Category: Market News

Quantum Blockchain Technologies Plc (LSE:QBT) has released its 2024 year-end results, showcasing notable strides in its research and development efforts aimed at transforming Bitcoin mining. Among its key achievements is the introduction of “Method C,” an artificial intelligence-powered innovation that has demonstrated a 30% increase in mining efficiency. The company is now actively collaborating with ASIC chip manufacturers to integrate this cutting-edge technology into commercial mining hardware.

In addition to Method C, Quantum is making headway in preparing its previously developed Method A and Method B technologies for market launch. The company has begun discussions with several major players in the Bitcoin mining and ASIC manufacturing industries, laying the groundwork for strategic partnerships that could accelerate the adoption of its solutions.

These technological milestones arrive at a critical juncture for the cryptocurrency industry, which continues to evolve in the aftermath of Bitcoin’s recent halving event and growing scrutiny over the sector’s energy consumption. QBT’s innovations place it in a strong position to lead the next wave of advancements in more sustainable and efficient mining practices.

About Quantum Blockchain Technologies Plc

Quantum Blockchain Technologies Plc is an AIM-listed company on the London Stock Exchange, dedicated to pioneering advancements in blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies. With a core focus on disrupting the traditional Bitcoin mining landscape, QBT is developing AI-driven tools and protocols designed to surpass current industry standards in speed, efficiency, and sustainability.

Blue Star Capital (LSE:BLU) has reported a reduced pre-tax loss of £107,630 for the first half of 2025, marking a notable improvement over its prior financial performance. As part of its strategic initiatives, the company completed a capital restructuring aimed at easing the issuance of new shares, which in turn enabled it to participate in a fresh funding round for its portfolio company, SatoshiPay.

SatoshiPay, a blockchain-based fintech firm, is gaining momentum with its Vortex platform—a decentralized exchange that facilitates seamless swaps between stablecoins and fiat currencies. The growing usage of Vortex signals potential long-term value, aligning with Blue Star Capital’s vision to benefit from the accelerating adoption of blockchain technologies.

To support its ongoing investment strategy, Blue Star successfully secured £250,000 in additional capital. This funding is earmarked to further back SatoshiPay in upcoming fundraising efforts and to explore new opportunities in the Bitcoin and digital asset space.

About Blue Star Capital

Blue Star Capital is a technology investment firm with a focus on high-growth digital sectors. Its portfolio spans several innovative companies, including:

• SatoshiPay Limited, a pioneer in blockchain-based payment infrastructure
• Dynasty Media & Gaming, which offers white-label solutions for the gaming industry
• Paidia, a platform designed to support and grow female participation in gaming
• Sthaler Limited, a tech firm specializing in biometric identity and payment systems

With a diversified approach and focus on emerging technologies, Blue Star Capital continues to position itself at the forefront of the digital transformation landscape.

Donald Trump did not wait for the two-week deadline he had given Iran on Thursday to avoid U.S. airstrikes. Instead, just two days later, he ordered a direct attack on the Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, bypassing Congress altogether, prompting calls for impeachment proceedings.

Despite what appeared to be an extraordinary rally, the markets barely reacted. On Monday, the futures of the major U.S. indices — the S&P 500, the Dow Jones, and the Nasdaq — opened in positive territory, while oil prices started to decline. Even news of an attack on a U.S. base in Syria’s Hasakah province failed to unnerve investors.

The muted response reflects hope that the worst of the conflict has passed, and that Iran may have limited capacity to retaliate. As for the threat of Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, doing so would cut off its own vital oil revenues, invite a far harsher U.S. response, and leave Tehran even more isolated in the region.

So, for now, markets do not seem to believe that the latest flare-up in the Middle East could have devastating long-term consequences for the global economy. However, should a collapse of logistics chains occur, market sentiment would deteriorate sharply, with risk assets down and defensive assets up.

The problem is that even if this particular flare-up subsides, deeper structural threats persist.

In particular, unresolved trade wars continue to drag on without significant progress, and time is running out. Meanwhile, Washington is increasing pressure on technology: the U.S. threatens to revoke exemptions that allow companies like Samsung, SK Hynix, and TSMC to run Chinese factories with U.S. technology.

Add to this the signs of a slowdown in the U.S. economy. In May, retail sales fell by 0.9% MoM, consumer enthusiasm, which had been ignited by tariffs in March and April, faded, and industrial production fell by 0.2% MoM after rising by 0.1% in April. Against this backdrop, the market’s persistent optimism seems less justified.

