Category: Market News

Arc Minerals (LSE:ARCM) has signed a comprehensive settlement agreement that concludes all outstanding litigation matters in Zambia. The agreement, involving Arc subsidiaries and project partners alongside ZAMEX, Lunda Resources and an individual counterparty, brings an end to eight separate legal proceedings spanning multiple Zambian courts and tribunals.

As part of the settlement, all parties have agreed to mutually release one another from any historic and future claims, enabling Arc Minerals to focus fully on progressing its exploration activities in Zambia and Botswana, including the company’s flagship Kabompo West copper project. The agreement also resolves uncertainties surrounding licence ownership, with Lunda giving up any interest in Handa’s Licence 19906-HQ-LEL. Arc additionally stated that Lunda’s retained Licence 41777-HQ-LEL is considered immaterial to its operations. A deferred payment of US$200,000 will only become payable if a substantial copper resource is defined before 2031.

The company’s outlook continues to be weighed down by weak financial performance, including the absence of revenue generation, ongoing losses and negative operating and free cash flow, despite maintaining a relatively low level of debt. Technical indicators provide some support, with the share price trading above its 20-day and 50-day moving averages and showing positive MACD momentum. Valuation remains difficult to assess due to negative earnings and the lack of dividend metrics.

More about ARC Minerals

ARC Minerals Ltd (LSE:ARCM) is an AIM-listed copper exploration company focused on developing projects across two of Africa’s most prospective copper-producing regions. Its flagship Kabompo West project is located within the Western Domes area of the Central African Copperbelt in Zambia, while its Virgo project in Botswana targets the MMG Zone 5 corridor of the Kalahari Copper Belt. The company is supported by a management team with experience across mining operations and capital markets.

Jangada Mines (LSE:JAN) has announced high-grade drilling results from its Molly Gold Project in Brazil, confirming the continuity of polymetallic mineralisation at the Molly 1 deposit and extending the known strike length by as much as 150 metres toward the East Pot area. Drill intercepts included gold grades exceeding 20 g/t, alongside notable silver and copper mineralisation, supporting the interpretation of a larger structurally controlled ore body that remains open both along strike and at depth. The results strengthen the case for an expanded drilling campaign at the project.

At the separate Molly 2 target, maiden drill hole 7A confirmed a new polymetallic discovery connected to the broader Molly 1 system. The hole encountered shallow high-grade mineralisation containing gold, silver, copper and lead, trending westward toward the Vivi target area. Combined, the Molly 1 East Pot and Molly 2 Vivi corridors point to the emergence of a district-scale polymetallic system with substantial resource expansion potential. Jangada said the project could see a significant increase in resources as outstanding assay results are processed and further drilling, geophysical surveys and structural analysis are completed.

The company’s outlook remains constrained by weak financial fundamentals, including its pre-revenue status, recurring losses and continued cash burn despite having no debt on the balance sheet. However, technical indicators appear more supportive, with the share price trading above key moving averages and showing moderately positive momentum. Valuation metrics remain limited by the absence of earnings and dividend support.

More about Jangada Mines PLC

Jangada Mines plc (LSE:JAN) is an AIM-listed natural resources company focused on the exploration and development of gold and polymetallic projects in Brazil. Its flagship Molly Project is located within the Tapajós Gold Belt and targets structurally controlled high-grade narrow vein systems containing gold, silver, copper, zinc and lead in a historically productive artisanal mining region.

Sovereign Metals (LSE:SVM) has confirmed that monazite sourced from four proposed pits at its Kasiya project in Malawi contains elevated concentrations of critical heavy rare earth elements, including dysprosium, terbium and yttrium. The company said the material includes zones earmarked for first-year production, with the rare earth oxide basket demonstrating DyTb and yttrium ratios approximately seven times higher than those produced by the world’s five largest rare earth suppliers. The highest concentrations were identified close to surface.

According to the company, these rare earth elements can be recovered through the existing tailings stream using the flowsheet outlined in Kasiya’s definitive feasibility study. This could establish a third revenue stream in addition to rutile and graphite production, with minimal additional mining or processing expenditure required. Independent pricing analysis indicates that Kasiya’s monazite material, due to its elevated heavy rare earth content, could command a meaningful premium to prevailing benchmark monazite prices. The development could enhance overall project economics while positioning Sovereign Metals as a potential non-Chinese supplier to Western rare earth markets, where supply security concerns continue to intensify.

More about Sovereign Metals Limited

Sovereign Metals Limited (LSE:SVM) is an Australia-listed mining and development company advancing the Kasiya rutile-graphite project in Malawi. The project is primarily focused on producing titanium dioxide feedstock and graphite, while the company is increasingly exploring the commercial potential of monazite-hosted rare earths as an additional strategic by-product serving global critical minerals and defence-related supply chains.

