Blog

Prudential plc (LSE:PRU) posted a strong performance for the third quarter, reporting a 13% rise in new business profit to $705 million and a 10% increase in annual premium equivalent (APE) sales to $1,716 million. The company attributed the growth to a continued emphasis on high-quality business, expansion of its agency network — particularly across ASEAN markets — and solid progress in its bancassurance channel.

The update underscores Prudential’s success in executing its strategic initiatives and expanding its market presence, keeping it on track to achieve its 2025 guidance and 2027 financial targets. Regional operations across Hong Kong, Mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore contributed to overall performance, supported by strong partnerships and joint ventures.

Prudential’s outlook remains positive, with consistent financial strength and constructive market indicators. The group’s disciplined capital management and targeted investments continue to enhance long-term value, even amid varying regulatory and market conditions.

More about Prudential plc

Prudential plc is a leading provider of life and health insurance as well as asset management services, primarily operating in Greater China, ASEAN, India, and Africa. The company’s mission is to deliver simple, accessible financial and health solutions that build trust and long-term customer relationships. Prudential maintains dual primary listings on the London and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges, alongside secondary listings in Singapore and New York.

Pulsar Helium Inc. (LSE:PLSR) has reached a major breakthrough at its Topaz Project in Minnesota, where the Jetstream #3 well has intersected pressurized gas with a bottom-hole pressure of around 960 psi. This finding confirms the presence and continuity of the helium-rich reservoir system, supporting the geological model derived from earlier drilling results.

The discovery reinforces the Topaz field’s potential as one of North America’s most promising primary helium projects. Pulsar plans to carry out detailed evaluation and testing to further assess the reservoir’s properties and optimize future development strategies.

More about Pulsar Helium Inc.

Pulsar Helium Inc. is a publicly listed exploration and development company specializing in primary helium resources. Its flagship assets include the Topaz Project in Minnesota, USA, and the Tunu Project in Greenland. As a first mover in these regions, the company focuses on discovering and developing helium systems not associated with hydrocarbons.

Cykel AI PLC (LSE:CYK) has released its interim financial results for the six months ended July 2025, marking a pivotal move from product development to early-stage commercialization. The rollout of its flagship products, Lucy and Eve, has contributed to initial revenue growth, with Eve emerging as a key driver of the company’s commercial traction.

While marketing expenditure has remained modest, Cykel AI has concentrated on product validation and securing early adopters. The company also launched GTM AI, an innovation designed to optimize sales processes. Early feedback on GTM AI has been encouraging, though adoption is still in its early phases. Following the reporting period, Cykel AI successfully raised £2.8 million and continues to seek further funding to advance its growth initiatives, enhance GTM AI, and strengthen its operational infrastructure.

More about Cykel AI PLC

Cykel AI PLC is a technology company focused on artificial intelligence solutions for sales and recruitment. Positioned within the premium tier of the rapidly expanding AI Sales Development Agent market, the company aims to drive innovation in automating and optimizing business development functions.

Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group PLC (LSE:PR1) has issued a trading update marking its first full year on AIM, forecasting revenue to exceed £0.5 million for fiscal year 2025. The integration of Halfspace Limited and the successful launch of Metr1c have played a key role in driving revenue and accelerating the company’s growth momentum.

The group has strengthened its leadership team and outlined plans for international expansion, including a listing on the US OTCQB Venture Market, positioning the company for notable growth in FY26. Pri0r1ty has also diversified its treasury strategy by investing in Bitcoin — a move that reflects its forward-thinking approach while acknowledging the inherent volatility of digital assets.

More about Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group PLC

Pri0r1ty Intelligence Group PLC is a data, AI, and marketing services company that helps customer-focused organizations achieve scalable engagement. It operates through three key divisions: Halfspace, which delivers data-driven marketing solutions for the sports industry; Pri0r1ty, an AI SaaS platform tailored for SMEs; and Metr1c, a brand partnership and growth agency serving the entertainment sector.

Bezant Resources (LSE:BZT) has released the Feasibility Study Report for its Hope and Gorob mining venture, compiled by Sound Mining International. The comprehensive study integrates multiple technical inputs and emphasizes the planned utilization of the existing NLZM Processing Plant — a step expected to substantially cut both capital costs and development timelines.

The findings present a compelling economic outlook for the project, projecting an internal rate of return (IRR) of 62% and a net profit of approximately USD 104 million. Acquiring the NLZM Processing Plant is regarded as a key strategic decision that will simplify production processes, limit regulatory delays, and strengthen the project’s profitability, paving the way for a streamlined transition to execution.

