Category: Market News

European equities showed little direction on Wednesday, with traders largely on the sidelines ahead of a major policy announcement from the U.S. Federal Reserve.

As of 08:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX was down 0.1%, France’s CAC 40 eased 0.1%, while the UK’s FTSE 100 inched up 0.1%.

Fed meeting takes center stage

Global investors are focused on the Fed’s final policy meeting of the year, where the central bank is widely expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points. The Fed previously reduced its benchmark range on October 29, lowering it to 3.75%–4.00% from 4.00%–4.25%.

That said, the decision may not be unanimous—five of the 12 FOMC members have either pushed back against or expressed doubt about further easing.

Adding to the complexity, the Fed still lacks full visibility into the economy. The record-length U.S. government shutdown has delayed the November jobs report until December 16, meaning policymakers must act without a complete data set.

Before the Fed announcement, the Bank of Canada is expected to keep rates unchanged at 2.25%, with many economists believing the current level may hold until at least 2027.

Tui shines in its 2025 results

In corporate news, Tui (TG:TUI1) delivered record adjusted earnings for fiscal 2025, beating its upgraded guidance from August and posting a 12.6% annual increase. The travel group also announced its first dividend.

Norway’s Storebrand (TG:A3KNZ7) raised its 2028 financial targets, lifting its return-on-equity goal to 17% from 14%.

Sweden’s Husqvarna (TG:HRZ) updated its long-term strategy and unveiled a significant cost-cutting program ahead of its capital markets event.

Attention will also turn to Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) after the U.S. close, with markets watching closely for results from the cloud and software heavyweight.

“Bookings [are] expected to be explosive (once again) while cash flow suffers from the company’s aggressive spending,” said analysts at Vital Knowledge, in a note.

Oil firms after steep stockpile drop

Crude prices ticked higher on Wednesday, supported by a sharper-than-forecast decline in U.S. crude inventories, ongoing Ukraine peace discussions, and expectations of a Fed rate cut later in the day.

Brent futures rose 0.2% to $62.05 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate contracts gained 0.2% to $58.38.

Both benchmarks had fallen nearly 3% across the previous two sessions amid speculation that a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement could trigger the lifting of sanctions on Russian companies, potentially unlocking restricted crude exports.

But Tuesday’s American Petroleum Institute data offered a counterweight: U.S. commercial crude inventories slid by 4.8 million barrels in the week ending Dec. 5—far more than the roughly 1.7 million-barrel decline analysts had forecast.

The larger-than-expected draw points to either stronger consumption or tighter supply, providing a short-term boost to sentiment, along with the anticipated Fed rate cut.

Barclays has initiated coverage on The Magnum Ice Cream Company B.V. (LSE:MICC) with an “equal weight” rating and a €13.7 price target, striking a cautiously optimistic tone on the newly independent ice cream group while highlighting several early hurdles that may complicate its growth story.

The bank expects the world’s largest dedicated ice cream producer to face slight margin erosion in the near term, forecasting a drop of roughly 30 basis points in reported EBITDA margins in 2026—counter to management’s plan for annual improvements of 40–60 basis points. Barclays anticipates margins of 16.4% in 2025, followed by a dip in 2026 and a modest rebound to 16.6% in 2027.

“We see a compelling margin story, but somewhat back-end-weighted In our view, there is no denying that Magnum has a compelling margin story going forward, and we believe that demerging from Unilever is the right move to unlock its full margin potential,” the brokerage said.

Analysts flagged three major areas of concern. First, the acquisition of Kwality Wall’s in India is expected to add approximately €200 million in revenue but contribute no EBITDA, creating dilution. The Indian business has seen margins plunge from 7.1% in FY 2024–25 to 0.0% in the first half of FY 2025–26 due to cocoa inflation and GST-related price resets. Second, royalty fees from Kwality Wall’s—€16 million in 2024—will disappear once the business is fully integrated, weighing margins by another 20 basis points. Finally, depreciation expenses will shift from non-cash to cash items, creating a further 20 basis point drag.

