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  • Galliford Try upgrades profit outlook on framework momentum and strong financial position

    Galliford Try upgrades profit outlook on framework momentum and strong financial position

    Galliford Try (LSE:GFRD) said trading for the half year to 31 December 2025 has exceeded both the prior year and the board’s expectations, reflecting continued strength across its framework-led operations. Performance has been supported by a strong presence in long-term public and regulated sector frameworks, alongside progress on the expanded AMP8 water programmes.

    As a result, the group now expects full-year revenue to land towards the upper end of market estimates, with adjusted profit before tax forecast to come in slightly above the top of the current consensus range. Visibility remains high, underpinned by a £4.1bn order book and recent framework awards, including positions on National Grid’s Major Works & Civils Framework, The Hyde Group’s affordable homes framework and the YORCivil Major Works 2 Framework.

    Galliford Try also highlighted the strength of its balance sheet, with rising average cash levels, no debt or pension obligations, and access to an undrawn revolving credit facility. Management said this financial flexibility improves the group’s ability to win high-quality contracts, support its supply chain and continue returning capital to shareholders, including through its ongoing £10m share buyback programme.

    Overall, the outlook is supported by solid operational execution and a resilient financial base. While margin and revenue growth pressures remain industry-wide considerations, the company’s technical momentum and shareholder-friendly capital allocation underpin its appeal to investors seeking stability and income.

    More about Galliford Try

    Galliford Try Holdings plc is a FTSE 250 UK construction company operating under the Galliford Try and Morrison Construction brands. It delivers building and infrastructure projects across the environment, highways and wider public, private and regulated sectors, with a particular focus on long-term national frameworks in transport, education, defence, custodial, health and major water sector programmes.

  • Novacyt posts in-line 2025 revenues as new genomic platforms support growth

    Novacyt posts in-line 2025 revenues as new genomic platforms support growth

    Novacyt (LSE:NCYT) reported unaudited revenues of approximately £20.0m for 2025, slightly ahead of the £19.6m recorded in 2024 and broadly in line with market expectations. The group ended the year with a strong cash balance of £19.2m and no debt, providing financial flexibility as it continues to reshape the business.

    Underlying revenue increased by around 4% year on year, or 5% at constant currency, despite the disposal of the Taiwan service laboratory. Clinical revenues rose 3% to £13.8m, supported by double-digit growth in non-invasive prenatal testing technologies. Instrumentation sales were a key growth driver, climbing more than 25% to £2.5m, while research-use-only revenues declined by roughly 10%, reflecting a shift in mix.

    Regionally, APAC delivered the fastest growth at about 10%, driven mainly by reproductive health products. The group also achieved three consecutive half-year periods of revenue growth. Although Novacyt remains loss-making at the EBITDA level, management expects losses to at least meet, and potentially improve on, forecasts due to continued tight cost control.

    On the commercial front, momentum is building around the new LightBench Discover long-read sequencing instrument, with 10 units placed since its launch in July 2025 and a growing sales pipeline. The company also expanded its research-use-only portfolio with the launch of the Primerdesign exsig Mag RapidBead Pro Extraction Kit, while beta testing progressed for Yourgene’s Insight DPYD assay in collaboration with international precision medicine specialists, ahead of a planned launch in the first half of 2026. Together, these initiatives underline management’s focus on stabilising the business and returning it to innovation-led growth.

    More about Novacyt

    Novacyt is an international molecular diagnostics company focused on genomic medicine. It develops, manufactures and commercialises molecular assays and instrumentation that deliver end-to-end workflows from sample to result. The group operates across clinical in vitro diagnostics, next-generation genomic instrumentation and research-use-only services, and sells into more than 65 countries. Novacyt is headquartered in France, with operations in the UK, Singapore, the US and Canada, and is listed on AIM in London and Euronext Growth in Paris.

  • Amaroq identifies high-grade iron system and IOCG potential at Greenland’s Minturn prospect

    Amaroq identifies high-grade iron system and IOCG potential at Greenland’s Minturn prospect

    Amaroq Ltd. (LSE:AMRQ) announced encouraging exploration results from its Minturn prospect in northwest Greenland, confirming the presence of a large iron oxide system with exceptionally high-grade surface mineralisation. Sampling has returned magnetite grades of up to 69.5% iron across an approximately 9 km trend, located within a broader 80 km-long mineralised corridor.

