ADVFN UK Market News

Category: Top Story

  • Predator Oil & Gas Progresses Trinidad Production Plans While Advancing Morocco and Ireland Assets

    Predator Oil & Gas Progresses Trinidad Production Plans While Advancing Morocco and Ireland Assets

    Predator Oil & Gas (LSE:PRD) has provided an operational update highlighting progress across its portfolio, with activity centred on preparations for the Snowcap-3 well in Trinidad. The company said long-lead equipment procurement, site logistics and service contracts are advancing, while 1,200 barrels of storage capacity are being transported to the location ahead of drilling operations.

    Snowcap-3 will initially target the Herrera #8 Sand and is forecast to deliver test production of up to 500 barrels of oil per day. Management estimates the well could generate an operating net-back of approximately $52 per barrel, significantly higher than the returns currently achieved from the company’s entitlement production in Trinidad.

    The additional storage capacity is also expected to support intervention work at the Snowcap-2ST1 and Jacobin-1 wells, potentially providing incremental production gains. During April, Predator recorded entitlement sales of 2,289 barrels at an average realised price of $83.34 per barrel, generating a net-back of $31.9 per barrel under existing contractual arrangements. The company’s near-term objective is to increase production and cash flow from the Cory Moruga licence, with a successful Snowcap-3 outcome potentially adding around 6,000 barrels per month and supporting future reserves-based lending options for its Morocco operations.

    In Morocco, an independent technical resources assessment of the planned MOU-6 well has improved management’s view of the project’s risk-reward profile. The report supports a revised well design and testing programme intended to address operational challenges encountered previously. As a result, the company believes substantial pre-drill farm-out transactions may be less attractive than before and is evaluating a lower-capital pilot compressed natural gas (CNG) or micro-LNG development strategy to demonstrate gas commercialisation potential. Successful drilling and testing could enhance the value of both prospective and contingent resources across the project.

    Predator expects key long-lead equipment for MOU-6 to be available by early August, while environmental approval is anticipated in July. The well is expected to be drilled to a depth of approximately 950 metres, reinforcing the company’s commitment to advancing the Moroccan project.

    In Ireland, the group is working to satisfy financial requirements ahead of the 30 September 2026 deadline for securing a successor authorisation over the Corrib South area. Management views the asset as a strategically important opportunity that could contribute to future gas storage solutions and help extend the operational life and energy security benefits associated with existing Corrib infrastructure.

    Predator’s outlook remains constrained by weak financial performance, including substantial losses, negative margins and ongoing cash outflows, despite stronger revenues and a relatively low-debt balance sheet. Technical indicators remain broadly neutral, with modest support from underlying trends, while valuation metrics continue to be affected by the company’s loss-making status and the absence of dividend payments.

    More about Predator Oil & Gas Holdings Plc

    Predator Oil & Gas Holdings Plc is a Jersey-based oil and gas company with producing assets and development projects in Trinidad and Morocco, alongside a strategic gas asset in Ireland. The company focuses on onshore oil production in Trinidad, gas appraisal and monetisation opportunities in Morocco, and the development of potential gas storage and energy security solutions linked to Ireland’s Corrib gas infrastructure.

  • European Markets Retreat as Rising US-Iran Tensions Weigh on Sentiment: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Markets Retreat as Rising US-Iran Tensions Weigh on Sentiment: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    Geopolitical Escalation Pressures European Equities

    European equity markets traded lower on Wednesday as investors reacted to a fresh escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran.

    The latest deterioration in relations followed Iranian strikes on U.S. military facilities in Jordan and Bahrain. The attacks came after Washington launched military operations against Iran in response to the downing of an American helicopter by Tehran.

    The renewed conflict has added to uncertainty across global markets, prompting investors to adopt a more cautious stance.

    ECB Meeting Looms Over Markets

    Attention is also turning to Thursday’s European Central Bank policy meeting.

    Economists widely expect the ECB to raise interest rates as policymakers grapple with the inflationary impact of sharply higher energy prices resulting from the Middle East conflict.

    Investors will be watching closely for any signals regarding the future path of monetary policy and the central bank’s assessment of economic risks.

    Major European Indices Move Lower

    The geopolitical backdrop weighed on major European benchmarks.

    Germany’s DAX Index declined 0.7%, while France’s CAC 40 Index fell 0.3%.

