ADVFN UK Market News

Category: Top Story

  • European stocks advance as Iran conflict enters third week: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European stocks advance as Iran conflict enters third week: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equity markets traded mostly higher on Monday as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran moved into its third week and U.S. President Donald Trump urged allied nations to deploy naval escorts to secure shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

    Later in the day, foreign ministers from the European Union are scheduled to meet to discuss the possibility of a coordinated naval response to the effective shutdown of the strategic oil transit corridor.

    Investors are also watching upcoming central bank meetings in the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe and Australia, as rising energy prices increase concerns about inflation.

    In early trading, the U.K.’s FTSE 100 Index gained 0.7%, Germany’s DAX Index climbed 0.6% and France’s CAC 40 Index advanced 0.3%.

    Shares of German lender Commerzbank (TG:CBK) jumped nearly 4% after Italy’s UniCredit launched a €35 billion ($40 billion) takeover proposal for the bank.

    Tecan Group (TG:TEN) declined 4.3%. The Swiss laboratory automation company reported a net loss of CHF 110.7 million for the 2025 financial year and said it expects sales to grow in the low single-digit percentage range in local currencies during 2026.

    Idorsia (TG:19T) plunged 12% after the pharmaceutical research firm announced that CEO Srishti Gupta will step down and leave the board of directors after less than a year in the role.

    Meanwhile, U.K. construction materials producer Marshalls (LSE:MSLH) rose 2.4% after reporting a slight increase in revenue for 2025.

  • FTSE 100 opens higher as Middle East tensions continue and BoE decision approaches

    FTSE 100 opens higher as Middle East tensions continue and BoE decision approaches

    UK equities began Monday’s session in positive territory, recovering earlier losses, while the pound strengthened slightly as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East remained elevated and investors prepared for this week’s Bank of England policy decision.

    At 08:09 GMT, the FTSE 100 was up 0.5%, while the GBP/USD exchange rate rose 0.2% to 1.3249 against the dollar.
    Elsewhere in Europe, Germany’s DAX gained 0.2% and France’s CAC 40 advanced by a similar margin.

    Iran developments

    U.S. President Donald Trump has urged seven countries to assist Washington in ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil supply. However, he did not indicate whether any of the countries had agreed to the request.

    Tehran has effectively halted tanker movements through the strait, which is bordered by Iran on three sides. The disruption has driven energy prices sharply higher and added uncertainty to the outlook for the global economy.

    UK market focus

    Citigroup expects the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee to leave the Bank Rate unchanged at 3.75% when it meets on Thursday. The bank has removed an anticipated April rate cut from its forecast, citing the renewed energy shock linked to the Middle East conflict.

    Citi now projects the rate-cutting cycle to conclude at 3.25%, with reductions expected in June and September, slightly higher than its previous terminal rate forecast.

    Corporate news

    Standard Life PLC (LSE:SDLF) reported that its statutory net loss after tax narrowed to £394 million for the 2025 financial year, compared with £1.08 billion the year before. The result came despite £604 million in accounting charges related to hedging activities, which offset a 15% rise in adjusted operating profit.

    The charges stem from the company’s strategy to shield its Solvency II capital position from fluctuations in equity markets and interest rates. With the FTSE 100 climbing 21.5% in 2025, the hedging programme generated negative accounting effects under IFRS rules, although underlying cash generation remained stable.

    Standard Life, which rebranded from Phoenix Group Holdings three weeks ago, saw these accounting adjustments overshadow operational improvements during the year.

    In other corporate developments, Marshalls PLC (LSE:MSLH) announced a 55% decline in full-year profit before tax to £17.7 million for the year ending December 31, 2025, despite a 2% increase in revenue to £632.1 million. The UK building materials manufacturer also reduced its dividend for the second consecutive year.

    Basic earnings per share fell to 5.7 pence from 12.3 pence, while reported operating profit dropped to £32 million from £53.9 million. The company proposed a total dividend of 6.7 pence, down from 8 pence the previous year. Net debt increased slightly to £137.9 million from £133.9 million.

