Category: Market News

UK equities traded largely flat on Thursday morning as investors awaited the Bank of England’s latest interest rate decision, while sterling edged lower and major European markets moved higher. By 08:18 GMT, the FTSE100 was down marginally by 0.01%, and the pound slipped 0.07% against the US dollar, remaining just above the 1.33 level.

Across Europe, sentiment was more positive, with Germany’s DAX rising 0.1% and France’s CAC40 gaining 0.2% in early trading.

Markets are widely expecting the Bank of England to cut interest rates by 25 basis points to 3.75%. Economists anticipate a close vote, potentially split 5–4, with Governor Andrew Bailey expected to support easing. However, stronger-than-expected UK inflation data for November, particularly a sharp fall in food prices, has increased speculation that the vote could swing to a 6–3 split.

In company news, BP PLC (LSE:BP.) announced that Meg O’Neill will take over as chief executive from 1 April 2026. Current CEO Murray Auchincloss will step down from both his executive role and the board on Thursday, with Carol Howle appointed as interim chief executive during the transition period.

Elsewhere, Currys PLC (LSE:CURY) reported a strong set of first-half results. The electronics retailer said adjusted profit before tax jumped 144% to £22 million for the 26 weeks to 1 November. Group revenue increased 8% year on year to £4.23 billion, compared with £3.92 billion previously. On a currency-neutral basis, revenue rose 6%, while like-for-like sales across the group grew 4%.

Adjusted earnings before interest and tax increased 32% to £54 million, with reported EBIT rising to £43 million from £29 million. The improvement was driven by higher sales volumes and particularly strong performance in the Nordic region.

Currys plc (LSE:CURY) has reported a robust first-half performance, with adjusted profit before tax rising to £22 million, representing a 144% increase year on year. Free cash flow also strengthened significantly, increasing 68% to £84 million, reflecting improved operational efficiency and disciplined cost management.

Revenue growth was recorded across both the UK & Ireland and Nordic regions. In the UK & Ireland, performance was supported by growth in services, increased B2B sales, and the expansion of new product categories, while Nordic operations delivered strong execution and maintained market leadership. Despite ongoing cost pressures, Currys outperformed the wider UK market and continued to demonstrate resilience in a challenging retail environment.

The group remains focused on sustainable growth, cash generation, and returning value to shareholders. This approach is reflected in its £50 million share buyback programme and the declaration of dividends. Full-year guidance has been left unchanged, underlining management’s confidence in the company’s financial and operational trajectory.

More about Currys plc

Currys plc is a leading retailer of consumer electronics and technology products, offering solutions across computing, mobile, domestic appliances, and associated services. The company operates across the UK, Ireland, and the Nordic region, serving both consumer and business-to-business customers through an extensive store network and digital channels.

Blackbird PLC (LSE:BIRD) has completed a £500,000 fundraising through the issue of 22,222,222 new ordinary shares, strengthening its balance sheet and providing additional resources to accelerate development and marketing of its elevate.io platform.

The proceeds will be used to support elevate.io during its product–market fit phase, with a particular focus on expanding marketing activity to drive customer acquisition and establish recurring revenue streams. Management also plans to use the capital to scale operations in response to growing demand within the rapidly expanding Creator Economy.

Despite the successful raise, Blackbird continues to face challenges around profitability and cash generation. While the company maintains a solid equity position and recent strategic progress offers potential upside, valuation concerns persist due to ongoing losses. Technical indicators suggest a relatively stable share price backdrop as the business works to convert product momentum into sustainable financial performance.

More about Blackbird PLC

Blackbird PLC is a technology company operating across the SaaS, media, and entertainment sectors. It develops patented cloud-based video editing and viewing solutions, including the BlackbirdⓇ platform for professional broadcasters and media organisations, and elevate.io, a browser-based collaborative content creation tool aimed at professional teams and the growing Creator Economy.

Shield Therapeutics (LSE:STX) has applied to the London Stock Exchange for a block listing covering 15,000,000 ordinary shares, which are intended for use under the company’s Retention and Performance Share Plan. The shares are expected to be admitted to trading on 23 December 2025.

The move is designed to support the company’s incentive framework as it continues to commercialise its iron deficiency treatment ACCRUFeR®. Management said the block listing will provide additional flexibility in rewarding and retaining key personnel as the business seeks to build on its position within the global iron deficiency market, estimated to be worth around $2.3 billion.

From a market standpoint, Shield Therapeutics is benefiting from supportive technical momentum and recent corporate developments. However, these positives are tempered by ongoing financial pressures and valuation concerns, with funding stability remaining a key consideration for investors.

More about Shield Therapeutics

Shield Therapeutics plc is a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development and global commercialisation of ACCRUFeR®/FeRACCRU® (ferric maltol), an oral treatment for iron deficiency with or without anaemia. The company operates through partnerships and licensing arrangements, with products marketed across the US, UK, Europe, Canada, China, South Korea, Japan, and other international markets.

ITM Power (LSE:ITM) has secured a 12.5MW contract with Octopus Energy Generation to supply its NEPTUNE V green hydrogen systems for use at Kimberly-Clark’s Northfleet manufacturing facility in the UK. The project will support efforts to decarbonise paper production by integrating green hydrogen into an innovative dual-fuel boiler system.

Under the agreement, hydrogen produced on site will contribute to Kimberly-Clark’s objective of sourcing 100% renewable energy for its operations. The installation highlights the growing role of green hydrogen in reducing emissions across energy-intensive industrial processes, with the facility expected to become operational by the end of 2027.

From a market perspective, ITM Power continues to face financial challenges, including ongoing losses and cash flow pressures. While management commentary points to a strong order backlog and revenue growth potential, technical indicators and valuation measures suggest a cautious near-term outlook. Operational efficiency and execution remain key areas of focus as the company seeks to convert contract wins into sustainable profitability.