    In London, the FTSE 100 Index slipped 0.2% as investors balanced concerns over geopolitical developments and interest rate expectations.

    Systemair Surges After Strong Results

    Among individual stocks, Systemair (TG:52SA) was one of the standout performers.

    Shares in the Swedish ventilation specialist climbed sharply after the company reported fourth-quarter revenue and profit figures that exceeded market forecasts.

    The results boosted investor confidence in the company’s operational performance and growth outlook.

    WHSmith Slides Following Profit Warning

    At the other end of the market, WHSmith (LSE:SMWH) came under significant pressure.

    The British travel retailer saw its shares tumble after lowering its annual profit forecast for the second time this year, raising concerns about trading conditions and earnings momentum.

    The latest downgrade added to investor worries surrounding the company’s near-term outlook.

    More about European Markets

    European equities continue to be heavily influenced by geopolitical developments, central bank policy decisions and energy market volatility. With the ECB meeting approaching and Middle East tensions intensifying, investors remain focused on inflation risks, interest rates and the potential impact on economic growth across the region.

  • Markets Await Inflation Data and Oracle Results as U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

    Markets Await Inflation Data and Oracle Results as U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

    U.S. stock futures edged lower on Wednesday as investors reacted to renewed military activity involving the United States and Iran, while also preparing for a key inflation report and earnings from software giant Oracle (NYSE:ORCL).

    The latest developments come as markets continue to assess the broader implications of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, rising energy prices and growing scrutiny of the artificial intelligence sector.

    Futures Drift Lower

    Ahead of the opening bell, futures tied to major U.S. indices were trading in negative territory. Dow Jones futures slipped 0.2%, while S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 futures declined 0.3% and 0.5%, respectively.

    The move followed a mixed session on Wall Street, where technology stocks once again came under pressure. Semiconductor names including Nvidia, Micron, Intel and Qualcomm all posted losses as investors reassessed expectations surrounding AI-related growth.

    Middle East Conflict Remains a Key Market Driver

    Investor attention remained firmly focused on the Middle East after the United States carried out additional strikes against Iranian targets in response to an attack on a U.S. military helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.

    President Donald Trump said the U.S. “must, of necessity, respond,” while Iran denied responsibility for the incident and warned that any military action would be met with retaliation.

    According to U.S. Central Command, the strikes targeted Iranian radar installations and air defence systems. Meanwhile, Israel continued operations against Hezbollah-linked targets in southern Lebanon.

    Despite the latest exchange, investors continue to hope that diplomatic efforts could eventually lead to a broader de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global oil shipments.

    Inflation Figures Could Influence Interest Rate Expectations

    The upcoming U.S. consumer price index report is expected to be one of the day’s most important market events.

    Higher energy prices have fuelled concerns that inflationary pressures could intensify, potentially forcing central banks to maintain restrictive monetary policies for longer.

    A stronger-than-expected inflation reading would likely reinforce expectations that the Federal Reserve could tighten policy further before the end of the year, especially after last week’s robust labour market data.

    Anthropic Expands Access to Advanced AI Technology

    Artificial intelligence company Anthropic announced the release of Claude Fable 5, an updated version of its “Mythos-class” AI model.

    The original Mythos system was unveiled earlier this year but was not made publicly available because of concerns over potential misuse. The new version includes additional safeguards designed to prevent harmful applications while maintaining advanced capabilities.

    Anthropic said the model performs strongly across a wide range of tasks, including software engineering, scientific analysis, visual reasoning and knowledge-based work.

    Oracle Earnings in the Spotlight

    Investors will also closely monitor Oracle’s quarterly results after markets close.

    The report is expected to provide further insight into demand for AI-related infrastructure and cloud services. Recent developments in the technology sector have raised questions about whether companies can continue funding the massive investment required for next-generation AI systems and data centres.

    Analysts at Evercore ISI remain optimistic.

    “[w]hile we believe a higher capex guide could limit upside coming away from the [fiscal fourth-quarter] print, we continue to believe that the risk/reward skews positively,” analysts at Evercore ISI said in a note.

    “In our view, delivering ‘clean’ [fiscal fourth-quarter] results, a reiteration of revenue acceleration into FY27/FY28, and providing visibility into the previously disclosed equity raise could ultimately serve as a clearing event for the shares heading into the summer.”

