Category: Market News

Touchstone Exploration Inc. (LSE:TXP) has announced that several of its senior executives and board members have acquired common shares through the company’s Employee and Non-Executive Director Share Purchase Plan. The purchases, carried out on the Toronto Stock Exchange, were made at a price of C$0.30 per share.

This initiative is designed to foster stronger alignment between the leadership team and shareholders by reinforcing management’s long-term commitment to the company’s growth. The participation of key insiders may also signal confidence in the company’s strategic direction and bolster market sentiment.

About Touchstone Exploration Inc.

Based in Calgary, Alberta, Touchstone Exploration is engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of petroleum and natural gas. The company’s primary operations are located onshore in Trinidad and Tobago. Touchstone’s common shares are dual-listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ‘TXP’.

Dialight plc (LSE:DIA) has announced that Chief Executive Officer Steve Blair has acquired 15,631 ordinary shares in the company at a price of 190 pence per share. This latest purchase increases his total holding to 104,114 shares, representing approximately 0.26% of the company’s total issued share capital.

The move is viewed as a signal of executive confidence in Dialight’s strategic direction and future performance, potentially bolstering investor sentiment. Insider buying is often interpreted by markets as a positive indicator of a company’s outlook.

About Dialight plc

Headquartered in the UK, Dialight plc is a global provider of high-performance LED lighting solutions tailored for industrial environments. The company focuses on sustainable, energy-efficient products that enhance safety and reduce maintenance and energy costs. With operations across regions including North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, Dialight serves customers in sectors where durability and reliability are critical.

Kore Potash PLC (LSE:KP2) has reported a net reduction of 17,788,000 CHESS Depositary Interests (CDIs) linked to its ordinary shares during June 2025. This change reflects routine transfers between the company’s CDI holdings and its shares traded on the AIM and JSE markets, as part of ongoing efforts to manage its cross-listed share structure efficiently.

In parallel, Kore Potash has issued new incentive options to members of its board, following shareholder approval at the recent Annual General Meeting. This move forms part of a broader strategy to align executive performance with long-term shareholder value and company growth objectives.

About Kore Potash PLC

Kore Potash is a mining and exploration company focused on developing world-class potash reserves. With listings on the ASX, AIM, and JSE, the company is advancing projects that aim to support global food security through the production of potash, a vital component in fertilizer. Its flagship Sintoukola project in the Republic of Congo is among the lowest-cost undeveloped potash assets globally.

Georgia Capital PLC (LSE:CGEO) has expanded its financial advisory team by appointing KBW—operating under Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited—as a joint corporate broker, joining its existing partner, Deutsche Numis. The addition is aimed at strengthening Georgia Capital’s capital markets strategy and enhancing investor engagement.

By broadening its brokerage support, the company seeks to improve its market visibility and access to a wider range of institutional investors. The move underlines Georgia Capital’s commitment to refining its financial structure and boosting long-term value creation for shareholders.

About Georgia Capital PLC

Georgia Capital is an investment holding company focused on acquiring and scaling businesses within the Georgian economy. Its portfolio includes investments in high-potential sectors such as retail pharmacy, insurance, and healthcare, alongside stakes in utilities and financial services. The firm targets companies with the potential to achieve equity valuations exceeding GEL 300 million within three to five years, positioning itself as a key player in Georgia’s private sector development.

Crimson Tide plc (LSE:TIDE) has appointed Rachael Rowe as its new Finance Director, with her tenure set to begin on September 8, 2025. Rowe brings two decades of experience in senior financial roles, having previously served at Saga plc and the Richemont Group. Her appointment follows the planned departure of current Finance Director Peter Hurter, who will step down at the end of August. To ensure a seamless transition, Hurter will continue in a consulting capacity for a limited period.

The leadership shift is part of Crimson Tide’s strategy to bolster its financial oversight and support continued business development. Rowe’s extensive background is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening the company’s operations and competitive standing.

About Crimson Tide plc

Crimson Tide is a UK-based technology company best known for its mpro5 platform—a mobile process management solution designed to streamline workflows and improve efficiency across a variety of industries. The company delivers digital transformation tools that enhance compliance, productivity, and operational visibility.

