Category: Market News

Norman Broadbent plc (LSE:NBB), a specialist in executive search and interim management, confirmed it will announce its interim results for the first half of 2025 on 8 September 2025. On the same day, the company will host a virtual presentation and Q&A session, led by CEO Kevin Davidson and CFO Mehr Malik, giving investors direct insight into performance highlights and future strategy.

The company’s near-term outlook remains mixed. While profitability challenges and liquidity pressures continue to weigh on financial performance, strong technical momentum and supportive corporate developments are helping to underpin confidence. Despite valuation concerns stemming from negative earnings, recent strategic actions and insider commitment point toward cautious optimism.

About Norman Broadbent plc

Founded in 1979 as the first UK-headquartered executive search firm, Norman Broadbent has built a reputation for providing senior leadership recruitment, interim management solutions, and tailored advisory services. The group operates across diverse sectors including Consumer, Financial Services, Industrials, Life Sciences, TMT, and Investor markets, serving clients both domestically and internationally.

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.

Pantheon Resources (LSE:PANR) reported that its Dubhe-1 appraisal well on Alaska’s North Slope has outperformed pre-drill expectations, confirming a substantial hydrocarbon column within the primary SMD-B target and identifying additional resources in secondary zones. The successful results strengthen Pantheon’s development prospects and open the door to potential co-development opportunities across the Ahpun field. These outcomes represent an important step toward advancing field development planning and moving closer to capital-efficient commercial production.

Despite these promising operational achievements, Pantheon continues to face challenges tied to weak profitability and negative cash flow, which weigh on its valuation. Even so, the company’s recent progress, along with positive corporate milestones and strategic initiatives, provides scope for improved sentiment and potential upside in the medium term.

About Pantheon Resources plc

Pantheon Resources is an AIM-listed exploration and development company focused on unlocking the potential of its wholly owned Ahpun and Kodiak fields on Alaska’s North Slope. Independent certification places the company’s best estimate contingent recoverable resources at approximately 1.6 billion barrels of Alaskan North Slope crude and 6.6 trillion cubic feet of associated natural gas. Leveraging its proximity to existing infrastructure, Pantheon aims to cut development timelines and costs while targeting sustainable recognition of $5–$10 per barrel of recoverable resources by 2028.

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.

Supreme PLC (LSE:SUP) has released its Annual Report and Accounts for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2025, alongside the formal notice of its upcoming Annual General Meeting. The AGM will take place on 18 September 2025 at the company’s Manchester headquarters. This update gives shareholders detailed insight into the company’s financial performance and strategic plans, reinforcing Supreme’s commitment to transparency and long-term growth.

The company continues to demonstrate strong financial resilience, highlighted by steady revenue and profit expansion, disciplined balance sheet management, and healthy cash flow generation. Strategic acquisitions and market expansion initiatives have further strengthened its outlook. While technical indicators show some resistance levels, the stock’s relatively low price-to-earnings ratio and appealing dividend yield make it an attractive choice for investors seeking value opportunities.

About Supreme PLC

Supreme PLC is a leading consumer goods group that owns, manufactures, and supplies products across three key segments: Vaping, Drinks & Wellness, and Electricals. Its vertically integrated model covers everything from product development and manufacturing to retail distribution. The company’s portfolio includes international names like Duracell and Energizer, as well as its own successful in-house brands such as 88Vape. Through acquisitions including Typhoo Tea and Clearly Drinks, Supreme has also expanded into the soft drinks and hot beverages markets, further diversifying its revenue streams.

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.

Firering Strategic Minerals plc (LSE:FRG) has taken full control of its Atex and Alliance Lithium-Tantalum Projects in Côte d’Ivoire after Ricca Resources Limited decided to withdraw from their earn-in agreement. With Ricca stepping back, Firering now holds complete ownership of both projects and is exploring new strategies to unlock their long-term potential. The company still maintains a 10.6% equity stake in Ricca and is pursuing the recovery of funds previously advanced under the partnership. These resources are expected to help accelerate the development of Firering’s flagship Limeco operations, a core driver of its growth strategy.