    More about Oracle

    Oracle is a leading global provider of enterprise software, cloud infrastructure and database solutions. The company has become a key participant in the AI ecosystem through investments in cloud computing, large-scale data centres and technologies that support advanced artificial intelligence applications.

  • European Markets Edge Higher as Investors Monitor Middle East Tensions and Inflation Data: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Markets Edge Higher as Investors Monitor Middle East Tensions and Inflation Data: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities opened slightly firmer on Wednesday as investors weighed the implications of renewed military action between the United States and Iran while awaiting key inflation figures from the United States later in the day.

    The pan-European STOXX 600 advanced 0.16% in early trading. Germany’s DAX gained 0.4%, France’s CAC 40 rose 0.2%, and Italy’s FTSE MIB added 0.5%, extending gains after reaching a record level in the previous session. London’s FTSE 100 traded broadly unchanged.

    Geopolitical Risks Continue to Weigh on Sentiment

    Market sentiment remained fragile following fresh U.S. strikes against Iranian targets. The escalation came after President Donald Trump stated that Iran had brought down a U.S. helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz.

    The latest developments followed signs earlier in the week that Iran and Israel were prepared to pause hostilities, a move that briefly boosted risk appetite across European markets. However, concerns over the possibility of a prolonged conflict in a region critical to global energy supplies have tempered that optimism.

    Oil prices moved higher in response, with Brent crude gaining around 1%.

    “Investors are displaying an abundance of caution as an agreed pause in attacks by Iran and Israel appears to have stalled almost before it began,” said Danni Hewson, head of financial analysis at AJ Bell.

    ECB Meeting Draws Closer

    European markets have become increasingly sensitive to developments in the Middle East, with investor sentiment reacting sharply to geopolitical headlines.

    The eurozone’s dependence on imported energy leaves the region particularly exposed to supply disruptions and higher energy prices. As a result, attention is now turning to Thursday’s European Central Bank meeting, where policymakers may adopt a more hawkish stance if rising energy costs threaten to fuel inflation.

    U.S. Inflation Report in Focus

    Investors are also awaiting the release of U.S. consumer price index data for May, which could provide further insight into the Federal Reserve’s next policy moves.

    According to economists surveyed by Reuters, annual inflation is expected to accelerate to 4.2%. A stronger-than-anticipated reading could reinforce expectations that U.S. interest rates will remain elevated for a longer period.

    WH Smith and Pennon Under Pressure

    Among individual stocks, WH Smith (LSE:SMWH) was one of the weakest performers, falling nearly 16% after the travel retailer lowered its profit guidance for the second time this year.

    Pennon (LSE:PNN) also moved lower, shedding around 4% after releasing its full-year financial results.

    More about European Markets

    European equity markets continue to be influenced by a combination of macroeconomic data, central bank policy expectations and geopolitical developments. Recent volatility has been driven largely by uncertainty surrounding energy markets and interest rate trajectories, with investors closely monitoring inflation trends, economic growth prospects and international events.

  • Market Open: WH Smith Profit Warning, Pennon Trust Rebuild

    Market Open: WH Smith Profit Warning, Pennon Trust Rebuild

    FTSE 100 slips as investors assess geopolitical risks. WH Smith warns on profits, Pennon focuses on trust rebuilding, while gold falls.

    Market Overview

    European markets were mixed at the open as investors assessed the fallout from recent US-Iran developments and monitored signs of improving diplomatic stability in the region. The FTSE 100 fell 0.53 per cent, while Germany’s DAX declined 0.74 per cent. France’s CAC 40 edged 0.05 per cent higher. Overnight, US markets were weaker, with the Nasdaq down 0.30 per cent and the S&P 500 lower by 0.34 per cent. Market sentiment remained cautious despite broader optimism around geopolitical developments and easing concerns over a wider regional escalation.

    Commodity markets reflected a mixed macro backdrop. Brent crude remained elevated following fresh US strikes linked to tensions involving Iran, although oil markets stabilised after recent volatility. Gold retreated as investors reduced some defensive positioning, while copper weakened on softer growth expectations. Sterling strengthened against most major currencies, particularly the US dollar and Australian dollar, while Bitcoin slipped modestly against the pound.