Volume growth is viewed as the biggest unknown. From 2019 to 2024, Magnum delivered average organic growth of 3.9%, but volumes declined 0.6% while pricing contributed 4.5%. Quarterly volumes have been volatile, ranging from a 10.1% drop in Q3 2023 to a 6.7% increase in Q3 2024.

“We usually prefer companies, especially newly listed companies, to build a track record and create a ’meet or beat’ culture,” analysts wrote, expressing doubt about whether Magnum can sustain the momentum required to hit its 3–5% organic growth target.

Barclays also questioned the brand’s pricing power given its sizable exposure to Turkey, which accounts for 7–8% of revenue but an estimated 14–15% of EBIT. Turkey is considered a hyperinflationary market, and U.S. pricing has recently slipped into negative territory.

Another factor weighing on the long-term outlook is the rise of weight-loss drugs. U.S. per-capita ice cream consumption has dropped about 25% since 2000—from 26.1 pounds per year to 19.5 pounds in 2023. With roughly one in eight U.S. adults using GLP-1 medications as of May 2024, research from Cornell University suggests these consumers cut spending on indulgent items by 6.7% to 11.1%.

Capital allocation is under scrutiny as well. Management expects capital expenditure to rise from 4% to 5% of sales to refresh freezer infrastructure and fund expansion in emerging markets. Barclays questioned whether that level is sufficient, noting that “nearest peer Froneri has been running with higher capex requirements than Magnum on average in the last three years.”

Free cash flow is projected to fall to €527 million in 2026 from €814 million in 2024. Net debt is expected to reach €3.5 billion by the end of 2025, which would put leverage at roughly 2.6x adjusted EBITDA, with €139 million in net interest costs forecast for 2026.

Despite the caution, Barclays emphasized several enduring strengths. Magnum now stands alone after its 2025 separation from Unilever and operates a global network of 3 million freezer cabinets—twice that of competitor Froneri. It also owns six of the world’s top ten ice cream brands and holds roughly 20% of global market share. Research investment was €92 million (1.2% of revenue) in 2024, compared with Froneri’s €14.8 million (0.3%).

The €13.7 price target is based on a discounted cash-flow model using a 7.5% weighted average cost of capital and 2% long-term growth rate, equating to 8.7x expected 2026 adjusted EBITDA.

Optima Health Plc (LSE:OPT), a leading UK provider of workplace health services, reported that revenue rose 17% to £59.5 million for the six months to September 30, matching market expectations.

Adjusted EBITDA slipped 5% to £8.3 million from £8.7 million a year earlier, with the company attributing the decline to higher national insurance costs and the additional expenses of operating as a publicly listed business.

During the period, Optima completed two strategic acquisitions: Cognate Health in Ireland—its first international purchase—and the Care first Employee Assistance Business, which broadens its mental health support capabilities.

Operating cash flow strengthened considerably, rising to £6.5 million from a £0.6 million outflow in the prior year. Net debt excluding lease liabilities increased to £4.7 million, compared with £0.6 million a year earlier.

Optima also secured £1.9 million in annualised new business during the half, with a further £8.3 million signed or at preferred bidder status shortly after the period ended. The company reported a healthy new business pipeline valued at £11.5 million in annualised revenue.

“Optima has continued to deliver on its strategic objectives,” said Jonathan Thomas, Chief Executive Officer. “We have successfully grown our underlying business, which has helped us achieve 17% top line growth year on year.”

The company has launched a transformation programme aimed at improving its platform and boosting margins. It is also mobilising operations for a £210 million contract to provide medical assessment services to UK Armed Forces in partnership with Serco.

UK equities edged higher early Wednesday, with the FTSE 100 posting modest gains and the pound advancing against the U.S. dollar, even as broader European markets slipped into negative territory.

