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Kendrick Resources (LSE:KEN) has launched Phase II drilling at the Teufelskuppe and Keishohe rare earth carbonatite complexes within Namibia’s Bonya project, advancing efforts to define a formal resource base. The programme will test all eight identified intrusions at Teufelskuppe alongside several mineralised zones at Keishohe, with the objective of converting historic high-grade exploration results into maiden JORC-compliant mineral resource estimates. The work builds on peer-reviewed channel sampling that indicates strong grades and favourable mineralogical characteristics.

Alongside drilling, the company is undertaking a range of supporting technical studies, including the creation of a digital elevation model, detailed petrological analysis, and bulk sampling. These activities are intended to evaluate breccia-hosted mineralisation and assess the potential for ore sorting, helping to guide future mine planning and metallurgical strategies. By incorporating drilling and trenching data inherited from the 2018 exploration campaign and leveraging the high proportion of fluorocarbonate-hosted rare earths, Kendrick aims to position Bonya as a promising light rare earth project while reducing development risk and strengthening long-term value prospects.

The company’s overall outlook remains constrained by weak financial performance, with no current revenue, ongoing losses, negative cash flow, and a notable decline in equity and assets during 2024. Technical indicators, however, show some supportive signals, including a strong upward trend relative to moving averages and a positive MACD reading, though overbought momentum levels suggest possible short-term volatility. Valuation metrics are also limited by negative earnings and the absence of dividend support.

More about Kendrick Resources PLC

Kendrick Resources PLC is a London-listed mineral exploration and development company focused on rare earth elements and other critical minerals. The company is expanding its asset base through acquisitions, including a 70% interest in prospective exploration licences in Namibia covering the Bonya rare earth project, which targets carbonatite-hosted deposits aligned with increasing demand from clean energy technologies.

Ondine Biomedical (LSE:OBI), which develops non-antibiotic antimicrobial treatments activated by light, said its pivotal Phase 3 LANTERN trial evaluating nasal photodisinfection for the prevention of surgical site infections is close to completion. The study has now enrolled about 93% of its target participants across clinical centres in the United States and Canada, while data integrity, monitoring processes, and endpoint review procedures remain largely on schedule. The trial, involving more than 5,000 patients, represents a major component of the company’s pathway toward U.S. regulatory approval, with top-line results anticipated in spring 2026. Positive findings could reinforce Ondine’s role in infection prevention as healthcare systems confront increasing antibiotic resistance and a significant burden of hospital-acquired infections.

Despite these developments, the company faces notable financial headwinds. While revenue growth has been strong, Ondine has yet to reach profitability or generate consistent positive cash flow. Technical indicators currently point to negative market momentum, and valuation measures remain challenging, contributing to a cautious overall outlook.

More about Ondine Biomedical, Inc.

Ondine Biomedical Inc. is a Canadian life sciences company focused on light-activated antimicrobial technology known as photodisinfection, designed to prevent and treat infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. Its CE-marked nasal photodisinfection system, sold as Steriwave outside the United States, has been approved in several countries and is undergoing clinical evaluation in the U.S. The company is also developing additional applications targeting conditions such as chronic sinusitis, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and burn infections.

Angus Energy (LSE:ANGS) has broadened its gas hedging programme, securing additional contracts spanning April 2026 to June 2027 that cover 7.745 million therms at an average price of 101 pence per therm. A portion of the near-term volumes has been locked in at higher pricing levels. Including previously arranged hedges, the company now has a total of 12.9 million therms protected at the same average price, equating to roughly 44% of its expected gas production during the period.

Management said the expanded hedging position provides greater certainty over revenues, helping to support operating costs and stabilise cash flow generation. At the same time, approximately half of projected production remains unhedged, leaving the company positioned to benefit should UK gas prices strengthen. The board believes this balance between price protection and market exposure improves financial resilience while maintaining the potential to enhance long-term shareholder returns.