    Market Numbers

    FTSE 100: Down (-0.53%), 10,239.35

    CAC40: Up (0.05%), 8,203.430

    DAX: Down (-0.74%), 24,433.06

    NASDAQ: Down (-0.30%), 28,897.6

    S&P 500: Down (-0.34%), 7,355.9

    In the Headlines

    Profit Warning and Fundraising – WH Smith (LSE:SMWH)

    WH Smith warned that lower airport passenger numbers have weakened trading expectations and said it plans an equity raise. The update raises concerns about near-term earnings momentum and highlights ongoing pressures on travel-related retail spending.

    Rebuilding Trust – Pennon Group (LSE:PNN)

    South West Water owner Pennon said it must rebuild public trust following the parasite contamination incident in Devon. The comments underline the regulatory and reputational challenges facing UK water companies and could keep investor attention focused on operational performance and customer relations.

    Currencies (vs GBP)

    USD: Up (0.16%), $1.3387

    CHF: Up (0.09%), Fr.1.06875

    EUR: Flat (0.00%), €1.1584

    JPY: Up (0.08%), ¥214.722

    AUD: Up (0.33%), $1.907680

    Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down (-0.27%), £46,007.3

    Commodities

    Copper: Down (-0.63%), 6.34839

    Gold: Down (-1.50%), 4,195.82

    Brent Crude: Down (-0.43%), 90.723

    Natural Gas: Up (0.45%), 3.141

  • FTSE 100 Advances as Markets Focus on Diplomacy Despite Escalating US-Iran Tensions

    FTSE 100 Advances as Markets Focus on Diplomacy Despite Escalating US-Iran Tensions

    UK equities moved higher in early trading on Wednesday, shrugging off a sharp escalation in hostilities between the United States and Iran as investors focused on indications that diplomatic negotiations remain on track.

    The FTSE 100 gained 0.21% in early dealings, while broader European markets also traded in positive territory. Germany’s DAX rose 0.28% and France’s CAC 40 added 0.30%. Sterling was little changed against the US dollar at 1.3391.

    Investor sentiment remained relatively resilient despite a significant exchange of military action in the Gulf region. The US military confirmed that American aircraft carried out strikes against multiple Iranian air defence, radar and command targets near the Strait of Hormuz, describing the operation as a proportional response to the downing of a US Army Apache helicopter earlier in the week.

    Iran responded overnight with missile and drone attacks targeting US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. Iranian media reported substantial damage, while US and regional officials said most incoming projectiles were intercepted and provided no confirmation of major losses. Jordanian authorities stated that several missiles were destroyed before reaching their intended targets and reported no casualties.

    Despite the escalation, markets took comfort from comments suggesting diplomatic efforts remain active. A senior White House official indicated that ongoing negotiations had not been derailed and that an agreement remained within reach. At the same time, diplomatic discussions involving international mediators continued, with United Nations representatives holding talks in Washington.

    Elsewhere, regional tensions remained elevated after the UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported an exchange of fire between a commercial vessel and an armed small craft off the coast of Yemen.

    UK Corporate Highlights

    WH Smith (LSE:SMWH) came under scrutiny after lowering its annual profit outlook for a second time this year and announcing plans to raise fresh equity capital equivalent to around 20% of its existing share capital. The retailer cited weaker travel demand and disruption linked to the conflict in the Middle East as key factors behind the downgrade.

    According to reports in the Financial Times, Thames Water could face up to £749 million in fees, interest and associated costs if a proposed creditor-led rescue proceeds. The report said Apollo is expected to support a £6.55 billion financing package, while creditors are considering a restructuring plan that could ultimately pave the way for a stock market listing by 2030.

    The Financial Times also reported that private equity firms Warburg Pincus and KKR are exploring potential sales of their UK fibre broadband assets, including Community Fibre, as interest in digital infrastructure assets remains strong.

    Pennon Group (LSE:PNN) reported a return to profitability for the year ended March 2026, posting statutory pre-tax profit of £114.4 million compared with a loss of £72.7 million a year earlier. The utility benefited from a regulatory reset that increased water revenues by 24.6%, although it continues to face regulatory scrutiny, including an ongoing Ofwat investigation and a pending Environment Agency sentencing related to South West Water.

  • Vodafone Greece and PPC Explore Fibre Network Joint Venture Reaching 1.6 Million Homes (VOD)

    Vodafone Greece and PPC Explore Fibre Network Joint Venture Reaching 1.6 Million Homes (VOD)

    Vodafone Greece, a subsidiary of Vodafone (LSE:VOD), and PPC Group have announced plans to combine their fibre-to-the-home infrastructure and wholesale fibre operations in Greece through a proposed 50:50 joint venture. If completed, the new entity would oversee network assets capable of serving more than 1.6 million homes, creating one of the country’s largest fibre infrastructure platforms.