By 08:30 GMT, the FTSE 100 was up 0.2%, while sterling gained 0.2% versus the dollar, moving above the 1.33 mark. In contrast, Germany’s DAX declined 0.1%, and France’s CAC 40 dipped 0.2%.

UK corporate roundup

Cohort (LSE:CHRT) reported a 9% rise in first-half revenue to £128.8 million. Adjusted operating profit eased to £9.7 million, reflecting weaker margins in the Sensors and Effectors division. The company pointed to a less favourable mix on its Italian sonar programme and continued low-margin work at SEA as the main pressures on profitability. Chess, however, returned to profit after posting a loss last year.

Berkeley Group Holdings (LSE:BKG) posted interim results slightly ahead of analyst expectations, despite slower sales in the run-up to last month’s UK budget amid heightened market speculation. The developer delivered £254 million in adjusted pre-tax profit for the first half of FY26—2% above consensus forecasts—though this figure was 8% lower year-on-year.

Elsewhere, Volution Group plc (LSE:FAN) announced a deal to purchase AC Industries in Australia for £75 million upfront, with up to £14.5 million in potential additional payments. AC Industries, founded in 1991 and rebranded in 2013, produces specialist ventilation ducting for the Australian underground mining sector, supplying 120 mines—representing 79% of revenue—and expanding internationally across EMEA and APAC.

Optima Health PLC (LSE:OPT) reported a 17% increase in half-year revenue to £59.5 million, in line with expectations. Adjusted EBITDA slipped 5% to £8.3 million, with the company citing higher national insurance costs and expenses associated with being publicly listed.

Meanwhile, Redcentric (LSE:RCN) said it has agreed to sell its data centre division for up to £127 million in cash to Stellanor Datacenters Group Limited. The deal, announced on October 23, is expected to close by March 2026, pending regulatory clearance and customary conditions. The divestment will allow Redcentric to sharpen its focus on core managed services operations.

Gulf Keystone Petroleum (LSE:GKP) has highlighted a milestone year following the resumption of pipeline exports from the Shaikan Field, which resulted in the company receiving its first payment for exported volumes. Strong operational execution has positioned Gulf Keystone to meet its 2025 production and financial guidance, while also enabling the distribution of $50 million in dividends to shareholders.

Looking ahead, the company plans to prioritise ongoing projects and is evaluating a restart of drilling in 2026, dependent on the reliability of future export payments. Gulf Keystone is additionally exploring the possibility of a secondary listing on Euronext Growth Oslo, subject to supportive market conditions.

Gulf Keystone’s outlook reflects solid financial foundations and encouraging corporate progress, though valuation pressures and operational uncertainties remain important considerations. Sustaining cash flow generation and navigating geopolitical dynamics will be key to maintaining performance momentum.

More about Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd.

Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd. is an independent oil and gas company operating in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Its activities centre on the exploration and production of hydrocarbons, with the Shaikan Field serving as its flagship asset.

Cohort plc (LSE:CHRT) reported a 9% rise in revenue to £128.8 million for the first half of 2025, supported by strong contributions from EM Solutions and other group companies, with the exception of MCL. Adjusted operating profit edged down slightly to £9.7 million, but the group continued to demonstrate resilience, ending the period with an order book of £604.5 million. Reflecting confidence in future performance, Cohort increased its interim dividend by 10%. The Communications and Intelligence division delivered a notable uplift in profit, while margins in the Sensors and Effectors division softened due to specific project impacts. Management expects momentum to build in the second half, aided by the company’s substantial order pipeline and a favourable outlook across core defence markets.

Cohort’s positive financial results and supportive corporate developments are tempered by bearish technical indicators and a moderate valuation profile. While the company’s revenue trajectory and strategic execution remain strengths, broader market sentiment suggests a degree of caution.

More about Cohort plc

Cohort plc is a defence-focused technology group with operations in the UK, Australia, Germany, and Portugal. The company is organised into two primary divisions: Communications and Intelligence—encompassing EID, EM Solutions, MASS, and MCL—and Sensors and Effectors, comprising Chess Dynamics, ELAC SONAR, and SEA. Cohort provides a wide range of products and services to both domestic and international defence customers.