The company’s broader outlook reflects ongoing pressures on financial performance, including weaker revenue trends and reduced profitability. Technical indicators point to largely neutral trading momentum, and valuation measures remain challenging given negative earnings. However, the group notes that strategic initiatives and operational improvements may provide a foundation for future growth.

More about Angus Energy

Angus Energy plc is a UK AIM-listed independent oil and gas company and one of the country’s leading onshore gas producers. The group owns a 100% interest in the Saltfleetby Gas Field, holds majority stakes in the Brockham and Lidsey conventional oil fields, and maintains a 25% interest in the Balcombe licence. Angus Energy operates all of its assets while pursuing opportunities for growth and international expansion.

In early February, the Reserve Bank of Australia became the first major central bank to reverse course, raising rates by 25 basis points to 3.85% as inflation picked up sharply in the second half of the year, climbing from 2.1% year-on-year to 3.8%, above the RBA’s 2–3% target range.

Now that oil prices have surpassed $100 per barrel, other central banks could follow with similar moves.

Starting with the US, oil has already risen from $55 to $80 per barrel, an increase of $25, implying approximately 50 basis points of additional inflationary pressure. According to analysis by The Kobeissi Letter, that alone could push the CPI from around 2.4% to approximately 2.9%.

With oil at around $95 per barrel, inflation could approach 3.2%, while levels close to $110 would imply something closer to 3.5%. In a more extreme scenario, oil at $130 could push inflation to 3.9%, and prices near $150 could raise it to around 4.3%, assuming the same relationship holds.

Even if the Fed doesn’t raise rates again, it will likely delay cutting them — and recent moves in the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and Russell 2000 suggest markets are already starting to anticipate that.

As for Europe, unlike the U.S., the region has fewer energy reserves and isn’t a major energy exporter, so the impact could be stronger. Add to that the fact that inflation in the eurozone had already started accelerating — February data showed headline inflation at 0.4% month-over-month (seasonally adjusted) and 1.9% year-over-year, while core came in at 0.4% m/m and 2.4% y/y — and it’s clear why European equity markets have been noticeably weaker.

In China’s case, the country has built massive strategic oil reserves. Even if imports were completely cut off, it could likely rely on its reserves for several months. It also has alternative supply routes and partners, including Russia. For natural gas, China could sustain itself for just over a month using reserves alone, again with alternative suppliers.

The problem is that if a military conflict drags on, persistently high oil and gas prices could slow the global economy, which in turn would reduce demand for Chinese exports, still one of the main drivers of the country’s GDP growth.

Roquefort Therapeutics Plc (LSE:ROQ) has announced a proposed acquisition of the exclusive worldwide licence to AO-252, a novel precision oncology asset that could significantly expand the company’s pipeline of targeted cancer therapies.

The announcement comes as the company prepares to rebrand as Coil Therapeutics, with Dr Sotirios Stergiopoulos set to assume the role of incoming chairman. The move reflects a strategic focus on innovative oncology assets aimed at addressing major unmet needs in cancer treatment.

Speaking on The Watchlist, Dr Stergiopoulos outlined the scientific rationale behind AO-252 and the potential opportunity it represents within the rapidly evolving precision oncology landscape.

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A Novel Target in Precision Oncology

Precision oncology continues to gain momentum across the biotechnology sector as researchers seek treatments tailored to the biological drivers of disease rather than using broad, non-specific therapies.

According to Dr Stergiopoulos, AO-252 represents a particularly differentiated opportunity because it targets a previously underexplored biological mechanism.

The asset is designed to enhance protein–protein interactions, a strategy that can influence several critical pathways involved in cancer progression. Unlike many oncology therapies that focus on a single mechanism, AO-252 appears to operate across multiple biological processes.

These include:

• DNA damage repair pathways
• Mitotic inhibition
• Immune system modulation

Dr Stergiopoulos explained that this multi-mechanism approach may give AO-252 a unique therapeutic profile compared with existing oncology drugs.