    The proposed venture would operate on a wholesale open-access model, providing broadband providers with access to fibre infrastructure and potentially increasing competition within the Greek telecommunications market. The companies believe the partnership could help accelerate fibre deployment across the country while improving connectivity options for consumers and businesses.

    The discussions remain at an early stage, and completion of the transaction will depend on due diligence, the negotiation of definitive agreements and receipt of the necessary regulatory approvals. Both parties noted that there can be no certainty that a final transaction will ultimately be completed.

    Should the venture proceed, it would significantly strengthen Vodafone’s fixed-line presence in Greece while supporting PPC’s strategy of expanding beyond its traditional utility operations into digital infrastructure. The partnership could also influence future investment levels, market dynamics and wholesale access arrangements for competing telecommunications operators.

    Vodafone’s broader outlook continues to be supported by stable cash generation and a positive earnings trajectory, with management targeting performance towards the upper end of FY26 guidance and forecasting growth into FY27. However, earnings volatility, leverage levels and recent losses remain considerations for investors. Technical indicators suggest some near-term weakness in share price momentum, while valuation remains mixed, balancing a loss-making earnings profile against a moderate dividend yield.

    More about Vodafone

    Vodafone is one of the largest telecommunications groups operating across Europe and Africa, serving approximately 370 million mobile and broadband customers in 15 countries, with investments in a further four markets and partnership agreements spanning more than 40 countries. The company operates extensive international subsea cable networks, manages one of the world’s largest Internet of Things (IoT) platforms with more than 240 million connections and provides mobile financial services to around 103 million customers across seven African markets.

  • WH Smith Lowers Profit Expectations, Restructures Travel Operations and Announces Share Placing (SMWH)

    WH Smith Lowers Profit Expectations, Restructures Travel Operations and Announces Share Placing (SMWH)

    WH Smith (LSE:SMWH) reported a 5% increase in group revenue and like-for-like sales growth of 2% during the 14 weeks to 6 June 2026, but warned that trading conditions have become more challenging, particularly across its North American operations and airport-based retail locations.

    The company said weaker consumer spending, lower passenger volumes and disruption associated with the conflict in the Middle East have weighed on performance. As a result, management now expects full-year headline profit before tax to be in the range of £75 million to £90 million and anticipates recording a non-cash impairment charge of up to £150 million.

    In response to the tougher trading environment, WH Smith is accelerating restructuring measures across its travel portfolio. The group plans to close underperforming stores in Las Vegas and Norway and is conducting a review of its InMotion business as part of a broader effort to improve operational efficiency and profitability.

    To strengthen its financial position and support the ongoing transformation programme, the company has announced plans for a non-pre-emptive placing of new ordinary shares. Management said the additional capital will help absorb restructuring costs, reinforce the balance sheet and provide flexibility to pursue future growth opportunities where appropriate.

    Looking ahead, WH Smith is assuming no significant recovery in consumer confidence in the near term and expects inflationary pressures and margin challenges to persist. The company remains focused on cost management, disciplined capital allocation and maintaining its long-term position within key travel retail markets despite the uncertain backdrop.

    The outlook is currently influenced by weaker profitability, margin pressure and higher leverage levels, although cash generation remains relatively resilient. Technical indicators also remain negative, reflecting a bearish share price trend. While the stock offers a moderate dividend yield, valuation remains difficult to assess due to loss-making earnings and a negative price-to-earnings ratio.

    More about WH Smith

    WH Smith is a UK-based retailer focused primarily on travel locations, including airports, railway stations and hospitals. The group sells travel essentials, books, magazines, food, beverages and convenience products through a broad international network. It also operates a substantial North American travel retail business, including InMotion electronics stores and resort-based outlets, alongside a number of international franchise operations.

  • Fuller’s Increases Earnings, Dividend and Estate Investment Following Strong Trading Performance (FSTA)

    Fuller’s Increases Earnings, Dividend and Estate Investment Following Strong Trading Performance (FSTA)

    Fuller, Smith & Turner (LSE:FSTA) delivered another year of growth, reporting revenue of £397.8 million for the period, up 5.7% from the previous year. Like-for-like sales across its Managed Pubs and Hotels division increased 4.9%, helping drive adjusted profit before tax 28% higher to £34.6 million.

