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  • Aquis Stock Exchange Weekly Highlights 11.05.26

    Aquis Stock Exchange Weekly Highlights 11.05.26

    Sulnox Group PLC (AQSE:SNOX) announced a distribution agreement with Performance Products & Services (PPS), a supplier to industrial sectors operating across Southern India and Sri Lanka. The agreement extends Sulnox’s reach into two high-volume fuel markets, giving the company greater access to industries facing rising fuel costs and increased emissions scrutiny.

    Ben Richardson, CEO, commented: “The addition of PPS greatly strengthens our position across the Indian market. Our latest partner brings more than two decades of industrial distribution experience, strong relationships with major manufacturing and industrial customers, and a growing export capability that extends our reach into Sri Lanka and beyond.” Read more

    Delta Gold Technologies plc (AQSE:DGQ) featured in the launch episode of ‘The Innovation Report’ hosted by The Market Link, a new documentary series exploring breakthroughs shaping emerging industries. Read more

    The Company also announced the appointment of Dr Thomas P Davis as a Strategic Advisor and the inaugural member of the company’s newly formed Strategic Advisory Panel. Read more

    Mendell Helium plc (AQSE:MDH) signed two additional land leases in Fort Dodge, Kansas, both considered prospective for helium production. The Durler and Leffert leases are located near M3 Helium’s existing land holdings.

    Nick Tulloch, CEO, said: “Since raising £5 million in an institution-led fundraise, we have moved quickly to put preparations in place for our forthcoming expansion of Fort Dodge. The Durler and Leffert leases are strategically located near M3 Helium’s existing land holdings which, in time, may enable M3 Helium to achieve some cost savings in its development plans by combining production facilities and access to disposal wells.” Read more

    Falconedge Plc (AQSE:EDGE) reported a monthly Bitcoin yield of 1.078% for April and incremental Bitcoin growth of 0.2187 BTC, with compounded yield since the strategy’s inception in December 2025 standing at 6.34%. Read more

    Supersearch Plus plc (AQSE:SSP) has launched drone delivery services in Hong Kong for its range of freeze-dried seafood products. The new service reduces average delivery times from 90 minutes to ten minutes, offering a faster, more reliable, and sustainable alternative to traditional road-based transportation. Read more

    All Aquis Stock Exchange Announcements

  • Mining Shares Sink as Gold and Copper Prices Come Under Pressure Amid Iran Tensions

    Mining Shares Sink as Gold and Copper Prices Come Under Pressure Amid Iran Tensions

    London-listed mining companies traded sharply lower on Friday, with sector losses ranging from 3.5% to 7.4% after renewed tensions between the United States and Iran sparked a broader retreat across precious metals and commodity markets.

    Gold Weakness Hits Major Miners

    By 09:05 GMT, spot gold had fallen 2.6% to $4,566.75 an ounce, dragging down leading mining groups including Antofagasta (LSE:ANTO), Anglo American (LSE:AAL), Rio Tinto (LSE:RIO), Endeavour Mining (LSE:EDV) and BHP Group (LSE:BHP).

    Antofagasta was among the weakest performers on the FTSE 100, sliding 7.4%, while Anglo American dropped 5.7%. Rio Tinto lost 3.5%, Endeavour Mining declined 3.4% and BHP Group retreated 3.8%.

    U.S.-Iran Tensions Weigh on Commodity Markets

    The selloff followed a deterioration in diplomatic sentiment after U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Tehran’s latest peace proposal and warned that any ceasefire arrangement remained fragile. The comments prompted investors to pull back from earlier expectations that geopolitical tensions could begin easing.

    Pressure on gold prices has also been linked to broader macroeconomic concerns tied to the Middle East conflict.

    Earlier this year, Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz pushed crude oil prices above $100 a barrel, increasing fears of persistent inflation and strengthening expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve may keep interest rates elevated for longer.

    Higher interest rates tend to reduce the appeal of gold because the metal does not generate yield and becomes less competitive compared with income-producing assets. Despite a modest rebound in recent weeks, bullion remains around 25% below its January peak.

