Category: Market News

  • Sound Energy Begins Gas Commissioning at Tendrara Development

    Sound Energy Begins Gas Commissioning at Tendrara Development

    Sound Energy PLC (LSE:SOU) has started the initial commissioning phase for the TE-5 Horst development within the Tendrara Production Concession, marking the first entry of gas into the project’s gathering system. Working alongside partners Mana Energy Ltd and Italfluid Geoenergy S.r.l., the company is progressing toward supplying LNG to industrial customers in Morocco under a ten-year offtake agreement with Afriquia Gaz. Revenue is anticipated to begin flowing in late Q1 or Q2 2026, transitioning Sound Energy into a revenue-producing operator and further supporting Morocco’s broader shift toward cleaner domestic energy sources.

    More about Sound Energy

    Sound Energy is a UK AIM-listed transitional energy company focused on onshore gas discovery, development, and production in Morocco, while also advancing initiatives in renewable power generation. The company plays a key role in the country’s move away from imported coal and hydrocarbons toward sustainable local energy. Its portfolio includes a 25-year development concession at Tendrara, where a micro-LNG project is in progress and a larger Phase 2 piped-gas scheme is planned. Sound Energy is additionally exploring opportunities in renewables and hydrogen through partnerships with Moroccan industry stakeholders.

  • Thruvision Wins New Contract for Aviation Workforce Screening

    Thruvision Wins New Contract for Aviation Workforce Screening

    Thruvision Group plc (LSE:THRU) has received a Notice of Intent to Award for its SpotCHECK screening technology, which will be deployed to support aviation worker screening at a major airport in the US Pacific Northwest. The agreement, expected to be formally completed by 13 December, underscores the company’s adherence to TSA requirements and reflects ongoing efforts to showcase its security solutions at key industry events. The development strengthens Thruvision’s profile within the broader security technology sector.

    Even with this positive commercial milestone, Thruvision continues to grapple with financial pressures, including falling revenue and persistent profitability challenges. Technical indicators point to a bearish trajectory, and the company’s valuation remains constrained by a negative price-to-earnings ratio. While recent product advances and contract opportunities offer some encouragement, the wider outlook remains tempered by strategic and financial uncertainties.

    More about Thruvision Group plc

    Thruvision Group plc is a global provider of walk-through security screening systems used by government agencies and commercial clients in more than 30 countries. Its patented technology leverages advanced AI-driven detection algorithms to identify concealed metallic and non-metallic items quickly and safely. The company maintains operations and manufacturing facilities in both the UK and the US, supporting efficient deployment of its solutions worldwide.

  • Big Technologies PLC Broadens Global Footprint with New Contracts and Strategic Alliances

    Big Technologies PLC Broadens Global Footprint with New Contracts and Strategic Alliances

    Big Technologies PLC (LSE:BIG) has secured a series of new contracts across Lithuania, Latvia, and Pierce County in Washington State, alongside a fresh agreement in Prince Edward Island, Canada. These wins are expected to contribute to annual recurring revenue from 2026 onward, helping diversify the company’s customer base and extend its international presence. The firm has also entered a strategic partnership with Recovery Monitoring Solutions to expand the Buddi product suite in the United States. In addition, Big Technologies has launched AlcoBreath, a compliance-focused alcohol monitoring device that recently received FCC approval, opening the door to a significant new market. With a solid balance sheet and ongoing strategic execution, management remains confident in delivering on full-year revenue and EBITDA targets, laying a foundation for continued growth.

    Despite its operational progress, Big Technologies faces near-term market pressures. Technical indicators point to a bearish trend, and the valuation appears challenging. Although recent corporate developments support a positive long-term narrative, ongoing legal risks remain an important consideration for investors.

    More about Big Technologies PLC

    Big Technologies is a leading provider of remote personal monitoring solutions, best known for its ‘Buddi’ brand. The company integrates advanced hardware with sophisticated software to deliver secure, reliable monitoring systems for the criminal justice sector and other applications. Its subscription-based, SaaS-style platform is designed for scalability and flexibility, enabling deployment across a wide range of geographies and use cases.

  • Cloudbreak Discovery Completes First Site Visit to Crofton Gold Project

    Cloudbreak Discovery Completes First Site Visit to Crofton Gold Project

    Cloudbreak Discovery PLC (LSE:CDL) has carried out its inaugural site assessment at the Crofton Gold Project in Western Australia, an area where earlier work has uncovered notable gold and silver grades. During the visit, the team collected 54 samples across multiple target zones to guide the design of upcoming exploration campaigns. The project is characterised by widespread quartz veining, a feature often associated with meaningful gold and silver mineralisation. A structured exploration programme is scheduled to begin in early 2026, incorporating soil and rock-chip sampling as well as detailed geological mapping. With gold and silver prices at elevated levels, the initiative could strengthen Cloudbreak’s asset base and enhance its overall exploration potential.