More about Bezant Resources

Bezant Resources PLC is a copper and gold exploration company dedicated to advancing its portfolio of mining projects. The firm focuses on identifying and developing high-potential copper-gold assets, leveraging strategic acquisitions and partnerships to enhance project economics and long-term value creation.

U.S. stock futures signaled a positive open on Wednesday, with Wall Street poised to build on its recent strength as investors bet on another interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve and continued momentum from the tech sector.

Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) once again looks to be at the center of the action. The AI chipmaker’s shares climbed 3.6% in pre-market trading, extending Tuesday’s 5% surge that followed news of several major partnerships — including a $1 billion investment in Nokia (NYSE:NOK) as part of a strategic collaboration on networking and AI infrastructure. The rally has brought Nvidia closer to an unprecedented $5 trillion market capitalization, a milestone no company has yet achieved.

Optimism is also being fueled by expectations for the Fed’s policy announcement later today. The central bank is widely expected to trim rates by another quarter percentage point, and traders will parse both the accompanying statement and comments from Chair Jerome Powell for hints about the outlook for further easing through year-end.

Data from CME Group’s FedWatch Tool shows that markets assign an 87% probability to an additional 25-basis-point rate cut in December, though sentiment about more cuts early next year remains mixed.

On Tuesday, U.S. equities maintained their upward bias despite some intraday swings. The Nasdaq Composite rose 0.8% to 23,827.49, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.3% to 47,706.37, and the S&P 500 edged up 0.2% to 6,890.89 — each closing at or near record highs for a second straight day.

The market’s ongoing strength has been underpinned by renewed optimism surrounding U.S.–China trade discussions, bolstered by reports of a new rare-metals agreement between the U.S. and Japan ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week.

Still, many investors appear hesitant to take large new positions before the Fed delivers its policy guidance, preferring to wait for more clarity on the direction of interest rates.

Attention is also turning to a busy stretch of earnings from the U.S. technology giants, with Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) all set to release quarterly results in the days ahead.

In economic updates, the Conference Board reported a modest decline in U.S. consumer confidence in October, with its index falling to 94.6 from a revised 95.6 in September, slightly better than economists’ expectations.

Sector-wise, networking and steel stocks led gains on Tuesday, with the NYSE Arca Networking Index and NYSE Arca Steel Index both advancing 1.6% to new highs. By contrast, airline shares dropped sharply, sending the NYSE Arca Airline Index down 4.1%, while utilities, commercial real estate, and energy stocks lagged behind.

With momentum still strong and AI-related enthusiasm running high, investors appear ready to extend Wall Street’s winning streak — even as the Federal Reserve’s message later today could test the market’s resilience.

European equities advanced on Wednesday, buoyed by a mix of upbeat corporate earnings and investor anticipation ahead of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision later in the day, where a quarter-point cut is already seen as a done deal.

London’s FTSE 100 led regional gains, rising 0.9%, while Germany’s DAX and France’s CAC 40 each added around 0.1%, reflecting a generally positive but cautious tone across major markets.

Swiss technology firm Logitech International (BIT:1LOGN) was among the day’s standout performers after reporting stronger fiscal second-quarter 2026 results that topped analyst forecasts.

Shares of ASM International (EU:ASM), the Dutch manufacturer of semiconductor production equipment, also traded higher despite third-quarter bookings coming in below expectations, suggesting resilience amid sectoral headwinds.

Mercedes-Benz (TG:MBG) climbed sharply after reaffirming its full-year outlook and unveiling a €2 billion ($2.3 billion) share repurchase program. The automaker’s third-quarter earnings comfortably exceeded projections, underscoring robust demand for its premium vehicles.

Deutsche Bank (TG:DBK) gained ground as well, following an unexpected 7% rise in quarterly profit — a surprise beat that countered expectations of a decline and highlighted solid performance in its core businesses.

Chemical giant BASF (TG:BAS) added to the upbeat tone, advancing after reporting adjusted operating earnings that slightly surpassed market forecasts.

In contrast, Swedish bearings producer SKF (BIT:1SKFB) moved lower as its third-quarter sales and adjusted operating profit largely met analyst expectations, offering little to excite investors.

Overall, the regional mood remained cautiously optimistic, with traders balancing strong European earnings updates against the prospect of fresh monetary policy guidance from the Fed later today.

The U.S. dollar strengthened on Wednesday, lifted by renewed optimism over progress in U.S.-China trade talks, while traders looked ahead to the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy announcement later in the day.

At 09:20 GMT, the U.S. Dollar Index, which tracks the greenback against six major currencies, was up 0.3% at 98.787, recovering after two consecutive sessions of declines.