    Copper Outlook Still Supported by Long-Term Demand Trends

    Copper prices also moved lower, although demand from China has remained comparatively resilient throughout the year. Consumption linked to clean energy projects and technology sectors has helped offset weaker activity in China’s property and construction markets.

    Over the longer term, copper continues to receive support from expectations of rising demand tied to artificial intelligence infrastructure, upgrades to electricity grids and the broader global transition toward cleaner energy systems.

    Supply-related concerns have also underpinned the market, with China’s restrictions on sulfuric acid exports and disruptions to sulfur production in the Middle East raising the prospect of tighter global supply conditions.

  • Market Open: British Gas Compensation, Heathrow Expansion

    Market Open: British Gas Compensation, Heathrow Expansion

    FTSE 100 falls as US markets weaken, Brent crude rises on shipping fears, while British Gas and Heathrow lead headlines.

    Market Overview

    European markets moved higher in early trade, with the CAC 40 up 0.93 per cent and the DAX gaining 1.32 per cent, while the FTSE 100 fell 0.69 per cent amid weaker sentiment in London equities. US markets closed lower overnight, with the Nasdaq down 1.05 per cent and the S&P 500 slipping 0.65 per cent as investors weighed geopolitical risks, earnings expectations and concerns around the UK economic outlook linked to trade tensions and Middle East instability.

    Commodity markets remained active, with Brent crude rising as concerns persisted over shipping disruptions and possible seizures in key oil transit routes. Gold and copper both moved lower, while natural gas edged higher. Sterling weakened against the US dollar, euro, Swiss franc and yen, although it strengthened against the Australian dollar. Bitcoin traded modestly lower against the pound as risk appetite softened.

    Market Numbers

    FTSE 100: Down (-0.69%), 10,284.74
    CAC40: Up (0.93%), 8,082.270
    DAX: Up (1.32%), 24,456.26
    NASDAQ: Down (-1.05%), 29,299.8
    S&P 500: Down (-0.65%), 7,451.8

    In the Headlines

    Compensation Deal – British Gas (LSE:CNA)
    British Gas has agreed a £20 million payout and compensation package following failures linked to the handling of prepayment meters. The settlement increases scrutiny on energy suppliers and could renew pressure on the sector over consumer protections and regulatory oversight.

    Heathrow Expansion – Heathrow Airport Holdings
    The UK regulator has indicated that Heathrow expansion could potentially be delivered by a rival infrastructure company rather than the airport itself. The development raises questions around competition, financing and the long-term structure of major UK transport projects.

    Currencies (vs GBP)

    USD: Down (-0.28%), $1.3365
    CHF: Down (-0.09%), Fr.1.04938
    EUR: Down (-0.03%), €1.1480
    JPY: Down (-0.24%), ¥211.751
    AUD: Up (0.49%), $1.864550
    Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down (-0.07%), £60,499.7

    Commodities

    Copper: Down (-3.93%), 6.374
    Gold: Down (-2.08%), 4,568.74
    Brent Crude: Up (0.77%), 104.985
    Natural Gas: Up (0.26%), 3.0945

  • Oil Extends Rally as Trump Says Xi Supports Blocking Iran Nuclear Ambitions

    Oil Extends Rally as Trump Says Xi Supports Blocking Iran Nuclear Ambitions

    Oil prices climbed roughly 2% after U.S. President Donald Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed that Iran should not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, while traders continued monitoring risks surrounding shipping activity near the Strait of Hormuz.

    Brent crude futures rose $1.77, or 1.67%, to $107.49 a barrel by 0642 GMT after touching an intraday peak of $107.99 earlier in the session.

    U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures advanced $2.13, or 2.11%, to $103.30 a barrel.

    For the week, Brent has gained close to 6%, while WTI has climbed more than 7%, supported by uncertainty surrounding the unstable ceasefire tied to the Iran conflict.

    Trump and Xi Discuss Iran and Hormuz

    Trump said he was running out of patience with Iran and added that both he and Xi agreed Tehran must not acquire nuclear weapons and should reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

    Xi did not publicly discuss his talks with Trump concerning Iran, though China’s foreign ministry later released a statement.