    The combination of very high iron grades and low impurity levels suggests potential for direct shipping ore, with suitability for direct reduced iron applications. In addition, integrated geophysical and geochemical datasets indicate the presence of associated copper and gold mineralisation, consistent with a Kiruna-style Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) system. This raises the prospect that Minturn could evolve into a significant multi-commodity discovery of international scale.

    Following these results, Amaroq plans to step up activity in 2026 with an intensive programme of scout drilling, detailed mapping and further geophysical surveys. The aim is to better define the size, geometry and economic potential of the system, while advancing understanding of its broader mineral endowment.

    Management said the findings not only expand Amaroq’s growth pipeline beyond its traditional gold focus, but also highlight Greenland’s increasing importance as a source of large-scale critical mineral deposits, particularly those aligned with global steelmaking and energy transition demand.

    More about Amaroq Ltd.

    Amaroq Ltd. is an independent mine development company focused on unlocking Greenland’s mineral potential. While historically centred on gold, the group is expanding into critical and strategic minerals through its joint venture company Gardaq, building a portfolio of projects in frontier regions of Greenland aimed at discovering large, high-grade deposits capable of supplying global commodity markets.

  • British Land boosts leasing activity and reiterates earnings guidance on firm campus and retail demand

    British Land boosts leasing activity and reiterates earnings guidance on firm campus and retail demand

    British Land (LSE:BLND) delivered a strong third-quarter performance to 31 December 2025, highlighting sustained occupier demand across its London campuses and retail park portfolio. During the period, the group leased 882,000 square feet of space on terms materially ahead of estimated rental values and prior passing rents, with a further 1.8 million square feet currently under offer.

    Leasing momentum was most pronounced within the campus portfolio, where Science & Technology occupiers continue to drive take-up at key assets including One Triton Square and Broadgate. Retail parks also performed well, with occupancy at 99% and rising footfall supporting income growth and asset resilience.

    On the back of this activity, management reaffirmed its outlook for earnings, guiding to underlying earnings per share of at least 28.5p for FY26 and growth of at least 6% in FY27. The update signals confidence in British Land’s income trajectory and reinforces its focus on higher-quality, supply-constrained segments of the UK commercial property market.

    Overall, the company appears well positioned, supported by positive leasing dynamics, constructive sentiment from recent earnings communications and attractive valuation metrics. That said, management continues to monitor potential risks around earnings volatility and cash flow consistency as it executes its strategy.

    More about British Land Company plc

    British Land Company plc is a UK-focused commercial property owner and manager, concentrating on London campuses and retail parks where it sees the strongest structural demand. The group controls or manages a £15.2bn property portfolio, with a British Land share of £9.8bn as at 30 September 2025, and aims to deliver long-term sustainable value through development, repositioning and active asset management, guided by its sustainability framework of Greener Spaces, Thriving Places and Responsible Choices.

  • Rio Tinto posts solid 2025 production growth and reaffirms 2026 output plans

    Rio Tinto posts solid 2025 production growth and reaffirms 2026 output plans

    Rio Tinto (LSE:RIO) recorded an 8% year-on-year increase in copper-equivalent production in 2025, supported by a combination of record iron ore output in the Pilbara, higher copper volumes and expanding exposure to future-facing commodities. The group achieved or exceeded its production guidance across all major product categories and confirmed its output targets for 2026.

    Iron ore production in the Pilbara reached a record quarterly level during the year, while copper volumes rose 11% following the completion and ramp-up of the Oyu Tolgoi underground mine. Output also increased in bauxite and lithium, reflecting continued operational momentum and investment in growth assets.

    Looking ahead, Rio Tinto reaffirmed its 2026 guidance, which includes further growth in Pilbara and Simandou iron ore sales, resilient copper production levels and expanding lithium output. Exploration and evaluation spending fell to $795 million as qualifying costs related to the Rincon lithium project were capitalised, marking progress in the group’s development pipeline.

    Management highlighted several strategic milestones, including the first shipment from the Simandou project, record lithium production in Argentina and operational improvements across the aluminium value chain. These developments strengthen Rio Tinto’s diversification and growth profile at a time when markets for copper and aluminium are tightening, even as iron ore and alumina face more mixed conditions amid broader macroeconomic uncertainty.

    Overall, the company’s outlook is underpinned by strong operational delivery, disciplined capital allocation and a robust balance sheet. While some technical indicators suggest the shares are approaching overbought territory, the valuation continues to offer an attractive blend of growth exposure and income potential.