In an exclusive interview, BankPro’s Paolo Broccardo shares how his digital-first private bank is rewriting the rules of wealth management — and why legacy institutions should be watching closely.

Private banking is no longer reserved for quiet boardrooms and velvet-gloved service — it’s rapidly moving to encrypted screens, AI-driven decisions, and real-time access. At the center of this shift is BankPro, a rising digital private bank aiming to merge the elegance of private banking with the speed and flexibility of fintech.

At the helm is CEO Paolo Broccardo — a strategic mind with roots in finance and a reputation for turning vision into execution. Under his leadership, BankPro is serving globally minded individuals and modern businesses alike, all while challenging the conventions of traditional banking. In this interview, Broccardo opens up about the highs and hurdles of building a next-gen financial institution from scratch, the lessons he’s learned, and what’s next for the company.

Paolo, before we get into BankPro — what drew you to digital private banking in the first place? Was there a moment when you realized the old model was broken?

I’ve spent decades in traditional finance, and during that time I saw an increasing disconnect between what private banking promised and what clients actually experienced. The old model often came with high barriers to entry, legacy systems, and fragmented services spread across platforms and regions. The turning point for me came during the pandemic, when clients — even affluent ones — struggled to access basic cross-border services quickly and securely. That was a wake-up call: private banking needed to evolve. Digital transformation wasn’t just a convenience anymore — it became a necessity. BankPro was born from the realisation that people deserve the sophistication of private banking with the agility and transparency of modern fintech.

You’ve taken BankPro from concept to a fully operational platform. What was the inflection point where you knew it was more than just a good idea?

The real inflection point came during our early testing phase, when clients from emerging markets started using the platform not just as a secondary service, but as their primary banking and investing hub. We saw multi-currency accounts, international transfers, and investment tools being used side by side — exactly as we’d envisioned. When institutional clients began approaching us for corporate accounts, it confirmed that our model had real market fit. That momentum, combined with overwhelmingly positive feedback about our user experience and onboarding speed, told us BankPro had moved from concept to something transformative.

Digital banking is a crowded space. What sets BankPro apart from both legacy players and fintech upstarts?

Legacy banks have the brand, fintechs have the agility — but neither combines both. BankPro bridges that gap. We bring the high-touch ethos of private banking into a fully digital format. Clients get a premium experience with institutional-grade tools, multi-currency accounts, instant transfers, Visa Platinum cards, and investing — all under one roof.

What’s the toughest decision you’ve had to make as CEO — and what did it teach you?

One of the toughest — but most important — decisions was choosing the right partners to build BankPro from the ground up. In digital finance, it’s tempting to prioritise speed or cost when selecting core banking systems and technology providers. But we knew from the start that trust, scalability, and long-term vision mattered more than shortcuts. That decision to go with partners who shared our commitment to compliance, security and innovation — even if it meant more time or investment — has paid off. It taught me that in banking, especially at the private level, taking risks with your foundation is never worth it. You only get one chance to earn client trust — and that starts behind the scenes.

You’re known for spotting strategic gaps before others see them. Can you walk us through a decision or product that exemplifies that ability?

Our decision to focus on markets like LATAM and APAC — where digital private banking is still scarce — was a deliberate and strategic move made from the outset. We recognised early on that while many of our competitors were racing to capture share in already saturated regions like the EU and US, there were underserved, high-growth areas being left behind.

These markets, particularly in Latin America and Southeast Asia, are experiencing rapid economic development and an emerging class of affluent individuals and businesses seeking more sophisticated financial solutions. However, access to seamless, secure, and modern private banking services has remained limited — especially when it comes to combining international reach, investment capabilities, and everyday digital convenience in a single platform.

This foresight — investing in infrastructure where demand was rising but supply was lagging — is now paying off in the form of strong user growth and deeper client engagement in these regions.

BankPro services a diverse client base — from individuals to corporates. How do you ensure the experience feels personalized across the board?

At BankPro, we’ve built a platform that strikes a rare balance: highly personalised, premium-level service for high-net-worth clients, and practical, reliable functionality for everyday users in emerging markets.

For corporate clients, we offer a distinct experience tailored to their operational needs. Through our advanced corporate dashboard, businesses can easily order and manage company cards, monitor transactions in real time, and access detailed account statements — all in a streamlined digital environment. We’re also preparing to launch treasury management tools, giving companies greater control over liquidity, forecasting, and international payments. This reflects our commitment to building a platform that scales with our clients’ ambitions.