CRISM Therapeutics Corporation (LSE:CRTX), a healthcare and pharmaceuticals company, has announced a retail share offer aimed at raising up to £100,000. The offer consists of new ordinary shares priced at 9 pence each and forms part of the company’s broader funding strategy for its Phase 2 clinical trial evaluating irinotecan-ChemoSeed in patients with glioblastoma. The offer is open to UK investors and is being coordinated by SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP. Completion remains subject to the admission of the new shares to trading on AIM.

More about CRISM Therapeutics Corporation

CRISM Therapeutics Corporation is a UK-based clinical-stage biotech company focused on improving cancer treatment through localized, sustained chemotherapy delivery. Its lead technology, ChemoSeed, is designed for implantation directly into tumors or surgical margins—particularly in the treatment of glioblastoma—allowing therapeutic agents to bypass the blood–brain barrier and more effectively target cancerous tissue.

Made Tech Group PLC (LSE:MTEC) has released an upbeat trading update for the first half of FY26, reporting revenue growth of 27% to roughly £27.7 million and a 33% increase in adjusted EBITDA to around £2.4 million. The company remains debt-free and continues to generate strong cash flow, while its contracted backlog offers substantial visibility for upcoming periods. Although sales bookings softened compared to last year, Made Tech expects to outperform market forecasts for FY26, supported by operational improvements and a healthy sales pipeline. With the UK Government prioritizing technology-led transformation, the company believes it is well positioned for sustained growth.

Made Tech’s broader outlook reflects financial pressures tied to declining revenue trends and profitability challenges, though these are offset by the strength of its balance sheet. Technical indicators point to weak momentum, and valuation remains constrained by a negative P/E ratio. Even so, recent corporate developments highlight meaningful progress and strategic wins, contributing to an improving recovery narrative.

More about Made Tech Group PLC

Made Tech Group PLC is a specialist provider of digital, data, and technology services to the UK public sector. The company focuses on delivering technology solutions that support government priorities and enhance operational effectiveness across public institutions.

Bluebird Mining Ventures Ltd (LSE:BMV) has reported meaningful progress as it continues its transition toward becoming a gold-streaming and treasury-focused business. The company is nearing completion of key governance and digital-infrastructure workstreams, with expanded deployment activity targeted for January 2026. BMV is assembling a portfolio of gold-streaming arrangements intended to balance near-term cash generation with long-term exposure to gold reserves.

In parallel, the company is assessing BTC-linked initiatives within its treasury function and reviewing legacy gold assets in the Philippines and Korea. The acquisition of Quantum Research & Management Limited is expected to strengthen BMV’s operational capabilities, including UK banking integration, crypto-custody, and digital-systems readiness. The group is also building out institutional-grade infrastructure—such as secure wallet architecture and programmable settlement systems—to support the growth of its gold-streaming and treasury platform.

More about Bluebird Mining Ventures Ltd

Bluebird Mining Ventures Ltd operates within the gold-streaming and treasury sector, structuring gold-linked transactions across multiple regions including Australia, West Africa, Central Asia, and Southern Africa. Rather than running mining operations, the company focuses on generating recurring gold flows through streaming agreements, while also exploring complementary BTC-linked treasury opportunities.

Oracle Power PLC (LSE:ORCP) has reported encouraging assay results from six additional drillholes at its Northern Zone Gold Project near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia. The discovery of gold mineralization in an area not previously drilled indicates the potential to expand the project’s mineralized footprint. Early data also point to a possible link between two existing mineralized zones, which could meaningfully enhance future resource modelling and development planning. Additional assay results are expected in the coming weeks.

More about Oracle Power PLC

Oracle Power PLC is an international project development company with a primary focus on mining ventures. The group is engaged in the exploration and development of mineral resources, with notable emphasis on gold projects in Western Australia.