    More about Rio Tinto

    Rio Tinto is a global mining and metals group producing iron ore, aluminium, copper, bauxite, lithium and other industrial minerals. It operates major assets in Australia, Canada and Mongolia, with a portfolio aligned to long-term demand from steelmaking, electrification, energy transition and industrial end markets. This positions the group as a key supplier to both traditional industries and low-carbon value chains.

  • Premier Foods raises profit guidance after robust Christmas sales and market share gains

    Premier Foods raises profit guidance after robust Christmas sales and market share gains

    Premier Foods (LSE:PFD) delivered a strong performance over the thirteen weeks to 27 December 2025, driven by a solid Christmas trading period that saw branded revenue increase by 5.2% and total revenue rise 4.1%. On the back of this momentum, the group now expects full-year trading profit to come in at the upper end of current market forecasts.

    Both the Grocery and Sweet Treats divisions continued to gain market share, supported by an active innovation programme. New product launches during the period included OXO Bone Broth, Paxo Stuffing Wreaths and Mr Kipling Cake Bites, while premium seasonal ranges performed particularly well as shoppers opted to trade up over the festive period.

    Growth in New Categories remained a standout, with revenue up 29%, led by strong demand for FUEL10K yogurt and granola and wider distribution for Cape Herb & Spice. The company’s three acquired brands – The Spice Tailor, FUEL10K and Merchant Gourmet – all recorded double-digit growth, reflecting the benefits of Premier Foods’ scale in marketing, innovation and route-to-market execution.

    Internationally, the group returned to double-digit revenue growth. This was driven by strong cake sales in Australasia, expanding distribution for Mr Kipling in the US, and additional European listings secured for FUEL10K granola. Management said the breadth of growth across core, premium, acquired and overseas brands underlines the resilience of its brand-led strategy and supports confidence in the group’s medium-term outlook.

    Overall, the updated guidance reflects solid financial execution and positive trading momentum. While some technical indicators point to near-term volatility, management’s strategic focus and confidence in brand investment continue to underpin expectations for sustainable growth.

    More about Premier Foods

    Premier Foods is one of the UK’s largest food manufacturers, employing more than 4,000 people across 13 sites. The group supplies retail, wholesale, foodservice and other channels, and owns a portfolio of well-known brands including Ambrosia, Batchelors, Bisto, Loyd Grossman, Mr Kipling, Oxo and Sharwood’s. Its focus is on everyday, affordable food products that feature in millions of households and support convenient, balanced meals.

  • In 2026, the conversation around Artificial Intelligence has shifted. We are moving past the era of the “chatbot” and entering the era of the AI Digital Worker.

    In 2026, the conversation around Artificial Intelligence has shifted. We are moving past the era of the “chatbot” and entering the era of the AI Digital Worker.

    The following article summarizes the key insights from a recent webinar hosted by sundae_bar (LSE:SBAR), exploring how their collaboration with the decentralized network Bittensor is revolutionizing how businesses hire and deploy AI.

    2026: The Year of the AI Agent

    For several years, AI was largely viewed as a tool for “chatting.” However, as Gartner recently predicted, 2026 is the year that AI agents become an enterprise staple. Research shows that 40% of enterprises are expected to integrate agents into their workflows this year, a staggering leap from just 5% in 2025.

    sundae_bar, is positioned at the centre of this shift. As a premier marketplace for AI agents, it is where businesses come to hire digital workers capable of performing end-to-end, real-world tasks. Central to this strategy is the development of a single generalist AI agent, designed to operate like a dependable digital employee, able to summarise information, identify priorities, make recommendations, and take action across business systems such as CRMs, documents, and internal tools.

    The Problem with “Closed” AI

    A major theme of the webinar was the danger of centralized AI. When innovation stays behind the closed doors of “gatekeeper” corporations like Google or Meta, progress is limited by the speed and interests of those few companies.

    sundae_bar’s solution? Decentralization.

    Powered by Bittensor: A Global Dev Team

    To build a superior product at record speed, sundae_bar utilizes Bittensor, a decentralized network for digital intelligence. Specifically, sundae_bar operates Subnet 121 (SN121), which serves as the “engine” behind their marketplace.