At the same time, we’ve ensured that our core banking services are straightforward and accessible for individuals who may be underserved by traditional institutions. BankPro fills that gap — offering a modern alternative that brings financial inclusion and empowerment to the people who need it most.

Ultimately, whether you’re managing a global business or simply looking for a better way to send money abroad, BankPro offers a tailored solution. It’s all about meeting clients where they are — and giving them the tools to go further.

Let’s talk about the product. Is there a particular feature or launch you’re especially proud of — one that reflects BankPro’s mission best?

Absolutely — one of the features I’m most proud of is our seamless integration of global investing directly into the BankPro app. From the very beginning, our mission has been to make sophisticated financial tools accessible to clients around the world, and enabling users to invest in stocks and ETFs from major exchanges like NASDAQ and the NYSE is a powerful expression of that.

It’s not just about access — it’s about giving clients the ability to manage their everyday finances and long-term investments in one secure, intuitive platform. No need for multiple apps or complicated processes. Whether you’re moving funds between currencies, sending an international payment, or building a diversified portfolio, it’s all within reach — literally, at your fingertips.

This feature reflects our belief that modern private banking should empower users to take control of their financial future, no matter where they’re based.

What’s your vision for the future of private banking — and where does BankPro fit into that in five or ten years?

Private banking will become borderless, more inclusive, and powered by smart tech — not relationship managers in marble offices. In five years, I see BankPro as the go-to bank for globally minded professionals and businesses who want the tools of wealth creation in their pocket, not behind a velvet rope.

Finally, what should clients, investors, or even competitors expect from BankPro in the coming year? Any surprises on the horizon?

Expect continued innovation, deeper market expansion, and the rollout of new investment tools designed for globally minded users. In the coming months, we’re introducing exciting new features — including savings accounts and treasury management solutions specifically for corporate clients. These additions are part of our commitment to building a truly comprehensive digital private banking experience. And yes — we also have something groundbreaking in the pipeline that blends AI with wealth management. We look forward to sharing more very soon.

As Paolo Broccardo makes clear, BankPro isn’t just chasing trends — it’s shaping the future of private banking by fusing technological precision with a client-first mindset. In a space where reputation, speed, and trust collide, Broccardo’s vision is striking a rare balance: digital without the coldness, private without the exclusivity, and innovative without the hype.

Whether BankPro becomes the blueprint for a new class of digital private banks remains to be seen. But one thing is certain — under Broccardo’s leadership, it’s not content to follow. It’s here to lead.

Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) saw a modest increase in premarket trading on Monday as it introduced its pilot Robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. The initial phase involves a small fleet of 10 to 20 Model Y vehicles operating within designated geo-fenced areas across the city.

This autonomous ride-hailing initiative currently excludes airport routes and incorporates multiple safety measures, including a human safety attendant seated in the front passenger position and remote monitoring from off-site supervisors. Notably, the in-car safety monitor does not intervene in vehicle control during rides.

Investor reaction has been relatively muted, with analysts at RBC Capital Markets pointing out that the general concept of this launch was largely expected. The distinguishing factor highlighted by RBC is the dual oversight system combining onboard safety attendants and remote supervision.

RBC reiterated its belief that autonomous driving technology remains a key driver of Tesla’s long-term value, potentially representing up to 60% of the company’s future market capitalization. They also noted Tesla’s camera-centric, machine-learning approach—eschewing costly lidar and radar hardware—could provide a significant cost advantage compared to other players in the autonomous vehicle space.

On the ground, Wedbush analysts who experienced the service in Austin described it as “a window into the future.” They complimented the ride’s smoothness and the system’s ability to navigate challenging traffic conditions, such as narrow, congested streets with various obstacles.

Coinciding with Tesla’s rollout, Texas lawmakers passed a new regulation requiring autonomous vehicle operators to obtain regulatory approval before launching fully driverless services, effective September 1.

While Tesla’s trial fleet does not yet feature the company’s upcoming custom-designed “cybercab,” experts view this launch as a milestone signaling the beginning of Tesla’s broader ambitions in AI-driven transportation.

U.S. stock futures are trading cautiously while oil prices edge higher following the sudden weekend U.S. strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. The global markets remain on alert as uncertainty grows over Iran’s potential response and the possible impact on oil and gas supplies worldwide. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of “regime change” in Iran. In the U.S., the Senate is preparing to vote on a Trump-endorsed fiscal package, and investors are also monitoring key economic data releases scheduled for later today.