More about ITM Power

ITM Power plc is a UK-based manufacturer of green hydrogen technology, specialising in proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysers. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Sheffield, the company develops systems that use renewable electricity and water to produce hydrogen, supporting net zero ambitions across industrial and energy markets.

FRP Advisory Group PLC (LSE:FRP) has reported strong half-year results for the period ended October 2025, posting a 12% increase in revenue alongside improved profitability. The performance reflects contributions from recent strategic acquisitions as well as continued expansion of the group’s service offering.

During the period, the company continued to invest in growth through selective acquisitions, geographic expansion, and ongoing recruitment to strengthen its advisory capabilities. Management said these initiatives are enhancing the breadth and depth of services available to clients and supporting the group’s ability to compete effectively across a range of market conditions.

Looking ahead, FRP remains confident in delivering against full-year expectations despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty. The company’s outlook is underpinned by solid financial performance and a series of positive corporate developments, with technical indicators pointing to a constructive trend and valuation viewed as balanced relative to growth and income potential.

More about FRP Advisory Group Plc

FRP Advisory Group PLC is a national specialist business advisory firm providing services across restructuring, corporate finance, debt advisory, financial advisory, and forensic investigations. Founded in 2010, the group works with companies, lenders, investors, and individuals to help navigate complex financial and operational challenges across multiple sectors.

Card Factory (LSE:CARD) has issued an update following its 2025 Annual General Meeting, during which a notable level of shareholder opposition was recorded on three resolutions relating to equity share allotments and pre-emption authorities.

In the wake of the AGM, the company engaged with its largest shareholders to better understand their concerns, which were largely focused on the potential dilutive impact of employee share award schemes. Management said these discussions have helped inform its response, including the launch of a share buyback programme aimed at offsetting dilution and reinforcing shareholder returns.

The company also reiterated its commitment to maintaining a balanced approach to capital allocation, supporting investment in its core retail operations and longer-term growth initiatives while prioritising sustainable value creation. From a market perspective, Card Factory continues to benefit from solid financial performance, an attractive valuation, and supportive share repurchase activity, with technical indicators pointing to a broadly stable outlook.

More about Card Factory

Card Factory is a leading UK retailer specialising in greeting cards, gifts, and celebration-related products. The group serves a broad consumer base within the celebrations market through an extensive store network and a growing digital presence.

GSTechnologies Limited (LSE:GST) has released unaudited interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2025, outlining progress across its digital operations alongside ongoing strategic initiatives.

During the period, the company reported improved revenue contributions from its digital asset activities and continued investment in its GS Money solutions. Expansion efforts remained a priority, with management pursuing growth through acquisitions and regulatory licensing applications to extend the group’s geographical footprint. The formal adoption of a Bitcoin treasury policy was highlighted as a strategic milestone, reflecting confidence in the long-term role of cryptocurrency within the company’s financial framework. Integration of the Bake platform also enhanced the breadth of its digital offerings.

Looking ahead, GSTechnologies expects further development across its digital asset and foreign exchange businesses, while continuing to address operational challenges within its cybersecurity subsidiary. Despite these initiatives, the company’s overall outlook remains constrained by weak financial performance, including declining revenues and substantial losses. Bearish technical indicators and valuation concerns continue to weigh on sentiment, with strategic progress yet to translate into sustained financial improvement.

More about GSTechnologies

GSTechnologies Limited is a fintech group focused on foreign exchange, digital payments, and digital assets. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides e-wallet services, cryptocurrency trading platforms, and cybersecurity solutions, with an emphasis on international expansion and regulatory compliance across markets in Europe, South America, and Asia.

Greggs plc (LSE:GRG) has confirmed that it will publish its fourth-quarter trading update on 8 January 2026, providing the market with an update on performance toward the end of the financial year.

The announcement is expected to offer insight into trading conditions and operational progress within the highly competitive food-on-the-go sector. Investors will be watching closely for commentary on sales trends, cost pressures, and the company’s outlook as it enters the new year.

From a market perspective, Greggs continues to benefit from strong underlying financial performance and a track record of positive corporate developments. Technical indicators remain supportive, and valuation levels are viewed as reasonable, offering a balanced mix of growth potential and income appeal.

More about Greggs plc

Greggs plc is a leading UK food-on-the-go retailer, best known for its range of freshly prepared baked goods, sandwiches, and drinks. The company operates an extensive store network and serves customers seeking convenient, value-driven meal options across the UK.

Arrow Exploration Corp. (LSE:AXL) has reported strong initial production results from the newly drilled Mateguafa HZ7 well in Colombia’s Llanos Basin, with the well brought on stream on schedule and within budget.

Early production from HZ7 averaged 1,694 barrels of oil per day on a gross basis, exceeding management expectations. The oil produced is light, with an API gravity of 30.6°, and has shown a very low water cut, supporting the quality and commercial potential of the reservoir. These results further validate the Mateguafa Attic area as an emerging core asset within Arrow’s portfolio.

Building on this success, the company plans to drill additional horizontal and vertical wells in the area as part of its ongoing development programme. Management said the performance at HZ7 underlines Arrow’s broader growth strategy and strengthens its positioning as it continues to scale production across its Colombian assets.

More about Arrow Exploration Corp

Arrow Exploration Corp. is an oil and gas production company operating in Colombia through its wholly owned subsidiary, Carrao Energy S.A. The group holds interests across several prolific basins, including Llanos, Middle Magdalena Valley, and Putumayo, and focuses on expanding production while benefiting from Brent-linked light oil pricing, low royalty rates, and high working interests to deliver attractive operating margins.