    This partnership provides three distinct advantages:

    1. Incentivized Competition: Developers worldwide compete to build and improve sundae_bar’s generalist AI agent. The best-performing version wins, and its developers are rewarded in TAO, Bittensor’s native token.
    2. Compounded Progression: Because the system is open and competitive, and all contributors build on the same agent, the agent doesn’t just improve – it improves daily.
    3. A Global Workforce: Through Subnet 121, sundae_bar essentially has a global team of developers building and refining their product simultaneously.

      “Down the road, when people ask how sundae_bar built such a strong product so quickly, the answer will be Bittensor. Our agent improves continuously because an entire open network is competing to build, test, benchmark, and push it forward. Ultimately, we are here to build the best agent for businesses.”

    From “Subnet” to “Storefront”

    While the technical magic happens on Bittensor, business owners don’t need to be blockchain experts to benefit. sundae_bar, bridges the gap between complex tech and commercial utility:

    • The Backend (Subnet 121): This is the training ground where the Generalist AI Agent is built, tested, and optimized.
    • The Frontend (sundae_bar Marketplace): This is where businesses discover and “hire” the best version of that agent, tailored to their specific needs.

    The goal is to provide a Generalist Agent that can handle end-to-end workflows – from HR and marketing to complex data management – without the business owner needing to understand the underlying code.

    The Bottom Line

    The opportunity for businesses in 2026 is clear. The demand for digital workers is high, and the technology to provide them is finally scalable. By combining the open, incentivized innovation of Bittensor with a user-friendly marketplace, sundae_bar is turning the “Year of the AI Agent” into a reality for enterprises of all sizes.

  • Oil prices inch higher on upbeat China GDP, but Greenland dispute keeps markets cautious

    Oil prices inch higher on upbeat China GDP, but Greenland dispute keeps markets cautious

    Crude prices edged up on Tuesday after economic data showed China’s growth was slightly stronger than expected, offering some support to demand expectations. However, gains were capped as investors remained wary of renewed trade tensions following the Trump administration’s threat to impose tariffs on several European countries over the Greenland issue.

    By 08:05 ET (13:05 GMT), Brent crude futures for March delivery were up 0.8% at $64.41 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 0.8% to $59.83 a barrel, after markets were closed on Monday.

    China data boosts demand outlook

    Figures released on Monday showed China’s economy expanded 1.2% quarter-on-quarter in the final three months of 2025, beating expectations of 1.1%, as government stimulus and firmer consumer spending helped activity meet Beijing’s annual growth target.

    As a result, China’s full-year GDP growth for 2025 reached 5%, in line with official goals set for a third straight year, despite a subdued post-pandemic recovery and ongoing trade frictions with the United States.

    Separate official data also showed China’s refinery throughput rose 4.1% year on year in 2025, while crude oil production increased 1.5%, with both hitting record levels. Given China’s status as the world’s largest crude importer, signs of economic stabilization are seen as supportive for oil markets that are struggling with oversupply concerns.

    Tariff threats tied to Greenland unsettle sentiment

    Oil markets were volatile on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump warned he could impose tariffs on several major European economies until an agreement is reached to transfer Greenland to U.S. control.

    Trump floated the possibility of duties of up to 25% on countries including France, Denmark and the U.K., and did not rule out the use of military force in connection with Greenland. He has repeatedly argued that U.S. ownership of the territory is critical for national security, while recent U.S. actions in Venezuela have added to investor caution around potential military escalation.

    IEA report and U.S. stockpiles in focus

    Beyond geopolitical developments, attention this week is firmly on the International Energy Agency’s monthly report due on Wednesday. The update is expected to provide further guidance on supply conditions, after the IEA has repeatedly warned of a possible surplus emerging in 2026, and is also likely to include projections for 2027.

    The IEA’s outlook follows a recent report from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, which struck a more optimistic tone on oil demand growth in 2026 and 2027.

    Investors are also awaiting upcoming U.S. oil inventory data, which could offer additional insight into supply and demand trends in the world’s largest crude producer.

  • Wall Street Braces for Weak Open as Trade War Anxiety Returns: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures

    Wall Street Braces for Weak Open as Trade War Anxiety Returns: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures

    U.S. stock futures are signalling a sharply lower start to Tuesday’s session, pointing to renewed selling pressure as markets reopen after the long holiday weekend.

    Investor nerves have been rattled by fresh concerns over a potential escalation in trade tensions between the United States and Europe, stemming from President Donald Trump’s renewed push to take control of Greenland. Trump has warned that countries opposing the move could face new tariffs, arguing that ownership of the Danish territory is essential to U.S. national security.