    “This conflict, which should never have happened, has no reason to continue,” the ministry said.

    “With the Beijing summit not delivering any breakthrough on Iran, market focus is back on the deadlock and a blockaded Strait, with a tail risk of renewed military escalation,” said Vandana Hari, founder of Vanda Insights.

    Shipping Risks Keep Markets on Edge

    Trump also said China was interested in purchasing oil from the United States, one of several developments markets had been watching for from the summit.

    Shipping risks around Hormuz continued to draw attention after reports that Iranian personnel seized a vessel near the United Arab Emirates on Thursday and redirected it toward Iranian waters. Separately, an Indian cargo ship carrying livestock from Africa to the UAE sank Wednesday off Oman’s coast.

    According to the White House, Trump and Xi both agreed on the need to keep the shipping route operational.

    Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that 30 ships had crossed the Strait of Hormuz since Wednesday evening. Although that remained far below the roughly 140 vessels that typically used the route daily before the conflict, it would still mark a notable increase if verified.

    Supply Constraints Continue Supporting Crude Prices

    Yang An of Haitong Futures said tight supply conditions remained the dominant force supporting oil prices.

    “Oil prices swung several times yesterday but still closed near the day’s high,” he said.

    “Ships passing through the strait eased some market concerns, but not enough to change the strong trend driven by tight supply.”

  • Gold Slides Toward Weekly Loss as Dollar Rises on Strong U.S. Data

    Gold Slides Toward Weekly Loss as Dollar Rises on Strong U.S. Data

    Gold prices moved lower again on Friday, extending losses for a fourth consecutive session as stronger U.S. economic indicators lifted the dollar and reduced expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates soon. Investors were also watching developments from talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

    Spot gold dropped 1.6% to $4,578.74 an ounce by 03:05 ET, or 07:05 GMT. U.S. gold futures fell 2.1% to $4,585.87 an ounce.

    Bullion was on course for a weekly decline of about 3%.

    Elsewhere in precious metals, silver slid 5.2% to $79.13 an ounce, while platinum fell 2.3% to $2,013.46 an ounce.

    Dollar Strength Adds Pressure to Bullion

    The U.S. Dollar Index advanced 0.3% during Asian trading, touching its highest level in two weeks. The index was set to gain more than 1% for the week.

    Stronger-than-forecast U.S. data released during the week added to concerns that inflation remains sticky, particularly as oil prices climbed amid Middle East tensions. Dollar strength tends to pressure gold because it makes the metal more expensive for international buyers.

    The latest data showed U.S. producer prices rose in April at the fastest annual pace in four years, while consumer inflation also exceeded expectations. Retail sales figures indicated that consumer demand remained firm despite higher energy prices.

    Those figures prompted traders to scale back expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts this year, while some investors started to price in the risk of further policy tightening.

    Although gold is commonly viewed as protection against inflation and geopolitical stress, higher interest rates can reduce its appeal because the metal does not offer income.

    Trump-Xi Summit Brings Constructive Tone but Few Details

    Markets closely followed the Beijing meeting between Trump and Xi for clues on trade, diplomacy and the Iran conflict. Both governments described the discussions positively, but the talks ended without major policy announcements.

    Chinese state media said the two sides had reached “important consensus” on keeping economic and trade ties stable and agreed to improve coordination on global issues.

    Trump previously described the U.S.-China relationship as “very strong” and said Xi had offered support regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Beijing also urged the reopening of Hormuz and called for dialogue to reduce Middle East tensions.

    Gold was also pressured after Trump wrote on Truth Social that “the military decimation of Iran (to be continued!).” The statement highlighted the possibility of further escalation in the Iran war.

    Oil price gains tied to disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have made the outlook for gold more complicated by increasing fears that global inflation could stay elevated for longer.

    London Metal Exchange benchmark copper futures fell 2.6% to $13,644.22 a ton, while U.S. copper futures dropped 3.1% to $6.37 a pound.