Roadside Real Estate PLC (LSE:ROAD) has acquired a former Sainsbury’s Petrol Filling Station in Coventry for £1.25 million, marking a strategic expansion of its roadside asset portfolio. The company plans to redevelop the site with a focus on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and supporting services, aligning with its long-term vision for sustainable and modern roadside retail.

In tandem with the acquisition, Roadside is restructuring its Meadow Joint Venture by removing petrol filling station assets from the partnership. This redefinition allows Roadside to focus more closely on its core strengths while pursuing greener, future-oriented developments. Additionally, the company aims to raise its stake in the Meadow JV to 10% by October 2025, reflecting a stronger commitment to the joint venture’s evolving strategy.

These strategic developments position Roadside Real Estate to enhance its presence in high-traffic locations while targeting more resilient and sustainable income streams. Despite recent financial performance concerns and a lack of clarity on valuation metrics like the P/E ratio and dividend yield, the company’s operational momentum and governance progress signal a potentially promising outlook.

About Roadside Real Estate PLC

Roadside Real Estate PLC is a UK-based property company specializing in roadside and convenience retail. Its portfolio is focused on strategically located sites that support essential retail and infrastructure needs, particularly in areas undergoing energy and mobility transitions. The company targets value-driven investments in accessible, high-traffic areas that cater to evolving consumer behaviors.

Fevertree Drinks PLC (LSE:FEVR) has repurchased 51,183 of its ordinary shares as part of its ongoing share buyback initiative. The shares were acquired at prices between 928.00 and 952.00 pence, with an average purchase price of 941.5763 pence. The transaction, carried out via Investec Bank, is aligned with the company’s broader capital management plan aimed at optimizing shareholder value by reducing the total number of outstanding shares.

This latest buyback reflects Fevertree’s confidence in its financial position and long-term growth strategy. The company continues to attract investor interest through its solid fundamentals and disciplined approach to capital allocation. While technical indicators suggest steady performance, the elevated price-to-earnings ratio may indicate the stock is trading at a premium. A lack of recent commentary from management leaves room for speculation regarding future outlook.

About Fevertree Drinks

Fevertree Drinks PLC is a UK-based premium beverage company best known for its high-end mixer drinks, including tonic waters, ginger ales, and sodas. The brand is tailored to consumers seeking quality pairings for spirits, positioning itself within the growing market for artisanal and premium drink options.

Altona Rare Earths PLC (LSE:REE) has officially become a member of the German Federation of International Mining and Resources (FAB), marking a strategic move to expand its footprint across Europe. This affiliation is poised to open new doors for investment, funding, and strategic alliances, reinforcing the company’s presence in the continent’s critical minerals sector.

The partnership supports Altona’s broader mission to advance Europe’s autonomy in sourcing vital raw materials—resources essential for industries ranging from defense and advanced manufacturing to renewable energy. By joining FAB, Altona positions itself among a network of like-minded stakeholders focused on the responsible and sustainable development of key mineral assets.

About Altona Rare Earths

Altona Rare Earths is a UK-listed exploration and development company with a primary focus on critical minerals in Africa. Its portfolio includes rare earths, copper, and fluorspar projects, notably the Monte Muambe rare earths site in Mozambique, which is currently in the prefeasibility phase. The company is actively expanding its assets, including recent interests in the Sesana copper-silver project in Botswana, as part of its strategy to secure vital resources for the global energy transition.

U.S. markets finished sharply higher on Thursday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite closing at new record highs, as a stronger-than-expected June jobs report boosted confidence in the economy’s resilience amid ongoing trade tensions and geopolitical shifts.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 344.11 points, or 0.77%, to end at 44,828.53. The S&P 500 rose 0.83% to 6,279.35, while the Nasdaq Composite climbed 1.02% to finish at 20,601.10. Both the S&P and Nasdaq set new all-time closing highs.

The June employment report, released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, showed the U.S. economy added 147,000 jobs, topping expectations for 110,000. May’s figure was also revised upward to 144,000. In another positive surprise, the unemployment rate fell to 4.1%, bucking forecasts for an increase to 4.3%.

The upbeat data sent Treasury yields higher and led investors to dial back expectations for a near-term Federal Reserve interest rate cut. According to the CME Group’s FedWatch tool, traders now see a 95% chance the Fed will hold rates steady at its next meeting.