    Cloudbreak Discovery PLC continues to face steep financial challenges, including a lack of revenue and ongoing losses that weigh on performance. Although technical indicators suggest pockets of short-term momentum, broader long-term signals remain unfavourable and the company’s valuation is constrained by a negative price-to-earnings ratio. Strategic restructuring steps offer some encouragement, but these have yet to translate into stronger financial outcomes, leaving the stock firmly in high-risk territory.

    More about Cloudbreak Discovery PLC

    Cloudbreak Discovery PLC is an exploration-focused resources company specialising in gold, precious metals, and base metals. Its operations are centred in Western Australia, where it aims to generate near-term cash flow and build shareholder value through a diversified pipeline of mineral projects. The company employs a generative, multi-asset approach designed to capture opportunities across the commodity cycle while advancing high-potential exploration targets.

  • Sunrise Resources Extends Option Window for Potential Hazen Project Sale

    Sunrise Resources Extends Option Window for Potential Hazen Project Sale

    Sunrise Resources (LSE:SRES) has extended the option period tied to the proposed $800,000 sale of its Hazen Project in Nevada. The prospective buyer, a major US-based company, is continuing its evaluation of the asset. The Hazen Project contains a high-quality glassy pumice deposit that satisfies ASTM requirements for natural pozzolan and also offers potential as a lightweight aggregate, giving it strategic value for concrete markets across the region.

    Despite this positive corporate development, Sunrise Resources faces ongoing headwinds. The company continues to struggle with profitability and cash generation, and technical indicators point to persistent bearish momentum. Its valuation also remains pressured, reflected in a negative price-to-earnings ratio. While the Hazen Project progress adds a degree of optimism, sustained improvements in financial performance will be needed to shift investor sentiment.

    More about Sunrise Resources

    Sunrise Resources Plc is engaged in the exploration and development of mineral projects, with a particular emphasis on natural pozzolan — a cement and fly ash substitute used in concrete production. The company targets regional markets in northern California, Reno, and northern Nevada, and benefits from transport access via nearby rail infrastructure.

  • Unilever Finalises Ice Cream Division Demerger and Moves Ahead With Share Consolidation

    Unilever Finalises Ice Cream Division Demerger and Moves Ahead With Share Consolidation

    Unilever (LSE:ULVR) has officially separated its ice cream division, which will now operate independently as The Magnum Ice Cream Company N.V. (TMICC). TMICC shares are set to debut on major stock exchanges, marking a pivotal step in Unilever’s broader restructuring strategy. To preserve comparability in its share price following the split, Unilever is also undertaking a share consolidation, with the newly adjusted shares expected to begin trading imminently. These actions reflect the company’s intention to streamline its portfolio, sharpen operational focus, and strengthen its overall financial profile.

    Market sentiment around Unilever is shaped by the combination of robust financial performance and value-enhancing corporate moves, tempered by weaker technical trends and a relatively high valuation. While the demerger is anticipated to improve Unilever’s competitive positioning, lingering concerns around market momentum remain part of the near-term outlook.

    More about Unilever

    Unilever is a global consumer goods group with a broad portfolio spanning food and beverages, household cleaning products, and personal care brands. The company maintains a strong international presence and emphasises sustainability, product innovation, and long-term value creation across its operations.

  • Mears Group Anticipates Strong Finish to the Financial Year

    Mears Group Anticipates Strong Finish to the Financial Year

    Mears Group PLC (LSE:MER) says trading momentum remained strong throughout the second half, positioning the company to deliver adjusted profit before tax for the year ending 31 December 2025 at the upper end of market expectations. The performance underscores the resilience of Mears’ operations and reinforces its standing within the housing services sector, suggesting continued financial strength for investors and partners alike.

    Analysts note that Mears continues to demonstrate healthy profitability and steady growth, though its elevated leverage remains a point of caution. Even so, the company’s shares appear attractively valued, supported by a low price-to-earnings ratio and a notably high dividend yield. Its latest acquisition is viewed as strategically sound, broadening future growth opportunities, while technical signals point to stable trading conditions.

    More about Mears Group Plc

    Mears Group PLC is a major UK provider of services across the Affordable Housing sector, overseeing the management and maintenance of roughly 450,000 homes. The company primarily collaborates with Central and Local Government through long-term partnerships, delivering property management, maintenance, and comprehensive housing solutions aimed at addressing affordability challenges. With a workforce of more than 5,000 people nationwide, Mears focuses on sustainable outcomes, innovation, and reliable long-term financial performance.