About Firering Strategic Minerals plc

Firering Strategic Minerals is positioning itself as a key player in both quicklime production and the exploration of critical minerals. Its Limeco project in Zambia is the company’s top priority, with plans to scale production to 600–800 tonnes of quicklime per day to meet demand from copper producers across the Central African Copperbelt. Alongside this, Firering continues to advance its Atex Lithium-Tantalum Project in Côte d’Ivoire, which holds strong potential in lithium and tantalum-niobium—minerals essential to the global transition toward clean energy solutions.

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.

IWG plc (LSE:IWG) delivered its strongest-ever first-half performance in 2025, generating system-wide revenue of $2.2 billion—a 2% rise compared to the same period last year. The company reported notable gains in recurring management fees and a healthier adjusted gross margin. With its balance sheet in solid shape and no refinancing obligations until 2029, IWG has stepped up its shareholder distributions, unveiling an expanded share repurchase initiative. The group is also broadening its footprint by opening additional locations and workspaces, a strategy expected to fuel future growth.

Market sentiment around IWG is supported by technical strength and the positive impact of its enlarged buyback program, which is designed to enhance investor value. Still, a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio points to the risk of overvaluation, while the company’s elevated leverage remains an area of caution. Despite these factors, strong cash flow generation and improved profitability metrics highlight ongoing operational progress, provided financial risks are managed carefully.

About IWG plc

International Workplace Group plc operates the world’s largest network of hybrid workspaces, spanning more than 120 countries under brands such as Regus, Spaces, HQ, and Signature. The company specializes in delivering flexible office solutions to meet the rising demand for adaptable workplace environments.

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.

Aside from today’s meeting between Trump and Zelensky, one of the key events this week is the annual Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, scheduled for August 21-23. The highlight for investors all around the world will be Fed chief Jerome Powell’s speech on Friday.

The latter will likely address, if not Donald Trump’s continued attacks, at least the state of inflation and the outlook for U.S. monetary policy. According to CME’s FedWatch tool, markets are currently pricing in around 82% for the possibility of a 25 bp rate cut at the September meeting.

As for why the move is not expected to be larger, the answer lies in the Fed’s dual mandate: maintain price stability and support maximum employment. At the moment, both areas are sending mixed signals, which complicates the Fed’s decision and offers little comfort to the S&P 500.

On the one hand, job creation has slowed sharply: nonfarm payrolls grew by only 73,000 in July, with significant downward revisions for May and June, which totaled 258,000. This put the three-month average at only 35,000, indicating a sharp slowdown in employment, an argument in favor of a rate cut.

On the other hand, inflationary pressures are re-emerging. While CPI rose by only 0.2% m-o-m in July (vs. 0.3% in June), producer prices (PPI) were much higher than expected: 3.3% y-o-y vs. 2.5% expected, and 0.9% m-o-m vs. 0.2% expected. Core PPI also surprised to the upside, at 3.7% y-o-y and 0.9% m-o-m.

As the recent Beige Book pointed out, tariffs are increasingly filtering into prices. This does not mean that the Fed will refrain entirely from cutting rates in September, but it is likely to rule out a larger move — say, 50 basis points — making a smaller step, such as 25 basis points, more likely.

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.

Qantas Airways (ASX:QAN) has been slapped with a record A$90 million (US$59 million / R$318.14 million) fine by the Federal Court of Australia for unlawfully terminating around 1,820 ground staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. The ruling concludes a prolonged legal fight led by the Transport Workers Union.

Judge Michael Lee described the airline’s actions as the “most serious violation” of the Fair Work Act, emphasizing that the punishment aims to discourage other firms from similar behavior. “Any lower penalty would not have the effect of preventing similar violations in the future,” he added.

Of the total fine, A$50 million will be directed to the union that initiated the case, while a portion of the remainder may be allocated to affected employees. This penalty comes on top of a 2024 settlement, when Qantas paid A$120 million in compensation following unsuccessful legal appeals.