    In a post on Truth Social, Trump outlined plans to impose a 10% tariff on imports from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the U.K., the Netherlands and Finland starting February 1. He added that the duties would increase to 25% from June 1 and remain in force until an agreement is reached allowing the U.S. to purchase Greenland.

    “Investors will be hoping for some sort of de-escalation deal on Greenland which removes the risk of a break-up or at least serious rupture in the Nato alliance,” said AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould. “If the crisis deepens it is unlikely to spell good news for global equities.”

    He added, “Nasdaq looks set to chalk up the biggest declines amid concern about possible retaliatory action from Europe against America’s big tech contingent.”

    U.S. equities ended last week on a soft note. Stocks initially moved higher early on Friday but quickly lost momentum, with trading remaining choppy and directionless for most of the session. The major indices hovered around flat levels before closing modestly lower.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 83.11 points, or 0.2%, to 49,359.33. The Nasdaq Composite fell 14.63 points, or 0.1%, to 23,515.39, while the S&P 500 edged down 4.46 points, or 0.1%, to 6,940.01.

    For the week as a whole, the Nasdaq declined 0.7%, while the S&P 500 and the Dow posted losses of 0.4% and 0.3%, respectively.

    Market volatility was also influenced by comments from Trump that cast doubt on whether National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett remains his preferred candidate to succeed Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair.

    “I see Kevin’s in the audience, and I just want to thank you. You were fantastic on television today,” Trump said during at appearance at the White House. “I actually want to keep you where you are, if you want to know the truth.”

    Hassett had been widely viewed as the frontrunner to replace Powell, whose term ends in May, but prediction markets now suggest former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh has moved into the lead following Trump’s remarks.

    The uncertainty around the Fed leadership transition has added another layer of caution for investors already grappling with rising geopolitical risks. Traders remain wary as tensions surrounding Greenland persist, alongside ongoing concerns tied to Venezuela, political unrest in Iran and the war between Russia and Ukraine.

    On the economic front, data from the Federal Reserve showed U.S. industrial production rose more than expected in December. Output increased 0.4%, matching an upwardly revised gain in November, while economists had forecast a modest 0.1% rise.

    Most sectors ended Friday with only small moves, contributing to the muted market close. Commercial real estate stocks were a notable exception, with the Dow Jones U.S. Real Estate Index rising 1.2%.

    Semiconductor stocks also extended their rally from Thursday, lifting the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index by 1.2% to a new record closing high. In contrast, steel stocks retreated, with the NYSE Arca Steel Index falling 1.2% after posting its strongest close in more than 17 years the previous session.

  • European Shares Slide as Greenland Standoff and Tariff Threats Rattle Markets: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Shares Slide as Greenland Standoff and Tariff Threats Rattle Markets: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities moved lower on Tuesday, extending the previous session’s losses after the United States sent military aircraft to Pituffik Space Base in Greenland, prompting Denmark to dispatch its army chief and additional troops to the Arctic territory in a sharp escalation of tensions.

    Adding to market unease, U.S. President Donald Trump warned he could impose 200% tariffs on French wine and champagne after Paris declined an invitation to join his proposed Board of Peace initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts, saying it “does not intend to answer favorably.”

    On the economic front, Germany’s statistics office Destatis said producer prices fell 2.5% year on year in December, accelerating from a 2.3% decline in November, largely due to a steep drop in energy prices.

    In the U.K., the Office for National Statistics reported that the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.1% in the three months to November, in line with expectations and the previous period.

    By mid-session, Germany’s DAX was down 1.2%, while France’s CAC 40 and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 were each lower by around 0.9%.

    In corporate news, shares of AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN) fell after the drugmaker said it plans to delist its American Depositary Shares and debt securities from Nasdaq.

    Big Yellow Group (LSE:BYG) also traded lower after the self-storage operator reported that closing occupied space declined by 82,000 square feet across its 111 stores in the third quarter, a period that is typically seasonally weaker.

    Ibstock (LSE:IBST) came under pressure as the building products group said market uncertainty had continued into the start of the new year.

    In contrast, shares of food flavourings specialist Treatt (LSE:TET) rose in London after the company formalised its relationship with major shareholder Dohler Finance.

    French carmaker Renault (EU:RNO) also moved higher after reporting a 3.2% increase in sales volumes in 2025.

    Meanwhile, Informa (LSE:INF) advanced after lifting its growth targets for 2026.