Stock Futures Show Limited Movement

As investors digest the ramifications of the U.S. military action against Iran, futures for major U.S. indexes show minimal change. By early Monday morning, Dow futures dipped slightly by 0.1%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures remained largely flat. Last Friday, Wall Street closed lower amid investor anxiety over the escalating Israel-Iran air conflict and potential U.S. military involvement.

President Trump’s announcement confirming the strikes against three Iranian nuclear sites removed some previous ambiguity. Market participants are now focused on how this development might influence overall market sentiment, inflation expectations, and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions.

Oil Prices React to Rising Geopolitical Risks

Oil markets have responded to the weekend’s events with an uptick in prices, reflecting concerns about possible supply disruptions, especially in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn that a surge in crude prices could reignite inflationary pressures and potentially delay any easing of interest rates by the Fed.

By Monday morning, Brent crude for August delivery rose by 0.8% to $76.11 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate futures increased by 0.9% to $74.48 per barrel, though both contracts trimmed some gains from earlier trading.

Warren Patterson, ING’s Head of Commodities Strategy, noted that the risk to energy supply has heightened significantly due to uncertainties over Iran’s next moves.

Anticipation Builds Around Iran’s Next Steps

Tehran has yet to clarify its response strategy but has vowed to keep all defensive options open. The Iranian government has issued stern warnings about “lasting consequences” and intensified its airstrikes against Israel, following an escalation that began 11 days ago.

Iranian officials have criticized President Trump as a “gambler” and hinted that the weekend strikes have broadened acceptable military targets. Trump, for his part, raised the prospect of regime change in Iran via a Sunday social media post.

Reports from Iran suggest the possibility of closing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global oil shipments. There is also speculation about possible Iranian attacks on U.S. military bases throughout the Middle East.

Some market experts believe that while tensions in the region have surged, the U.S. strikes have clarified Trump’s intentions, potentially reducing some uncertainty for investors. Analysts at Vital Knowledge commented that removing this ambiguity might actually have a stabilizing effect, though they caution that underlying challenges such as tariffs and fiscal policies remain.

U.S. Senate Prepares to Vote on Fiscal Bill

On the domestic front, the U.S. Senate aims to vote this week on its version of a major tax and spending bill supported by President Trump. This legislation seeks to extend the 2017 tax cuts and boost spending on defense and border security. Offsetting measures include proposed cuts to entitlement programs like Medicaid.

However, Senate procedural rules have complicated the bill’s path, with a nonpartisan official ruling that certain provisions do not meet budget reconciliation requirements, which would allow passage with a simple majority.

Republicans hope to use budget reconciliation to bypass Democratic opposition and pass the package, which must then return to the House before being signed by Trump by the July 4 deadline.

Upcoming Economic Data: PMI Reports

Investors are also awaiting June’s business activity data, including manufacturing and services purchasing managers’ indices (PMIs) from S&P Global. Forecasts suggest a slight decline in manufacturing PMI to 51.1 from 52.0, and a dip in services PMI to 52.9 from 53.7.

These figures will provide an early indication of economic momentum ahead of other important releases this week, such as Tuesday’s consumer confidence report and Friday’s inflation data, closely monitored by the Fed.

Consumer confidence has weakened in recent months amid concerns about tariffs’ impact on inflation and growth. Nonetheless, price increases have remained moderate, and hopes for easing trade tensions have been buoyed by ongoing U.S.-China negotiations.

European equities saw modest movement on Monday morning as investors weighed the geopolitical implications of U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.

By 08:06 GMT, the pan-European Stoxx 600 inched up by 0.04% to 536.74, reflecting a cautiously optimistic tone. Major national indexes, including France’s CAC 40 and Britain’s FTSE 100, remained largely flat, while Germany’s DAX posted a slight gain of 0.1%.

The muted reaction came after President Donald Trump authorized the bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites on Saturday, escalating an already tense situation between Tehran and Israel. Though Iran has yet to officially retaliate, officials in Tehran warned of “permanent consequences” and have intensified strikes on Israeli targets, blaming Israel for initiating the hostilities 11 days earlier.

Iran’s leadership has not ruled out any options, and local media outlets have reported discussions around possibly blocking the Strait of Hormuz—a strategic chokepoint for global oil shipments. There is also speculation that U.S. military installations in the region could be potential targets.