The layoffs occurred in 2020, at the peak of the pandemic, when ground operations were outsourced under then-CEO Alan Joyce. The airline cited financial strain caused by the global aviation collapse. The union, however, argued the move was designed to sidestep wage negotiations and potential strikes.

Judge Lee also took aim at Qantas’ corporate practices, describing the company’s defense as “relentless and aggressive.” He questioned whether the airline’s expressed remorse was sincere or simply “performative remorse” driven by concerns over its public image.

Current CEO Vanessa Hudson acknowledged the ruling and publicly apologized to former staff, stating that Qantas is committed to rebuilding trust with employees and customers after years of tarnishing its reputation.

This case comes amid other recent controversies for the airline, including fines for selling tickets on canceled flights. Analysts note that while the financial hit is significant, the court’s decision primarily damages Qantas’ reputation.

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 opened cautiously on Monday, with investors digesting the news that the Trump-Putin summit concluded without a major breakthrough on the Ukraine conflict. The U.S. dollar showed some volatility amid the geopolitical uncertainty.

Later today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and several European leaders are scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss ongoing peace initiatives, security guarantees, territorial matters, and additional support for Ukraine.

In market moves, the CAC 40 fell about 0.7%, Germany’s DAX dipped 0.2%, and the FTSE 100 edged down 0.1%, reflecting a cautious trading mood.

Several individual stocks outperformed:

• Sectra (BIT:1SECT) rose after signing an agreement to provide its Sectra One Cloud platform to six hospitals in Ontario, Canada, boosting its medical imaging and cybersecurity footprint.
• Valneva (EU:VLA) jumped following Health Canada approval for its single-dose chikungunya vaccine, IXCHIQ, for people aged 12 and above.
• Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) gained after receiving U.S. FDA approval for its weight-loss drug Wegovy to treat a serious liver disease.
• Vestas Wind Systems (TG:VWSB) climbed after the U.S. released favorable guidance on which projects qualify for wind and solar tax incentives.

Overall, European markets are showing mixed performance, with selective gains driven by corporate news amid broader geopolitical uncertainty.

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 are signaling a modest decline at Monday’s open, following two consecutive weeks of gains. Investors may look to lock in recent profits after the Nasdaq and S&P 500 hit record highs.

Trading activity could be muted, as markets anticipate a White House meeting between President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and other European leaders later today. The meeting follows Trump’s Friday talks in Alaska with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which made some progress but did not produce a formal agreement to end the war in Ukraine.

On Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social, suggesting Zelenskyy could act “with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to.”

Investors are also eyeing comments from central bank officials at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium later this week, alongside earnings reports from major retailers including Walmart (NYSE:WMT) and Home Depot (NYSE:HD).

Last week, stocks showed mixed performance. On Friday, the Nasdaq and S&P 500 declined, while the Dow posted a modest gain. Specifically:

• Dow Jones: +34.86 points, +0.1%, to 44,946.12
• S&P 500: -18.74 points, -0.3%, to 6,449.80
• Nasdaq: -87.69 points, -0.4%, to 21,622.98

Despite Friday’s drop, the weekly performance remained positive, with the Nasdaq up 0.8%, S&P 500 up 0.9%, and the Dow climbing 1.7%.

Market weakness was influenced by mixed U.S. economic data, raising questions about the economy and interest rate trends.

• The Commerce Department reported retail sales rose 0.5% in July, in line with forecasts, after a revised 0.9% increase in June. Excluding autos, sales climbed 0.3%, matching expectations.
• Meanwhile, the University of Michigan reported consumer sentiment fell to 58.6 in August, down from 61.7 in July, below the expected 62.0.
• Inflation expectations also climbed, with one-year forecasts rising to 4.9% from 4.5%, and long-term expectations increasing to 3.9% from 3.4%.
• The Labor Department noted import prices exceeded estimates in July, while industrial production slightly contracted.

Sector performance was uneven: semiconductors led declines, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index down 2.3%, and bank stocks falling, as the KBW Bank Index lost 2.0%. Oil service and steel stocks also lagged, while healthcare, pharmaceutical, and biotech sectors recorded gains.

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.