Trade optimism supports dollar

U.S. President Donald Trump continued his Asia tour, arriving in South Korea, where he is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday.
Market sentiment improved after Trump said he believed the two sides would reach a “great deal”, signaling optimism for a possible easing in trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

Trump suggested the agreement could involve reducing tariffs on Chinese imports in exchange for Beijing’s commitment to halt exports of fentanyl precursor chemicals.
He also noted he may discuss Nvidia’s (NASDAQ:NVDA) advanced Blackwell AI chips with Xi, referring to ongoing U.S. export restrictions on cutting-edge semiconductors — a key sticking point in trade relations.

Still, gains for the dollar were limited as traders awaited the Fed’s widely expected 25-basis-point rate cut later in the session. Markets are also seeking guidance from Fed Chair Jerome Powell on whether additional rate cuts could follow in the coming months amid signs of labor market softening.

“The ingredients for another ‘buy the rumor, sell the fact’ dollar rally are all there,” said analysts at ING. “So, while risks are slightly tilted to the upside for USD today, any rally should be smaller and shorter-lived than in September. The likely announcement of the end of QT could also limit USD upside.”

Euro softens ahead of ECB meeting

The euro edged lower, with EUR/USD down 0.2% to 1.1623, ahead of Thursday’s European Central Bank policy meeting. The ECB is widely expected to keep rates unchanged.

“The implications for EUR/USD are likely to be limited, and today’s FOMC should be the only input – if anything – for direction in the pair,” ING added. “We see some modest upside risks for the USD. That may not be enough to take EUR/USD sustainably below 1.160, though, and the short-term outlook for the pair remains neutral.”

Elsewhere, GBP/USD slipped 0.5% to 1.3202, while USD/CAD was steady at 1.3947 ahead of the Bank of Canada’s rate decision later in the session.
“Markets are largely pricing in a cut, but it will be hard for the BoC to shut the door to more easing given the worsening trade picture,” ING said.

Yen near 8-month lows before BOJ decision

In Asia, the yen hovered near its weakest levels in eight months, with USD/JPY up 0.1% at 152.24, as markets bet that the Bank of Japan will maintain its ultra-loose policy stance when it meets on Thursday.

The BOJ is expected to hold rates steady as it navigates expectations for looser fiscal policy under newly elected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Her election has weighed on the yen, as investors anticipate increased government spending and resistance to tighter monetary conditions.

The Chinese yuan (USD/CNY) traded slightly higher at 7.0995, with traders awaiting Thursday’s Trump-Xi meeting, expected to yield progress toward de-escalating trade tensions. Trump told reporters he was open to lowering fentanyl-related tariffs on China and planned to discuss rare earths and AI chips, including those made by Nvidia.

Meanwhile, the Australian dollar climbed 0.4% to 0.6611, hitting a near three-week high, after hotter-than-expected inflation data reduced expectations for additional rate cuts by the Reserve Bank of Australia.

U.S. stock futures traded mixed early Wednesday as investors braced for a series of major market catalysts — from the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision to earnings from the world’s biggest tech companies, while geopolitical attention turned to President Donald Trump’s trip to South Korea ahead of a potential meeting with China’s Xi Jinping.

At 03:38 ET, Dow futures edged down 31 points (–0.1%), while S&P 500 futures gained 17 points (+0.2%) and Nasdaq 100 futures climbed 113 points (+0.4%). On Tuesday, Wall Street’s main indexes closed at record highs for the third straight session, buoyed by optimism around artificial intelligence and upcoming policy easing.

Nvidia fuels rally, AI frenzy intensifies

The latest boost came from Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), which revealed $500 billion in AI chip bookings and a deal to build seven new supercomputers for the U.S. Department of Energy. Shares surged nearly 5%, briefly bringing the company close to the $5 trillion valuation mark, reinforcing its status as a barometer for both AI enthusiasm and overall market sentiment.

Tech earnings dominate the spotlight

The earnings spotlight now shifts to other tech giants. Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), and Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) are set to release their quarterly results after the closing bell, followed later this week by Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN).

Given their sheer market size, these companies’ results are expected to heavily influence U.S. equity momentum into year-end. Investors will focus on updates about AI-related spending plans, as the competition to develop and monetize artificial intelligence continues to escalate across Silicon Valley.

Fed rate cut expected — focus on Powell’s tone

The Federal Reserve concludes its two-day meeting later today, with markets fully pricing in a 25-basis-point rate cut, bringing rates down to the 3.75%–4.00% range. However, attention will center on Chair Jerome Powell’s commentary, particularly on whether another rate reduction might follow in December.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) faces a delicate balance between supporting growth and keeping inflation in check. While inflation data for September showed only a moderate uptick, the U.S. government shutdown has deprived policymakers of fresh labor data, forcing them to rely on alternative economic indicators.