“This report pretty much rules out a July rate cut, and raises real doubts about whether we’ll see any cuts this year,” said Jed Ellerbroek, portfolio manager at Argent Capital Management, speaking to CNBC.

The strong report followed a weaker private payrolls figure from ADP on Wednesday, which showed a drop of 33,000 jobs and briefly raised concerns about economic momentum. But Thursday’s government data helped ease those fears.

Investors are also watching for progress on the recently announced U.S.-Vietnam trade deal, as President Donald Trump approaches the early July deadline of his 90-day tariff pause. While markets trading near record highs are vulnerable to pullbacks—especially if trade talks turn sour—Ellerbroek believes the broader sentiment remains constructive.

“There’s no doubt some companies will feel the impact of tariffs, but the market seems ready to weather it,” he added.

Meanwhile, attention remains focused on Trump’s major tax bill, which cleared the Senate on Tuesday and was advanced by the House on Thursday, setting the stage for a final vote.

Thursday marked a shortened trading day, with the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq closing at 1 p.m. ET ahead of the Independence Day holiday. U.S. markets will be closed Friday in observance of the holiday.

For the week, all three major indexes finished in the green: the S&P 500 rose 1.7%, the Nasdaq added 1.6%, and the Dow led the way with a 2.3% gain.

Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) extended its upward momentum on Thursday, rising above $110,000 amid growing optimism around U.S. trade negotiations. Despite the gains, traders remained cautious ahead of key U.S. economic data releases scheduled later in the day.

After trading in a range between $103,000 and $108,000 for several days, Bitcoin finally pushed past resistance on Wednesday. By 09:56 ET (13:56 GMT), it had gained 2.4% to trade at $110,530. The broader cryptocurrency market also benefited, boosted by improved risk sentiment following Wall Street’s record-setting rally in the S&P 500.

Trade Deals Boost Confidence

Bitcoin’s rally was supported by fresh developments in U.S. trade policy. The U.S. and Vietnam struck a trade agreement, marking Washington’s third deal before the July 9 deadline. Additionally, the U.S. relaxed export controls on semiconductor technology to China, part of a broader framework agreement reached last month.

These breakthroughs increased expectations for further trade agreements ahead of the deadline. While a pact with India appears imminent, talks with Japan and South Korea have faced challenges. Former President Trump reaffirmed he will not extend the tariff deadline, adding pressure to finalize deals soon.

Tax Bill and Labor Market Data in Focus

Market participants are closely watching a controversial tax bill set for a House vote Thursday. However, progress remains uncertain after reports of dissent among Republican lawmakers, threatening to delay passage.

Concerns center on the bill’s potential impact on U.S. debt levels and overall economic stability. At the same time, traders await June’s nonfarm payroll report, a critical indicator amid speculation the Federal Reserve could ease monetary policy if the labor market cools.

JPMorgan Lowers Stablecoin Growth Outlook

JPMorgan published a note forecasting stablecoins will reach a market size of $500 billion by 2028, significantly less than some optimistic estimates that project values in the trillions. The bank described such projections as “far too optimistic,” citing limited use of stablecoins for mainstream payments.

Although stablecoins have expanded beyond crypto trading into fintech and banking sectors, JPMorgan highlighted that only about 6% of demand—roughly $15 billion—is related to payment applications.

“The idea that stablecoins will replace traditional money for everyday use is still far from reality,” the report stated.

The stablecoin market currently stands at around $250 billion. While recent U.S. regulatory moves, such as the GENIUS Act, may provide clearer guidelines, JPMorgan remains cautious due to fragmented regulations, slow international adoption, and lack of compelling use cases outside crypto.

Other forecasts have been more bullish—Standard Chartered anticipates a $2 trillion stablecoin market by 2028, and Bernstein predicts growth up to $4 trillion within a decade.

JPMorgan also rejected comparisons to China’s digital yuan and mobile payment giants like Alipay and WeChat Pay, noting these are unlikely to serve as models for stablecoin expansion globally.

Altcoins Gain Ground Alongside Bitcoin

Other cryptocurrencies followed Bitcoin’s lead with notable gains. Ethereum surged over 7% to $2,632.81, XRP climbed 5.4% to $2.29, and Solana rose 3.6%. Cardano rebounded sharply, increasing nearly 8% after steep losses in June.

Meme coins also rallied, with Dogecoin up around 8% and $TRUMP gaining 4.4%.