    UK housing market

    Data from property portal Rightmove showed that asking prices for homes in the UK increased by 0.8% in March, adding just over £3,000 to reach an average of £371,042. However, prices were still 0.2%, or £744, lower than a year earlier.

    The monthly rise reflects typical seasonal activity during the spring selling period, but the slight annual decline mirrors recent commentary from UK housebuilders suggesting that house price growth has largely stalled.

  • Standard Life Reports Higher Profits and Stronger Capital Position After Solid 2025

    Standard Life Reports Higher Profits and Stronger Capital Position After Solid 2025

    Standard Life plc (LSE:SDLF) reported strong results for the 2025 financial year, with operating cash generation rising 5% to £1.47 billion and IFRS adjusted operating profit increasing 15% to £945 million. The performance was supported by growth in workplace pensions and retirement solutions alongside ongoing cost efficiencies. The group also strengthened its balance sheet, reducing its Solvency II leverage ratio to 33% and increasing its Solvency II surplus to £3.6 billion. Reflecting the improved performance, the company raised its total dividend by 2.6% and lifted its run-rate cost savings target to £180 million.

    The pensions and savings division delivered particularly strong momentum, with profits rising 23% and workplace pension inflows increasing during the year. In the annuities segment, operating cash generation and profits both grew, supported by a larger contractual service margin and solid volumes in both pension risk transfer (PRT) and individual annuity sales, while management maintained a disciplined approach to capital allocation. Standard Life is also investing in digital capabilities, advice services and policy migration programmes to strengthen its positions in workplace pensions, retail savings and annuities. The company said it remains firmly on track to meet its 2026 targets for cash generation, capital strength and earnings, including a longer-term objective of generating at least £1 billion of free cash flow annually.

    The broader outlook for the group is supported by strong earnings momentum and positive strategic developments, highlighting progress in both financial performance and operational resilience. However, some mixed financial indicators and valuation considerations temper the overall outlook. Technical analysis points to a broadly bullish trend, which adds further support to the stock’s potential.

    More about Phoenix Group Holdings

    Standard Life plc, part of Phoenix Group Holdings, operates within the UK long-term savings and retirement market. The business focuses on workplace and retail pensions, annuities and related retirement products. Its strategy emphasises capital-light, fee-based operations alongside annuity businesses, positioning the group to benefit from expected long-term growth in the UK retirement and savings sector.

  • Wishbone Gold Confirms 4km Gold-Copper Trend at Red Setter Ahead of Major 2026 Drill Programme

    Wishbone Gold Confirms 4km Gold-Copper Trend at Red Setter Ahead of Major 2026 Drill Programme

    Wishbone Gold (LSE:WSBN) has confirmed the presence of gold and copper mineralisation along an approximately 4km diorite trend at its Red Setter Project in Western Australia, following assay results from its 2025 drilling campaign. The latest results include several notable intercepts and point to a large hydrothermal system consistent with earlier drilling, indicating widespread mineralisation across the project area that remains only partially explored.

    Building on these findings, the company has outlined a fully funded 2026 drilling programme comprising 25 holes and around 9,000 metres of drilling. The campaign will target extensions of known mineralised zones, test continuity along the diorite trend and improve understanding of the structural controls influencing the system. Management said the programme will represent the most extensive drilling effort undertaken at Red Setter so far and is intended to accelerate progress at the project while reinforcing Wishbone’s position in a highly prospective gold-copper region.

    Despite encouraging exploration progress, the company’s broader outlook remains constrained by weak financial fundamentals. Wishbone remains pre-revenue, with ongoing losses and negative free cash flow, although there has been some improvement in financial metrics. Technical indicators are mixed, showing neutral momentum without a clear directional trend, while valuation measures remain limited due to negative earnings and the absence of dividend yield data.