RTC Group Plc (LSE:RTC), the AIM-listed recruitment specialist serving the infrastructure, engineering and technical sectors, said it entered 2026 with strong momentum following a record profit after tax, solid cash generation and balance sheet growth in 2025, supporting a 10% increase in the dividend. The company reported continued positive trading through the first quarter, alongside six significant contract wins and resilient demand across its core rail maintenance and infrastructure markets. Its conferencing division also performed ahead of the prior year despite increased government-related operating costs.

Management cautioned that second-quarter trading has been affected by geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran conflict, which have driven fuel prices sharply higher and increased fleet-related costs, putting pressure on margins within the Rail and Energy divisions. Elevated energy costs are also reducing activity among smaller manufacturing customers and weakening demand for temporary labour. RTC further highlighted continued weakness in the permanent recruitment market, with vacancy levels falling to their lowest point since 2021 as higher employment costs and reduced worker mobility weigh on hiring activity. The company additionally noted softer short-term demand in its Energy division as the smart metering market moves beyond the initial rollout stage.

While rail operations have improved since the beginning of the current contract period, performance remains below expectations for the CP7 cycle, reflecting wider delays to rail enhancement projects across the sector. Nevertheless, RTC stated that strong cash generation during 2025 has left the business with a solid financial position, including a debt-free balance sheet with no term borrowings. Management said this provides flexibility to navigate broader industry headwinds while maintaining focus on operating cash flow and disciplined cost management ahead of interim results scheduled for release in late July.

The company’s outlook continues to be supported by attractive valuation metrics, including a low price-to-earnings ratio and a relatively high dividend yield, alongside improved balance sheet strength and strong recent free cash flow performance. However, these positives are partly offset by risks surrounding weaker revenue growth and technically overbought trading conditions that could increase short-term share price volatility.

More about RTC Group plc

RTC Group Plc (LSE:RTC) is an AIM-listed recruitment and outsourcing business providing both temporary and permanent white- and blue-collar labour across UK and international markets. Through its brands Ganymede and ATA Recruitment, the group serves industries including rail, energy and utilities, manufacturing and engineering, water, transportation, highways and construction. Its international division, GSS, supports engineering and infrastructure projects in complex global locations. The company is headquartered at the Derby Conference Centre, which also generates conferencing, rental and office accommodation income for the group.

ValiRx (LSE:VAL) has reinforced the intellectual property position of its majority-owned subsidiary Cytolytix after securing a key European patent covering nanoparticles designed for anti-cancer peptides, licensed from King’s College London. The patent strengthens Cytolytix’s underlying technology platform, improves its appeal to prospective investors, and broadens potential opportunities for licensing agreements and strategic oncology partnerships.

The group has also submitted a new patent application covering second-generation liposomal versions of its oncolytic peptide technology. The filing is supported by preclinical research demonstrating immunogenic cell death in triple negative breast cancer models. In parallel, the company continues to progress a separate core European patent while presenting the technology platform to industry participants. ValiRx said it is engaged in discussions with several prospective partners, including a major pharmaceutical company, and intends to expand use of the oncolytic platform across both human oncology and its Animal Health division.

ValiRx plc’s outlook continues to be weighed by difficult financial performance, including ongoing losses and dependence on external funding. Technical indicators point to a generally bearish trend in the shares, although there remains some potential for upward price movement. Valuation metrics remain weak, reflecting a negative price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of a dividend yield.

More about ValiRx plc

ValiRx plc (LSE:VAL) is a London-listed life sciences business focused on developing early-stage cancer therapeutics and women’s health treatments. The company provides scientific, commercial and financial support frameworks aimed at advancing novel drug candidates into clinical development. Through its subsidiary structure, ValiRx develops promising preclinical assets before seeking licensing agreements or strategic partnerships for further development and commercialisation.

GNC (LSE:GNC) reported robust first-half results for the six months ended 27 March 2026, marking the first reporting period to include the recently acquired Bakkavor UK business. Pro forma UK revenue increased 3.2% to £1.32bn, while pro forma adjusted operating profit climbed 15.3% to £73.3m. Operating margins improved to 5.6% as tighter cost management and operational efficiencies helped offset softer conditions in the grocery sector.

The enlarged business remains on course to generate at least £80m in annual cost synergies within three years. However, integration expenses, acquisition-related charges and working-capital outflows contributed to negative free cash flow during the period, pushing net debt higher to £817.6m, equivalent to 2.3 times EBITDA. Management pointed to resilient trading performance, strong customer service metrics and new contract wins, while also confirming that its US operations are now classified as held for sale. The move reinforces Greencore’s focus on the UK convenience food market and could signal further portfolio adjustments ahead.