  • Global Markets Turn Defensive as Tech Stocks Sink and Oil Prices Jump: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

    Global Markets Turn Defensive as Tech Stocks Sink and Oil Prices Jump: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

    Global markets moved into a defensive stance on Friday after a steep decline in South Korean equities triggered widespread weakness in technology shares, while oil prices rallied amid escalating concerns over the Strait of Hormuz and tensions involving Iran.

    Strategists at Deutsche Bank said in a morning briefing that “Markets have lost momentum after President Trump said the US doesn’t need the Strait of Hormuz open ‘at all’.”

    Bond yields rose worldwide as inflation worries resurfaced and demand for recent U.S. Treasury auctions disappointed investors. Markets also continued digesting the outcome of the Beijing summit between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.

    Attention later in the session is expected to turn toward U.S. industrial production data and the latest Empire State manufacturing survey.

    Semiconductor Shares Lead Market Declines

    Asian markets posted sharp losses led by South Korea, where the KOSPI tumbled 6.1% after briefly trading above 8,000 earlier in the day. Investors used the move to lock in gains on semiconductor stocks following their powerful rally in recent months.

    Samsung Electronics slid 8.6% and SK Hynix dropped 7.7%, while U.S.-listed Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU) declined 2.2% in premarket activity.

    Chinese mainland shares performed somewhat better than regional peers despite broader weakness across Asia.

    Stocks Retreat Across the Globe

    U.S. futures followed Asian markets lower, with contracts tied to the S&P 500 down 0.8% and Nasdaq-100 futures falling 1.1%.

    European equities also came under pressure, with the DAX losing 1.2%, while both the FTSE 100 and CAC 40 declined about 1%.

    Investors appeared increasingly cautious after weeks of strong equity gains, while geopolitical uncertainty and higher borrowing costs continued to pressure valuations. Political tensions in Britain also drew attention as Keir Starmer faced renewed scrutiny following a parliamentary vacancy that could open the way for Andy Burnham to enter Parliament.

    Oil Prices Surge Amid Hormuz Concerns

    Oil markets extended their rally on Friday, with Brent crude futures rising 2.9% to $108.75 and U.S. crude gaining 3.2% to $104.42. The market remained on course for strong weekly gains as traders monitored developments around the Strait of Hormuz and the stalled diplomatic situation involving Iran.

    Trump’s latest remarks that he was “losing patience” with Iran added to fears that energy exports through the Gulf could face prolonged disruption.

    “Notwithstanding the current prognosis of horrifically low oil inventories, it appears that the focus is progressively shifting towards demand destruction, hence the reluctance to revisit the March or April summits. Of course, such a jump cannot be ruled out in the event of an escalation,” said Tamas Varga from PVM Oil Associates.

    Trump and Xi Strike a Softer Tone

    Trump left Beijing aboard Air Force One after lengthy discussions with Xi on Thursday. Although the summit failed to produce major policy breakthroughs, investors welcomed the more conciliatory tone between the two sides.

    “We didn’t think any of the headlines from Trump’s trip were narrative-shifting at all,” wrote Adam Crisafulli.

    Trump reiterated that both Washington and Beijing wanted the Iran conflict resolved and stressed that Tehran should not obtain nuclear weapons. He also referred to “fantastic trade deals,” though no further details were announced. Chinese officials said the summit resulted in “a series of new common understandings.”

    Markets were additionally encouraged by signs that trade tensions between the two powers could continue easing. Trump said bilateral ties would be “better than ever,” while Chinese media reported Xi telling U.S. business leaders that China’s “doors to the outside world will open wider and wider.”

    Bond Markets Sell Off

    Government bonds weakened globally, driving yields higher as traders reassessed inflation expectations and central bank policy outlooks.

    According to Deutsche Bank strategists, “the U.S. rates mood also wasn’t helped by lukewarm demand for the latest T-bill auctions as the Treasury increased auction sizes for the past couple of weeks.”

    The U.S. two-year Treasury yield moved above 4.05%, while the 10-year Treasury yield neared 4.52%. In Japan, the 20-year government bond yield reached its highest point since 1996 after stronger producer price data reinforced expectations for further tightening by the Bank of Japan. European bond futures also declined.