The Fed’s recent pivot toward monetary easing came after signs of slowing employment growth — a trend that could be reinforced if Powell adopts a dovish tone later today.

Trump’s diplomatic push in South Korea

Amid the macro focus, investors are also monitoring President Trump’s visit to Asia, which could impact trade relations between Washington and Beijing.

Trump arrived in Gyeongju, South Korea, where he met President Lee Jae Myung and hinted at progress toward a trade agreement with Seoul, though officials downplayed immediate breakthroughs.

A meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected Thursday in Busan, with discussions likely centered on tariffs and fentanyl export controls. Trump has suggested that a potential deal could include reduced U.S. levies on China in exchange for Beijing’s commitment to halt the export of fentanyl precursor chemicals.

Trump also indicated plans to discuss Nvidia’s advanced Blackwell AI chips with Xi — a sensitive topic, given U.S. export restrictions preventing sales of top-end AI processors to China.

Gold rebounds as traders weigh Fed and trade signals

In commodities, gold prices rebounded above the $4,000 per ounce level after two sessions of steep losses.

Spot gold rose 1.5% to $4,010.15, while U.S. gold futures gained 1.0% to $4,023.84. The metal had fallen to its lowest level since early October amid optimism over U.S.-China trade progress.

Expectations for lower U.S. interest rates, however, helped restore some demand for the non-yielding asset. A dovish Fed stance could support gold further, though hawkish signals or stronger dollar movements may limit gains.

European stock markets traded mostly flat on Wednesday as investors awaited the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision and continued to digest a heavy flow of corporate earnings from both sides of the Atlantic.

By 08:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX edged down 0.1%, France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.2%, while London’s FTSE 100 gained 0.4%, buoyed by strength in financial and energy shares.

Fed poised for a 25-basis-point cut

The U.S. central bank will conclude its two-day policy meeting later today, with markets almost fully expecting a 25-basis-point rate cut, bringing the federal funds rate to a range of 3.75%-4.00%.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, traders are pricing in a 96% probability of such a move. With the ongoing U.S. government shutdown limiting access to fresh economic data, investors will closely analyze Chair Jerome Powell’s remarks for clues on future policy direction and the Fed’s view of the economy.

Attention will also turn to whether the central bank hints at ending its quantitative tightening program, which has gradually reduced its balance sheet since 2022.

U.S.-China trade tone softens

Geopolitical sentiment improved after U.S. President Donald Trump said he plans to reduce tariffs on Chinese imports linked to fentanyl precursors, ahead of his meeting with President Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday.

The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to de-escalate trade tensions, which have weighed on global markets this year. Trump also mentioned that he intends to bring up Nvidia’s (NASDAQ:NVDA) artificial intelligence chip Blackwell during the meeting.

Corporate earnings in focus

Markets are also bracing for another wave of major U.S. tech results, with Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) all scheduled to report after Wall Street’s close. Expectations remain high for these companies to justify their elevated valuations.

In Europe, UBS (NYSE:UBS) reported a 74% jump in third-quarter net profit, far exceeding forecasts, as strong trading activity and renewed M&A deals lifted revenue.

Deutsche Bank (TG:DBK) posted an 8% increase in quarterly pre-tax profit, supported by higher trading income and cost controls, while Santander (LSE:BNC) announced a 7.8% rise in profit year-on-year, citing solid U.S. operations that offset softer results in Brazil.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz (TG:MBG) saw its operating profit tumble by more than two-thirds due to restructuring costs and fierce competition, particularly in the U.S. and China. Adidas (TG:ADS) also disappointed, with North American sales showing the weakest regional growth.

In the energy sector, Equinor (TG:DNQ) posted a 9.9% decline in quarterly profit, slightly worse than expected, as lower oil and gas prices weighed on results, though the company maintained its full-year production guidance.

GSK (LSE:GSK) raised its 2025 sales forecast, boosted by double-digit growth in HIV and oncology treatments during the third quarter.

Oil stabilizes after U.S. inventory draw

Crude prices steadied after two sessions of losses, supported by data showing a surprise draw in U.S. inventories.

Brent futures slipped 0.1% to $63.76 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate traded nearly flat at $60.14.

According to the American Petroleum Institute, U.S. crude stocks fell by over 4 million barrels in the week ending October 24, while gasoline inventories declined by 6.35 million barrels.

The larger-than-expected inventory draw helped lift sentiment after earlier pressure from reports suggesting OPEC+ may consider a production increase in December.