Greencore’s outlook continues to be supported by strong earnings momentum and strategic growth initiatives. The group delivered stable revenue growth alongside improving profitability, while technical indicators suggest moderate bullish momentum in the shares. Valuation metrics imply the stock is trading at broadly fair levels, and the absence of major corporate disruptions adds to the company’s stable near-term outlook.

More about Greencore

Greencore Group is the UK’s largest producer of fresh convenience foods, supplying major supermarkets and foodservice operators with a range of more than 4,000 products. Following the acquisition of Bakkavor’s UK operations in January 2026, the company has materially expanded its scale, operational capabilities and category presence within chilled prepared foods.

Oil prices surged on Tuesday after fresh U.S. military action against Iran raised concerns that efforts to secure a peace agreement and fully restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could face further delays.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that finalizing a deal with Iran may “take a few days,” cooling expectations of an immediate breakthrough after Washington launched what it described as defensive strikes in southern Iran a day earlier.

“We are still waiting for more details on a potential deal,” said Giovanni Staunovo at UBS. “Meanwhile we see renewed tensions in the Middle East, while flows through the Strait remain restricted.”

Brent recovers strongly amid renewed supply concerns

Brent crude futures rose $3.04, or 3.2%, to $99.18 a barrel by 08:20 GMT after plunging 7% during the previous trading session.

Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude traded at $92.53 a barrel, down $4.07, or 4.2%, from Friday’s close. No official WTI settlement was recorded on Monday because of the U.S. Memorial Day holiday.

Doha negotiations remain in focus as shipping disruptions persist

“While differences between the parties have narrowed, any eventual peace deal would likely lead only to a gradual reopening, meaning the current tight supply outlook could take months to normalize,” said Ole Hansen at Saxo Bank.

Since the conflict erupted, Tehran has effectively halted nearly all non-Iranian shipping traffic moving through the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

The latest strikes came as Iran’s chief negotiator and foreign minister met with Qatar’s prime minister in Doha to discuss a possible agreement with the United States aimed at ending the three-month war.

Officials in both Washington and Tehran said progress had been made on a memorandum of understanding that would pause the conflict and allow negotiators 60 days to reach a final agreement.

Reports indicate potential phased reopening of Hormuz

According to Japanese newspaper Nikkei, citing a diplomatic source from the Middle East, Iran would begin clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days under the proposed framework.

The report added that vessels from all countries would then be allowed to move through the waterway freely and securely, while Tehran would also end transit-fee charges.

Shipping data showed that three LNG carriers recently crossed the Strait heading toward Pakistan, China and India, alongside a supertanker carrying Iraqi crude to China that had remained stranded for almost three months.

Trump says agreement risks collapsing at final stage

U.S. President Donald Trump repeated on Monday his call for Iran to surrender its enriched uranium stockpiles so they can be destroyed.

“It’s a sharp reminder that the deal could still collapse at the 11th hour, much like the five previous attempts before it,” said Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG Group.

Gold prices moved lower on Tuesday after fresh U.S. military strikes against Iran reduced optimism surrounding a possible diplomatic breakthrough that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease concerns over rising energy-driven inflation.

Spot gold fell 0.9% to $4,529.38 an ounce by 06:13 ET (10:13 GMT), while gold futures posted a modest 0.1% gain to $4,561.80 an ounce.

Fresh military action dampens diplomatic optimism

Precious metals had previously found support after weekend reports indicated that Washington and Tehran were making progress toward a potential agreement aimed at restoring shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz.

That positive sentiment weakened after the U.S. military confirmed additional strikes on Iranian targets. According to American media reports, U.S. forces attacked mine-laying vessels in southern Iran, with U.S. Central Command characterizing the operation as defensive in nature.

CENTCOM also maintained that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran remained intact. At the same time, Iranian officials warned that any further military action against the country would trigger retaliation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said that reaching a formal agreement could “take a few days,” while insisting that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen “one way or another.”

Higher oil prices and bond yields weigh on bullion

Oil markets rebounded following the renewed tensions, adding further pressure to gold prices.

Analysts at UBS said gold has increasingly traded inversely to government bond yields, which have risen as investors anticipate further monetary tightening from major central banks, including the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, in response to energy-related inflation risks.

Financial markets are currently pricing in a 40% likelihood that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates by 25 basis points before the end of 2027. Non-yielding assets such as gold generally become less attractive in periods of elevated interest rates.

Dollar strength creates additional headwinds for gold

UBS analysts also pointed to renewed strength in the U.S. dollar, supported by rising bond yields, as another factor weighing on bullion markets by making gold more expensive for international buyers.

The U.S. dollar index, which measures the currency against six major peers, has advanced 1.3% over the last three months.

“Gold prices have struggled to regain momentum as higher U.S. bond yields, shifting central bank expectations, and renewed U.S. dollar strength reintroduce concerns over opportunity cost into the market’s pricing framework,” UBS analysts wrote in a research note lowering their year-end forecast for bullion prices.