  • Poolbeg Pharma Takes Lead in Pioneering Research on Cancer Immunotherapy Safety

    Poolbeg Pharma Takes Lead in Pioneering Research on Cancer Immunotherapy Safety

    Poolbeg Pharma (LSE:POLB) has revealed that it will serve as the principal industry partner in the RISE programme, an ambitious initiative led by The University of Manchester and The Christie NHS Foundation Trust to study Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) triggered by cancer immunotherapies. Backed by a £3.4 million Medical Research Council grant, the programme incorporates the POLB 001 TOPICAL trial and is designed to improve both the safety profile and clinical use of next-generation cancer immunotherapies. The collaboration — which includes major partners such as Johnson & Johnson — underscores the rising urgency to better manage CRS, a key challenge limiting the wider rollout of these transformative treatments.

    More about Poolbeg Pharma Ltd.

    Poolbeg Pharma plc is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company aiming to reshape the cancer immunotherapy landscape. Its lead programme, POLB 001, is being developed to reduce or prevent Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), a dangerous immune overreaction, with the goal of enabling cancer immunotherapies to be administered more safely and more widely. The company is also advancing an oral encapsulated GLP-1 therapy intended to offer a more patient-friendly approach to obesity treatment while addressing substantial market demand and critical unmet medical needs.

  • Top Forex Brokers in Spain for 2025: The Ultimate Guide

    Top Forex Brokers in Spain for 2025: The Ultimate Guide

    Spain’s forex market is mature, tightly regulated, and well served by global brokers. Whether you’re just starting or optimizing your trading setup, picking a safe, well‑regulated, competitively priced broker is the most impactful decision you’ll make.

    This guide covers:

    • How forex & CFD trading is regulated in Spain (CNMV, ESMA, MiFID II)
    • What to look for in a broker (platforms, spreads, safety, tools)
    • A curated list of top brokers that accept residents of Spain
    • How to verify authorizations on the CNMV register
    • Practical FAQs, risk management tips, and a due‑diligence checklist

    Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of rapid loss due to leverage. A significant share of retail accounts lose money with CFD providers. Assess whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford the high risk of loss.


    1) Is Forex Trading Legal in Spain? Regulation 101

    Yes. Residents of Spain can legally trade forex and CFDs through brokers that comply with EU MiFID II and the supervisory framework of the Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores (CNMV), Spain’s securities regulator. Many international brokers serve Spanish clients under EU passporting or local authorization and must follow ESMA product intervention rules (leverage caps, standardized risk warnings, margin close‑out rules).

    Key guardrails Spanish retail traders should know:

    • Leverage limits: Typically 1:30 on major FX and 1:20 on minors/exotics for retail clients.
    • Investor compensation: Eligible retail clients may benefit from statutory investor‑compensation arrangements in the event of firm default.
    • Advertising & conduct: Spain enforces strict standards on retail marketing for CFDs; brokers must display clear loss‑rate disclosures and comply with conduct rules.

    Tip: Always cross‑check a firm on the CNMV public register and review recent CNMV warnings for clones or unauthorized entities before you fund an account.


    2) How We Picked the Best Forex Brokers in Spain (2025 Methodology)

    We evaluated brokers on the following criteria and selected those available to Spain‑based clients:

    • Regulatory safety: Presence of top‑tier licenses and Spain eligibility under EU rules.
    • Costs & execution: Typical EUR/USD spreads, commission structures, swaps, and non‑trading fees.
    • Platforms & tools: MT4/MT5, proprietary web/desktop, TradingView integrations, automation/APIs, social/copy trading.
    • Education & research: In‑platform analytics, tutorials, and Spanish‑language resources where available.
    • Service & funding: Localized support hours, payment methods, and withdrawal reliability.

    3) Best Forex Brokers in Spain for 2025 (Shortlist)

    Note: Availability, account types, and pricing can vary by jurisdiction and client classification (retail vs professional). Verify current terms on the broker’s website and on the CNMV register.