    More about Wishbone Gold

    Wishbone Gold Plc is an exploration company listed on both the London AIM market and the Aquis Exchange, focused on developing gold and copper projects. Its flagship asset is the Red Setter Project in Western Australia’s Paterson Province, a region known for major mineral discoveries. The company targets large-scale mineralised systems near established operations such as Greatland Gold’s Telfer gold mine and Cyprium Metals’ Nifty copper mine.

  • Marshalls Grows Revenue but Focuses on Cost Discipline Under ‘Transform & Grow’ Strategy

    Marshalls Grows Revenue but Focuses on Cost Discipline Under ‘Transform & Grow’ Strategy

    Marshalls (LSE:MSLH) reported a 2% increase in revenue for 2025 to £632.1 million, though profitability declined during the year, with adjusted operating profit falling 15% and adjusted profit before tax down 16%. The company reduced its total dividend in response but said results were broadly in line with expectations. Marshalls also maintained leverage at 1.8 times EBITDA and successfully refinanced a £270 million facility on unchanged terms, highlighting the strength of its balance sheet and liquidity as it advances its strategic plans.

    The group has accelerated its “Transform & Grow” programme, which prioritises improvements in margins, cash generation and customer service. Within the Landscaping Products division, a broad operational reset delivered cost reductions during the year, alongside 4% volume growth and gains in market share despite subdued conditions in the UK housing and home improvement sectors. The Roofing and Building Products divisions each recorded revenue growth of 4%, supported by strong regulation-driven demand at Viridian Solar and continued progress in the Water Management business. Marshalls said it is focusing resources on operational execution to support a meaningful improvement in profitability and returns over the medium term.

    The company’s outlook reflects generally solid financial performance, with improvements in margins and cash flow providing some support. Technical indicators present mixed signals, showing short-term bullish momentum but more cautious longer-term trends. Valuation remains moderate and is supported by a solid dividend yield. Recent corporate developments, including leadership changes and insider share purchases, also contribute positively to the overall outlook.

    More about Marshalls

    Marshalls plc is a UK-based manufacturer of building products and sustainable solutions for the built environment. The group operates across landscaping, roofing and building products, offering a wide range of materials including paving, water management systems, mortars, bricks, masonry products and solar roofing solutions. Its products serve both new-build construction and home improvement markets, with increasing exposure to regulation-led demand and infrastructure-related projects.

  • European stocks steady but heading for weekly losses as oil surge raises inflation concerns: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European stocks steady but heading for weekly losses as oil surge raises inflation concerns: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities were largely unchanged on Friday but remained on track for weekly declines as rising crude oil prices—driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East—continued to fuel inflation worries and dampen expectations for near-term interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve.

    In economic developments, new data showed the U.K. economy recorded no growth in January. According to the Office for National Statistics, an increase in construction activity was offset by weakness in industrial output and stagnation in the services sector.

    Gross domestic product was unchanged during the month, following expansions of 0.1% in December and 0.2% in November. Economists had expected the economy to grow 0.2% month-on-month.

    On an annual basis, the U.K. economy expanded 0.8% in January, slightly below the 0.9% growth forecast by analysts.

    Elsewhere in Europe, France’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 0.9% in February, up from 0.3% in January.

    In market trading, France’s CAC 40 was hovering just below flat levels, while Germany’s DAX was up 0.1% and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 gained 0.2%.

    Shares of Vivendi (EU:VIV) declined even after the French media group reported a return to profitability in the second half of 2025.

    Radiator maker Stelrad Group (LSE:SRAD) also fell after reporting lower revenue for 2025 amid weak demand across the U.K., Ireland and continental Europe.

    Meanwhile, BE Semiconductor (EU:BESI) rose sharply following reports that the chip-equipment manufacturer has attracted takeover interest.

  • FTSE 100 today: Stocks slide further as oil tops $100 and UK growth stalls

    FTSE 100 today: Stocks slide further as oil tops $100 and UK growth stalls

    UK equities extended their recent decline on Friday, while the pound slipped below $1.33, as escalating Middle East tensions kept oil prices above $100 per barrel. Investor sentiment was further dampened by weaker-than-expected UK economic data showing the economy failed to grow in January.