    The strong financial performance translated into a 38% increase in adjusted earnings per share, allowing the company to raise its total dividend by 7% to 21.20p. Management highlighted the resilience of the group’s predominantly freehold estate as a key contributor to its continued progress.

    During the year, Fuller’s invested £32.2 million across its portfolio, including the acquisition of two freehold pubs in central London and continued spending on staff development and training programmes. The company also maintained a disciplined approach to capital allocation through share buybacks and balance sheet management, supported by a property estate valued at approximately £991 million.

    Trading momentum has continued into the current financial year, with like-for-like sales rising 4.4% during the first 10 weeks. Looking ahead, Fuller’s plans to invest more than £30 million in its estate, including the addition of new hotel rooms at its London Bridge location. Management believes these investments will support future growth opportunities as the business enters the busy summer period and benefits from major sporting events.

    The company’s outlook is supported by solid trading performance, ongoing investment and positive operational momentum. While further improvements in metrics such as free cash flow generation and return on equity could strengthen the investment case, Fuller’s believes its premium estate, strong balance sheet and carefully targeted capital expenditure leave it well positioned for continued progress.

    More about Fuller Smith & Turner

    Fuller, Smith & Turner is a premium pubs and hotels operator with a portfolio comprising 185 managed pubs and hotels and 152 tenanted inns, primarily located across southern England. The group offers fresh seasonal food, a broad drinks selection and 1,030 hotel rooms, catering to customers seeking high-quality pub, dining and accommodation experiences. The business is supported by a workforce of more than 5,000 employees.

  • Wall Street Futures Rise as Lower Oil Prices Boost Market Sentiment: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq

    Wall Street Futures Rise as Lower Oil Prices Boost Market Sentiment: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq

    U.S. equity futures traded higher on Tuesday, indicating a stronger start for Wall Street as investors reacted positively to a sharp decline in oil prices and continued to assess prospects for easing tensions in the Middle East.

    The drop in energy prices provided early support for risk assets, with U.S. crude futures falling more than 2%.

    Oil slipped below the $90-per-barrel mark after President Donald Trump suggested that a peace agreement between the United States and Iran could be reached within “two or three days.”

    Trump also said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen “immediately” once an agreement is finalized, although previous predictions of a near-term breakthrough have yet to produce a formal deal.

    The market may also continue to benefit from bargain-hunting activity after Friday’s broad-based sell-off left many stocks trading at reduced levels.

    Stocks rebounded sharply at the start of Monday’s session following the previous week’s losses, but much of that momentum faded throughout the day. By the closing bell, the major indices had retreated significantly from their highs, with the Dow ending modestly lower.

    The Nasdaq, which had gained as much as 1.8% intraday, finished up 220.23 points, or 0.9%, at 25,929.66. The S&P 500 rose 21.99 points, or 0.3%, to 7,405.73, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 80.77 points, or 0.2%, to 50,786.01.

    Much of Monday’s early strength stemmed from investors stepping back into technology shares after Friday’s sell-off pushed the Nasdaq to its weakest close in a month.

    However, buying activity slowed as traders monitored ongoing geopolitical risks, including reports that Israel and Iran exchanged missile strikes over the weekend.

    Crude prices later eased after Trump stated that Israel and Iran were “looking to do an immediate ceasefire.”

    “Final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding, subject to ignorance or stupidity getting in its way,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. “The Blockade will remain in place, and in full force and effect, until a ‘Final Deal’ is reached. Things should move quickly.”

    Semiconductor stocks remained a notable area of strength throughout the session. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index climbed 5.6%, recovering part of the steep 10.3% decline recorded on Friday.

    Marvell Technology (NASDAQ:MRVL) surged 9.6% after confirmation that the company will be added to the S&P 500, alongside electronics manufacturing services provider Flex (NASDAQ:FLEX).

    Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) gained 1.7% after announcing a long-term partnership with SK hynix focused on developing advanced memory technologies for AI infrastructure and speeding up semiconductor innovation.

    Energy-related shares also performed well, with the Philadelphia Oil Service Index advancing 3.6%.

    Oil producers and computer hardware companies ended the session among the strongest performers, while utilities and commercial real estate stocks lagged as Treasury yields continued to move higher.