    Broker alphabeticalWhy It Stands OutTypical PlatformsNotes for Spain-Based Traders
    AvaTradeMultiple platforms, options trading, fixed‑spread offeringMT4, MT5, WebTrader, OptionsBroad education and tools; review fixed spread vs variable costs.
    CMC MarketsRich research, powerful proprietary platformNext‑Gen, MT4 (varies)Competitive FX pricing for active traders; strong analytics.
    eToroLeader in social/copy trading, beginner friendlyProprietary + social/copyIntuitive for newcomers; compare spreads vs features and copy fees.
    FP MarketsAggressive spreads, EA‑friendlyMT4, MT5Offers raw/standard pricing; confirm commissions and swaps.
    IGIndustry leader with deep markets & educationProprietary web/desktop, MT4Strong overall pick; excellent research & learning resources.
    Interactive BrokersInstitutional‑grade access and multi‑asset coverageTWS, GlobalTraderBest for advanced, multi‑asset traders; steeper learning curve.
    XTBxStation 5 and standout educationxStation (web/desktop/mobile)Great UX and learning path; €0 minimum on many accounts.

    4) Broker Mini‑Reviews (Spain Focus)

    IG

    • Best for: Traders wanting a trusted, full‑featured experience with top‑tier research.
    • Highlights: Robust proprietary platforms, abundant analytics & education, broad product range beyond FX.
    • Considerations: Minimum deposit and product availability can vary by entity; check Spain‑specific terms.

    XTB

    • Best for: Beginners to intermediates who value a clean interface and strong educational content.
    • Highlights: xStation 5 is intuitive, fast, and packed with tools; competitive overall pricing.
    • Considerations: Confirm your account type’s spread/commission structure.

    AvaTrade

    • Best for: Traders who want platform choice (MT4/MT5/options) and the simplicity of fixed spreads.
    • Highlights: Wide asset coverage and cross‑platform flexibility; good for strategy testing.
    • Considerations: Fixed spreads can be higher in quiet markets; compare effective cost to ECN‑style accounts.

    FP Markets

    • Best for: Cost‑conscious MT4/MT5 traders and EAs needing tight spreads.
    • Highlights: Low‑cost majors, choice of raw or standard pricing; strong for automation.
    • Considerations: Review commissions, swaps, and Spain‑serving entity protections.

    eToro

    • Best for: Social trading and beginners seeking copy features and community.
    • Highlights: CopyTrader ecosystem, simple account setup, broad asset exposure.
    • Considerations: Spreads may be wider than pro‑grade ECN offerings; weigh convenience vs cost.

    Interactive Brokers

    • Best for: Multi‑asset traders seeking institutional‑grade execution and margin rates.
    • Highlights: TWS depth, global markets, competitive pricing for active investors.
    • Considerations: Platform complexity; ideal if you plan to expand beyond FX.

    5) Spain‑Specific Buying Guide: What to Look For

    A) Safety & Authorization

    • Check the CNMV register entry (legal entity, authorization number, passporting status).
    • Prefer brokers with multiple tier‑1 licenses and robust client‑money segregation.

    B) Costs That Matter

    • Spread + commission on your pairs, overnight financing (swap), inactivity, deposit/withdrawal fees.
    • If you trade size, compare effective cost per million; for casual traders, focus on all‑in spread.

    C) Platforms & Tools

    • MT4/MT5 for EAs and automation.
    • Proprietary platforms for research, news, and seamless UX.
    • TradingView integrations for superior charting and social ideas.
    • Always test with a demo before funding.

    D) Spanish‑Friendly Service

    • Spanish‑language support and Iberia‑friendly funding options.
    • Reliable withdrawals and support during local hours.

    6) Step‑by‑Step: How to Verify a Broker with the CNMV

    1. Visit the CNMV company register (public search).
    2. Enter the broker’s legal name (check the entity name in the broker’s disclosures).
    3. Confirm authorization/registration number, date, and passporting details (if applicable).
    4. Review any CNMV warnings about the firm or potential clones.

    7) Costs & Features: Quick Comparison (Indicative)

    Values below reflect typical offerings and are subject to change. Always check live pricing and fees on the broker’s website.

    BrokerMin. Deposit (typical)PlatformsNotable Features
    IG~€250Proprietary, MT4Top‑tier trust, deep research, broad markets
    XTB€0xStation 5Excellent education, sleek UX
    AvaTrade~€100MT4/MT5/AvaOptionsFixed spreads, diverse platforms
    FP Markets~€100MT4/MT5Low spreads, EA‑friendly
    eToro~€50Proprietary + socialCopy trading, beginner friendly
    Interactive Brokers€0TWS, GlobalTraderInstitutional‑grade access, multi‑asset

    8) Risk Management & Best Practices for Spanish Traders

    • Start small, learn fast: Begin with micro‑lots; scale only after consistent results.
    • Respect leverage: ESMA caps exist to protect retail clients—consider using even lower leverage when testing.
    • Plan for rollovers: Understand swap/financing and its impact on swing positions.
    • Use guaranteed stops (if offered): Helpful for event risk.
    • Keep tax records: Maintain detailed statements; Spain taxes trading gains/losses.