  • European Markets Decline Amid UK Political Uncertainty and Iran Concerns: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Markets Decline Amid UK Political Uncertainty and Iran Concerns: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities traded lower on Friday as investors reacted to mounting political uncertainty in the United Kingdom and persistent tensions surrounding the Iran situation.

    The pan-European STOXX Europe 600 slipped 0.76%, while Germany’s DAX fell 0.86%. France’s CAC 40 lost 0.79%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 declined 0.70% as of 07:08 GMT.

    Starmer Faces Renewed Pressure Inside Labour

    Keir Starmer is facing renewed questions over his leadership after a parliamentary seat became vacant, potentially opening the door for Andy Burnham to return to Westminster.

    The vacancy followed the resignation of a Labour MP, creating the possibility of a by-election that Burnham could contest. However, analysts noted that Reform UK could pose a significant electoral challenge if a vote takes place.

    Trump Ends Beijing Visit With Positive Signals

    Donald Trump departed Beijing on Friday, bringing his two-day state visit to China to a close with a ceremonial farewell.

    Trump described the trip as “incredible,” highlighting “fantastic trade deals” and progress in discussions concerning Iran. Both Washington and Beijing agreed that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open.

    China’s foreign ministry stated that the two leaders had “reached a series of new common understandings” and endorsed a “new vision” for a stable and constructive relationship between China and the United States. Trump also said Xi Jinping is expected to travel to the United States around September 24.

    Corporate Highlights

    Volkswagen (TG:VOW3) labour representatives reiterated that there would be “no plant closures” in Germany, while signalling openness to defence-related projects and partnerships with Chinese groups as part of efforts to tackle excess production capacity, according to Reuters.

    Stellantis (BIT:STLAM) and Dongfeng Motor Group agreed to jointly manufacture Jeep and Peugeot vehicles in China starting in 2027, with total planned investment exceeding $1.2 billion.

    Unipol Assicurazioni (BIT:UNI) reported a 15.4% increase in first-quarter net profit to €329 million, supported by strength in its core insurance operations.

    Gold Weakens While Oil Advances

    Gold prices declined for a fourth consecutive session as a stronger U.S. dollar and reduced expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts weighed on sentiment. Bullion has fallen roughly 2% over the week.

    Oil prices moved higher after Trump warned he would not be “much more patient” with Iran. Brent crude has climbed nearly 6% this week.

  • FTSE 100 Slips as Labour Leadership Speculation Weighs on UK Markets

    FTSE 100 Slips as Labour Leadership Speculation Weighs on UK Markets

    European equity markets moved lower on Friday, with UK stocks pressured by growing political uncertainty surrounding the governing Labour Party, while investors also assessed the outcome of high-level talks between the United States and China in Beijing.

    The FTSE 100 fell 0.61%, while Germany’s DAX declined 0.79% and France’s CAC 40 lost 0.57%. Sterling weakened for a fourth consecutive session, with GBP/USD down 0.28% to 1.3372 as of 07:25 GMT.

    Labour Tensions Add Pressure to Sterling

    Political concerns intensified after a Labour MP resigned his seat, potentially opening a route back into Parliament for Andy Burnham and triggering renewed speculation over the future leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

    Market participants view Burnham as favouring a more expansionary fiscal approach, though analysts noted that any potential by-election could present a significant challenge from Reform UK.

    Trump Ends Beijing Visit With Positive Signals on Trade and Iran

    Meanwhile, Donald Trump departed Beijing on Friday following a two-day state visit that combined formal ceremonies with extensive diplomatic discussions. A military band and flag-waving crowds marked his departure as Air Force One left the Chinese capital.

    Trump described the visit as delivering “fantastic trade deals” and said he and Xi Jinping had found common ground on Iran-related issues. Both leaders called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open and agreed that Tehran should not obtain nuclear weapons.

    China’s foreign ministry said the talks produced “a series of new common understandings” and outlined a shared commitment to maintaining stable bilateral relations in the years ahead. Xi is now expected to make a return visit to Washington around September 24.