While the situation has escalated, some market participants took a more tempered view. Analysts noted that while Middle East tensions remain high, the immediate uncertainty around whether the U.S. would take military action has now been clarified. For now, markets appear to be betting on a limited scope to the conflict.

Oil Markets Respond with Volatility

Energy traders closely monitored developments, given the threat to global oil flows. Although Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures initially surged, both pared gains slightly by mid-morning Monday.

At 03:38 ET, Brent crude for August delivery was up 0.8% to $76.11 per barrel, while WTI advanced 0.9% to $74.48.

Concerns persist that any escalation, especially involving the Strait of Hormuz, could disrupt critical oil exports and reignite inflationary pressures, potentially influencing the Federal Reserve’s future decisions on interest rates. Markets will also be watching how Iran ultimately responds—and whether this conflict broadens or remains a contained episode.

Oil prices surged in early Asian trading Monday, triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions after U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites heightened fears of Middle East supply disruptions. Despite the initial rally, crude later eased off its peak levels.

By 00:05 GMT, Brent crude futures for August delivery were up 2.4% at $79.00 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) gained 2.5% to trade at $73.84. Both benchmarks briefly spiked nearly 4%, reaching their highest levels in four months, with Brent nearing $81 per barrel at its peak.

Market volatility followed news of U.S. strikes over the weekend targeting Iran’s major nuclear facilities. In response, Iran threatened retaliation, raising concerns about the broader implications for regional stability and energy exports.

Reports from Iranian state media indicated Tehran might move to block the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime route that facilitates a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments. Such a blockade could severely restrict global energy flows and spark broader market disruptions.

The renewed military confrontations between Iran and Israel, now in their 11th day, have already fueled oil market volatility. Heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington could also trigger new U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports, potentially straining supplies to Asia and Europe.

Market watchers are closely monitoring how Iran will respond in the coming days. Unconfirmed reports have suggested possible targeting of U.S. military assets in the region, adding to the geopolitical risk premium in oil pricing.

Analysts at ANZ described the U.S. actions as a “major escalation” and forecast that oil prices may stabilize in the $90 to $95 per barrel range if the situation continues to deteriorate. They also warned of an increased risk of supply chain disruption through the Strait of Hormuz and viewed renewed diplomatic talks over Iran’s nuclear program as highly unlikely in the near term.

Gold prices edged lower in early Asian trading on Monday as investor demand for safe-haven assets shifted toward the U.S. dollar following American military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The escalation in geopolitical tensions appeared to reinforce confidence in the greenback, dampening gold’s recent rally.

Spot gold dipped 0.2% to $3,360.11 per ounce, while gold futures slipped 0.3% to $3,374.72 by 01:08 ET (05:08 GMT). Despite Monday’s dip, the precious metal remains elevated compared to earlier in the month, supported by heightened geopolitical uncertainty stemming from the Israel-Iran conflict.

Dollar Strength Weighs on Precious Metals

The primary driver behind gold’s decline was a stronger dollar, which rose over 0.3% against a basket of major currencies. The greenback’s appeal was bolstered by fears of further instability in the Middle East and expectations that inflationary pressures may keep U.S. interest rates elevated.

Over the weekend, U.S. forces targeted three of Iran’s nuclear sites, prompting President Donald Trump to claim the facilities were effectively neutralized. The strikes were reportedly motivated by concerns over Iran’s alleged pursuit of nuclear weapons—allegations Tehran continues to deny.

The attack marked a significant escalation in regional tensions, with Iran warning of retaliatory measures, including the potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime route for global oil shipments. Fears of such retaliation pushed oil prices higher, reinforcing inflation concerns and supporting the dollar.

Market Awaits Fed Commentary

Investors now turn their attention to upcoming comments from Federal Reserve officials, particularly Chair Jerome Powell, who is scheduled to deliver testimony before Congress starting Tuesday. The Fed’s recent ambiguous tone on rate cuts has already helped lift the dollar in recent sessions.

Platinum and Silver Pull Back from Highs

Other precious and industrial metals also saw minor corrections. Platinum futures eased 0.1% to $1,263.15 per ounce after reaching a four-year high last week. Silver futures gained a modest 0.1% to $36.05 per ounce, staying near their highest levels in over 13 years.

Among base metals, copper prices weakened slightly. London Metal Exchange copper contracts declined 0.1% to $9,643.15 per ton, while U.S. copper futures slipped 0.3% to $4.820 per pound.