    9) FAQs (Spain 2025)

    Q1) Do I need a locally authorized CNMV broker?
    Not necessarily. EU‑authorized brokers can serve Spanish residents under passporting; still verify the serving entity in the CNMV register and the protections that apply.

    Q2) What leverage can I get as a retail client?
    Generally 1:30 on major FX and 1:20 on minors/exotics. Professional classification may allow higher, but standards and risks increase substantially.

    Q3) What’s covered by investor compensation?
    Statutory schemes may cover eligible claims related to firm default (not market losses). Review the specific entity’s arrangements.

    Q4) Which platform should I choose—MT4/MT5, proprietary or TradingView?

    • MT4/MT5: Best for EAs and third‑party indicators.
    • Proprietary: Often stronger research, news, and seamless UX.
    • TradingView integration: Excellent charting and social ideas.
      Test with a demo to match features to your style.

    10) A 10‑Point Due‑Diligence Checklist (Copy & Use)

    1. Verify the broker’s legal entity on the CNMV register.
    2. Confirm client money segregation and top‑tier regulation.
    3. Compare EUR/USD all‑in cost (spread + commission).
    4. Check financing (swap) and inactivity fees.
    5. Test platforms (web/desktop/mobile) via demo.
    6. Review order types (GSLOs, partial close, OCO, advanced stops).
    7. Assess research & education (Spanish content if needed).
    8. Inspect withdrawal timelines & methods for Spain.
    9. Read the firm’s retail loss‑rate disclosure.
    10. Recheck for any CNMV warnings or clone alerts.

    11) Conclusion: Picking the Right Broker in Spain

    For 2025, Spain‑based traders are well‑served by a set of high‑trust, feature‑rich brokers. If you want:

    • Best all‑rounder & research: IG
    • Beginner‑friendly with education: XTB, eToro (social)
    • Lowest spreads for MT4/MT5: FP Markets (verify your entity’s pricing)
    • Multi‑asset powerhouse: Interactive Brokers
    • Platform choice & options: AvaTrade

    Regardless of your choice, your results will hinge on risk control, cost discipline, and ongoing learning. Start small, validate your edge, and only scale when performance and process are consistent.

    Risk warning: CFDs are complex instruments and carry a high risk of rapid loss due to leverage. A significant share of retail accounts lose money with CFD providers. Assess whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford the high risk of loss.

  • Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures, Inflation Report Expected to Stir Market Volatility as Wall Street Braces for Fed Decision

    Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures, Inflation Report Expected to Stir Market Volatility as Wall Street Braces for Fed Decision

    U.S. stock futures hovered near the flatline early Friday, suggesting another cautious session as investors await a key inflation update that could shape expectations for the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy meeting.

    With the release of consumer price data—the Fed’s preferred gauge—scheduled shortly after the opening bell, traders appear hesitant to take decisive positions. The numbers, included in the personal income and spending report, are expected to show headline inflation rising 0.3% in September and core prices up 0.2%, matching prior forecasts.

    “A higher-than-expected reading could give the Fed pause for thought about a pre-Christmas cut, while an in line or lower number would likely give markets further confidence about such a move,” said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

    However, because the report covers September due to delays caused by the government shutdown, analysts believe the figures may have a limited immediate impact on policy outlooks.

    The CME FedWatch Tool shows traders assigning an 87.2% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut at next week’s meeting.

    Attention will also turn to the University of Michigan’s preliminary December consumer sentiment index, which is projected to tick up to 52.0 from November’s 51.0.

    On Thursday, U.S. equities offered little direction, drifting around breakeven before closing mixed. The Nasdaq gained 0.2%, the S&P 500 added 0.1%, and the Dow slipped 0.1%.

    The sideways action followed a volatile start to the week: stocks dipped Monday, then clawed back ground during uneven trading on Tuesday and Wednesday. Renewed optimism for another rate cut helped stabilize sentiment.

    Markets also shrugged off a surprise Labor Department report showing initial jobless claims fell sharply to 191,000, the lowest level since September 2022. Economists had expected an uptick to 220,000.

    “Initial claims can be subject to big swings at this time of the year, so we won’t read much into one week’s number,” said Nancy Vanden Houten, Lead U.S. Economist at Oxford Economics. She noted that filings remain “consistent with a relatively low pace of job losses despite recent layoff announcements.”

    Sector performance was uneven Thursday. Computer hardware stocks staged a strong rebound, with the NYSE Arca index advancing 3.0% after a decline the previous day. Broker/dealer shares also moved higher, climbing 1.8%. Meanwhile, homebuilder stocks lagged, dragging the Philadelphia Housing Index down 1.6%.