    By 08:54 GMT, the blue-chip FTSE 100 index had fallen 0.7%. Sterling also weakened, with GBP/USD down 0.6% to 1.3265. European markets were similarly under pressure, with Germany’s DAX declining 0.7% and France’s CAC 40 losing 0.9%.

    Iran latest update

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said Friday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, with Iran effectively blocking maritime traffic to use the blockade as leverage against Western nations.

    Separately, the United States moved to ease sanctions on Russian oil in an attempt to reduce upward pressure on global energy prices.

    UK round up

    New economic data showed the UK economy failed to expand in January, missing expectations and raising fresh concerns about the country’s resilience ahead of rising energy costs linked to the Middle East conflict.

    The Office for National Statistics said gross domestic product was unchanged month-on-month at 0.0% in January, below economists’ forecasts for a 0.2% increase. The figures were released Friday before oil prices surged further amid the regional tensions.

    UK government bond prices declined, pushing yields higher. The 10-year gilt yield climbed to 4.817%, its highest level since September. Yields on five-year and 10-year gilts increased by roughly three to four basis points shortly after trading began.

    Housebuilder Berkeley Group Holdings (LSE:BKG) reiterated its annual profit guidance but cautioned that geopolitical uncertainty and macroeconomic pressures are weighing on housing demand. The company said it still expects pre-tax profit of about £450 million for the current financial year and a similar level for fiscal 2027, while targeting a net cash position of around £300 million by year-end.

    Shares in radiator manufacturer Stelrad Group (LSE:SRAD) declined after the company reported annual revenue of £279.6 million, down 3.8% from the previous year amid ongoing economic uncertainty across its key markets in the UK, Ireland and Europe. “Market demand remains subdued and we expect this to continue for at least first half of 2026,” Stelrad said.

    Property investor CLS Holdings (LSE:CLI) also fell, becoming the largest decliner on the FTSE small-caps index. The company said economic conditions across Europe remain challenging and noted that it is too early to gauge the potential short- or long-term effects of the Middle East conflict on the region’s economies and property markets. CLS reported that its 2025 net rental income dropped around 11% to £101.3 million.

  • Anglo Asian Mining Names Peel Hunt as Broker to Support Copper-Focused Growth

    Anglo Asian Mining Names Peel Hunt as Broker to Support Copper-Focused Growth

    Anglo Asian Mining (LSE:AAZ), an AIM-listed producer of gold, copper and silver operating in Azerbaijan, continues to expand its asset base as it works toward becoming a mid-tier copper and gold producer. The company currently operates several mines, including the recently commissioned Gilar and Demirli sites, and plans to bring additional projects at Xarxar, Garadag and Zafar into production between 2027 and 2030. Through these developments, Anglo Asian aims to increase annual copper output to roughly 50,000–55,000 tonnes by the end of the decade.

    The company has appointed Peel Hunt LLP as its new corporate broker with immediate effect, while S P Angel will continue in its role as nominated adviser. The addition of Peel Hunt is expected to enhance Anglo Asian Mining’s capital markets capabilities and strengthen engagement with investors as the group advances its long-term growth strategy and expands copper-focused production.

    The company’s outlook remains constrained by weaker financial performance, including declining revenues, negative margins and deteriorating free cash flow. Valuation metrics are also difficult to assess due to negative earnings. However, these factors are partly offset by strong technical momentum, with the share price trading above key moving averages and supported by positive trend indicators.

    More about Anglo Asian Mining

    Anglo Asian Mining is an AIM-listed mining company producing copper and gold from a portfolio of assets in Azerbaijan. In 2025 the company produced 7,915 tonnes of copper and 25,061 ounces of gold. It is pursuing a strategy to develop multiple mines and transition into a mid-tier producer by 2030, with copper expected to become its primary product.

