debenhams brand, which saw gross merchandise value (GMV) grow 34% year-on-year to £654 million and delivered adjusted EBITDA of £25 million, up £14 million from the prior year. This growth highlights the company’s shift toward a “capital-lite, stock-lite, cost-lite, cash-generative marketplace model,” now central to its strategy.

“The business has been through a very challenging period which is reflected in these results,” said Dan Finley, Group CEO, who assumed the role in November 2024. “I want to assure shareholders that the business is taking the necessary actions, quickly and decisively, to address the challenges that we face.”

Boohoo has reduced inventory by more than 50% and cut capital expenditure by over half compared with the previous year. Net debt declined to £78.2 million from £95 million in FY24, supported by an oversubscribed £39 million equity raise and the sale of non-core property assets.

All brands are now profitable on an adjusted EBITDA basis, and the company expects first-half FY26 adjusted EBITDA for continuing operations to surpass the same period last year. The group also secured a new three-year financing facility of up to £175 million, replacing its previous facility more than a year ahead of maturity.

“I strongly believe in the medium-term opportunity for our group,” Finley added. “We continue forward as Debenhams Group under new leadership, a new strategy, and a new direction.”

The company recorded exceptional costs of £198.7 million for continuing operations, including expenses related to warehouse closures, stock clearance, and restructuring as part of its transformation plan.

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.

Prudential Plc (LSE:PRU) saw its shares climb on Wednesday after reporting first-half results that exceeded analyst expectations and unveiling plans to return over $5 billion to shareholders through 2027.

The London-listed insurer posted an Annual Premium Equivalent (APE) of $3.29 billion, slightly above the $3.27 billion forecast. New Business Profit reached $1.26 billion, 1.3% higher than expected, with a margin of 38.3%, compared with the 38% estimate.

Life and asset management gross operating free surplus generation came in at $1.56 billion, 6% above the $1.47 billion consensus, supported by a 10% rise in returns on excess surplus and in-force transfer, along with a 23% increase in assumption and experience variances. Adjusted operating profit before tax stood at $1.64 billion, slightly above the $1.63 billion forecast.

Insurance business profit totaled $1.80 billion, 2.6% above the $1.76 billion estimate, while Eastspring, Prudential’s asset management division, posted $158 million, 3.1% below expectations due to marking shareholder assets to market. Other income and expenses were negative $317 million, versus an anticipated negative $291 million, reflecting lower cash balances and yields. Operating profit after tax per share reached 49.3 cents, beating the 48.5 cents forecast. The dividend per share of 7.71 cents aligned with market expectations.

Alongside the results, Prudential outlined a capital management program exceeding $5 billion through 2027. The plan includes annual ordinary dividend growth of 10% from 2025 to 2027, additional returns of $500 million in 2026 and $600 million in 2027, and distribution of net proceeds from a potential initial public offering of ICICI Prudential Asset Management.

“In our view, these proposed capital returns are attractive, although we are surprised to find that these capital returns were not expressed in the form of a payout ratio on the group’s net free surplus generation, unlike Prudential’s close peer, AIA (which targets 75%),” said analysts at Jefferies in a note.

Using consensus net free surplus, the implied payout ratio is around 50%, below what some market participants had expected.

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.

Hochschild Mining PLC (LSE:HOC) reported robust financial results for the first half of 2025, with revenue rising 33% to $520 million and adjusted EBITDA increasing 27% to $224.5 million. Operational challenges at the Mara Rosa mine in Brazil, including seasonal rainfall and contractor issues, prompted a revision of full-year production and cost guidance. Nevertheless, the company remains focused on its strategic pillars: exploration, operational efficiency, ESG leadership, and disciplined capital allocation. Future growth initiatives, particularly the Monte Do Carmo project in Brazil, are expected to support continued expansion.

The company’s outlook is supported by solid financial performance, improved operational efficiency, and strong cash flow, alongside reasonable valuation and an attractive dividend yield. Positive sentiment from earnings calls and favorable corporate developments further bolster the company’s market position, even as operational challenges and cost pressures persist.

About Hochschild Mining PLC

Hochschild Mining PLC is a leading precious metals company listed on the London Stock Exchange and cross-traded on the OTCQX Best Market in the U.S. The company focuses on exploration, mining, processing, and sale of silver and gold. Its operations include two underground epithermal vein mines in Peru and Argentina and an open-pit gold mine in Brazil, with a broad pipeline of long-term projects across the Americas.

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.

Eurasia Mining PLC (LSE:EUA) has received a two-year extension on its NKT mine license, a Tier-1 scale project located adjacent to the Monchetundra mine. This extension allows the company to transition the mine smoothly to a production permit, supporting Eurasia’s strategy to enhance shareholder value and advance its Russia exit plan. With existing infrastructure and low capital expenditure requirements, the NKT mine provides a competitive advantage and potential for a significant liquidity event benefiting both the company and its stakeholders.

The company’s outlook is influenced by weak financial performance, including negative profitability and irregular cash flows. Nevertheless, strategic corporate initiatives—such as operational upgrades and its dual listing—offer positive growth prospects. Technical indicators suggest moderate strength, although valuation concerns persist due to ongoing losses.

About Eurasia Mining PLC

Eurasia Mining PLC specializes in the extraction of iridium, osmium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, and gold. The company focuses on strategic mining operations in the Arctic region, leveraging its Monchetundra and NKT assets to maintain a competitive edge with low capital expenditure.

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.