  • Blackbird Sets AGM Date and Highlights elevate.io Commercial Rollout Plans (BIRD)

    Blackbird Sets AGM Date and Highlights elevate.io Commercial Rollout Plans (BIRD)

    Blackbird plc (LSE:BIRD) has announced that its annual general meeting will take place at 11:00 a.m. on 10 June 2026 at the London offices of Blake Morgan.

    The company said it held more than £2.4 million in cash and short-term deposits at the end of April 2026 and currently has no plans to raise additional capital. Management stated that existing cash resources are expected to fund the commercial rollout of its elevate.io platform.

    elevate.io Moves Into Go-to-Market Phase

    Blackbird plc said elevate.io is now transitioning from the product-market-fit stage into a broader go-to-market strategy. The platform is being targeted at corporate marketing teams, with a focus on addressing challenges such as multi-stakeholder video review processes, workflow management, and scaling video production output.

    The company plans to present its commercial strategy for elevate.io following the formal AGM proceedings, with shareholders invited to engage directly with management and members of the marketing team.

    AGM Participation and Shareholder Arrangements

    Shareholders who opted for printed communications will receive AGM documentation, including the notice of meeting, by post. The materials will also be available through the company’s website. Annual reports and accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 are likewise being distributed to shareholders who requested physical copies.

    The AGM will be accessible both in person and online through the Investor Meet Company platform. However, voting will only be possible via proxy submission through MUFG Corporate Markets or by returning a physical proxy form at least two business days before the meeting.

    More About Blackbird plc

    Blackbird plc develops cloud-native video editing and collaborative content production platforms. Its products include elevate.io, a browser-based collaborative video editor, and the Blackbird cloud video editing platform.

    The company also licenses its proprietary video technology to third-party businesses operating in media, production, and digital content markets.

  • FRP Advisory Reports Strong Revenue Growth as Restructuring and Deal Activity Support Performance (FRP)

    FRP Advisory Reports Strong Revenue Growth as Restructuring and Deal Activity Support Performance (FRP)

    FRP Advisory Group Plc (LSE:FRP) said it expects full-year revenue for the year ended 30 April 2026 to rise 16% to at least £176 million, while adjusted underlying EBITDA is projected to increase 9% to a minimum of £45 million. The results are broadly in line with market expectations despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty.

    Growth during the period was driven by strong demand for the group’s restructuring services, record revenues within its corporate finance division, and continued activity across financial advisory and forensic services. The company said its corporate finance business particularly benefited from resilient lower mid-market transactions and ongoing private equity activity. Headcount increased 12% year-on-year to 894 employees, and the board intends to propose a final dividend.

    Expansion Strategy and Acquisition Activity Continue

    FRP Advisory Group Plc maintained a strong financial position with approximately £26 million in net cash at year end, supported by an undrawn £10 million revolving credit facility.

    The company continues to pursue a combined organic growth and acquisition strategy, including the acquisitions of One Advisory and Arc & Co, as well as a minority investment in Queens Tower Advisory. FRP also expanded its office and service network across Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, and London while formally launching a new Real Estate Advisory division.

    Management said the group is well positioned to benefit from increased restructuring and debt advisory demand amid persistent inflation, elevated energy costs, and ongoing supply chain disruption, supporting confidence in continued growth through FY2027 and beyond.

    Financial Position and Market Outlook

    The company’s outlook continues to be supported by strong underlying financial performance, strategic expansion initiatives, and positive market positioning. Recent acquisitions and geographic expansion have reinforced FRP’s growth profile, while technical indicators continue to suggest positive market momentum.

    Valuation metrics remain relatively balanced, reflecting both the company’s growth prospects and its income-generating characteristics. The absence of recent earnings call commentary was not viewed as materially affecting the overall outlook.

    More About FRP Advisory Group Plc

    FRP Advisory Group Plc is a UK-based specialist advisory firm established in 2010 that provides restructuring, corporate finance, debt advisory, forensic, and financial advisory services to businesses, lenders, investors, and individuals.

    The company operates across the economic cycle, with particular strength in UK insolvency work, lower mid-market mergers and acquisitions, and debt advisory services. FRP continues to expand both geographically and across new service areas, including its recently launched Real Estate Advisory platform.