  • Berkeley Group Reaffirms Profit Guidance and Doubles Down on London, Cash and BTR

    Berkeley Group Reaffirms Profit Guidance and Doubles Down on London, Cash and BTR

    Berkeley Group (LSE:BKG) has reiterated its expectation of around £450 million in pre-tax profit for the current financial year, with a similar level forecast for FY27. The company also continues to target a net cash position of roughly £300 million, even as it manages significant land creditor settlements and maintains substantial shareholder returns. Berkeley has returned £191 million to shareholders so far this year and £330 million since launching its Berkeley 2035 strategy, while continuing to invest in its Berkeley Living build-to-rent (BTR) platform.

    Management said the trading environment remains challenging due to geopolitical tensions and broader macroeconomic uncertainty. However, it noted signs of improvement in reservation values and emphasised the long-term strength of London as a global centre for finance and technology. The group is reviewing planning consents in an effort to restore margins and is navigating complex Building Safety Regulator processes that have slowed the delivery of new homes. Looking beyond 2027, Berkeley plans to prioritise cash generation, maintain balance sheet strength and optimise its land portfolio while continuing to expand its BTR strategy.

    The company’s outlook is supported by attractive valuation metrics, including a relatively low price-to-earnings ratio and a strong dividend yield that may indicate potential undervaluation. However, technical indicators currently point to a bearish trend, and financial performance reflects ongoing pressures around revenue growth and cash flow generation. Recent corporate developments nonetheless provide some support to the broader outlook.

    More about The Berkeley Group Holdings

    The Berkeley Group Holdings plc is a leading UK residential developer with a strong focus on London and other major urban markets. The company specialises in large-scale regeneration and residential developments, including build-to-rent schemes through its Berkeley Living platform. Berkeley aims to balance cash generation, resilient margins and shareholder returns while navigating the cyclical dynamics of the housing market.

  • Caspian Sunrise Ramps Up Kazakh Drilling After Winter, Completes Block 8 Deal

    Caspian Sunrise Ramps Up Kazakh Drilling After Winter, Completes Block 8 Deal

    Caspian Sunrise (LSE:CASP) has detailed plans to accelerate activity across its Kazakhstan assets as winter conditions recede, focusing on boosting near-term production from existing wells while continuing appraisal work on deeper targets. Within the BNG contract area, the company intends to sidetrack Deep Well A6 in the Airshagyl structure and restart pumped production at Deep Well 803 in the Yelemes Deep zone. Preparations are also underway to drill a new deep well near the previously abandoned Well 801 site, targeting a depth of around 5,000 metres with completion expected by late Q3 2026.

    At Block 8, where the acquisition of the contract area has now been finalised, the company continues testing operations at Sholkara’s Deep Well P1. A sidetrack is also planned at Well P2 to access Permian dolomite formations. Meanwhile, discussions with Kazakh authorities are ongoing regarding the renewal of the licence covering the Akkaduk structure. In the West Shalva area, Caspian Sunrise aims to sustain output from an existing producing interval at approximately 2,250 metres, drill a new Jurassic-targeted well between April and June 2026, and potentially deepen the current well to reach the Triassic horizon. The programme reflects a broader strategy to expand production while exploring additional reservoirs across several geological layers.

    The company’s outlook is supported by relatively strong technical indicators and an apparently attractive valuation, with the share price trading above key moving averages and a low price-to-earnings ratio suggesting possible undervaluation. Financial performance, however, presents a mixed picture, as profitability has been accompanied by declining revenues and pressures on cash flow. Limited disclosure from earnings calls and a lack of major corporate events also restrict the availability of further insights.

    More about Caspian Sunrise

    Caspian Sunrise is an oil and gas exploration and production company focused on onshore hydrocarbon assets in Kazakhstan. Its operations centre on three principal contract areas—BNG, Block 8 and West Shalva—where the group targets multiple geological horizons to support both near-term production growth and longer-term reserve development.