Another potentially important feature is the compound’s ability to cross the blood–brain barrier, achieving exposure levels in the brain comparable to those in the rest of the body. This characteristic could allow the therapy to target cancers that metastasise to the brain, a significant clinical challenge in oncology.

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Potential Across Multiple Tumour Types

While early development has focused on specific tumour types, the broader therapeutic potential of AO-252 could be substantial.

Initial clinical development began with three key indications:

• Triple-negative breast cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Endometrial cancer

However, emerging data suggests the therapy may have activity across multiple solid tumours, expanding its possible application.

Dr Stergiopoulos highlighted particular promise in areas such as:

• Ovarian cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Gastric cancer
• Solid tumours that metastasise to the brain

Based on current estimates and comparable therapies in development, the combined market opportunity for these indications could exceed $20 billion, with the potential to grow significantly if the drug proves effective across a broader range of cancers.

He also noted that AO-252’s favourable safety profile could make it suitable for combination therapy, which may further expand its commercial potential within the global oncology market.

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Encouraging Early Clinical Signals

AO-252 is currently being evaluated in a Phase 1 clinical trial, designed primarily to determine the optimal dosing strategy through a dose-escalation study.

The trial initially focused on the three original tumour indications but was expanded in October 2025 to include all solid tumours, enabling researchers to gather broader clinical insights.

According to Dr Stergiopoulos, early signals from the study have been encouraging.

In one patient cohort receiving 80 mg twice daily, three out of four patients demonstrated tumour regression signals, translating to a clinical benefit rate of approximately 75%.

Notably:

• One ovarian cancer patient experienced a 30% reduction in tumour size and remained on treatment for eight months.
• An endometrial cancer patient also showed greater than 30% tumour reduction, remaining in the trial for more than four to six months.

Importantly, the therapy has so far shown no significant safety issues, which investigators view as a strong indicator of its potential viability as both a standalone and combination therapy.

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Key Milestones Ahead

The ongoing Phase 1 trial continues to focus on identifying the maximum tolerated dose while monitoring early efficacy signals.

As the study progresses, investors and industry observers will be watching closely for:

• Final dose-escalation results
• Expansion cohort data across multiple tumour types
• Additional safety and efficacy readouts

If positive trends continue, AO-252 could represent a significant addition to the oncology pipeline being developed by Roquefort Therapeutics Plc, and a central component of the strategy as the company transitions to its Coil Therapeutics identity.

With precision oncology remaining one of the most dynamic areas of drug development, assets such as AO-252 highlight the growing emphasis on targeted, mechanism-driven therapies designed to improve outcomes for cancer patients worldwide.

For more information on Roquefort Therapeutics visit- https://www.roquefortplc.com/

Oil prices pulled back from earlier highs on Monday after reports suggested that G7 nations could coordinate a release of strategic petroleum reserves to ease supply pressures stemming from the conflict involving Iran.

By 05:17 ET (09:17 GMT), Brent crude was trading at $106.58 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures were at $103.78 per barrel.

Earlier in the day, Brent futures for May delivery had surged more than 30% to reach $119.50 per barrel. WTI futures also climbed by as much as 30%, touching an intraday peak of $119.43 per barrel. Both benchmarks reached levels last seen in mid-2022.

G7 considers coordinated reserve release as Iran war intensifies

According to a report from the Financial Times, G7 finance ministers are set to discuss a potential coordinated release of emergency petroleum reserves during a crisis meeting scheduled for Monday.

The report said that the move would be carried out in coordination with the International Energy Agency, with three G7 members — including the United States — already expressing support for the plan.

In a separate development, Bloomberg reported that Saudi oil producers had begun offering crude on spot markets, an uncommon step aimed at filling a possible supply gap.

The war involving the U.S., Israel and Iran intensified over the weekend after airstrikes struck Iranian oil infrastructure for the first time since hostilities began in early March. Monday marked the tenth straight day of fighting.

Iran was reportedly responding by targeting oil infrastructure in neighboring Middle Eastern countries.

Tehran also launched attacks on vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route that carries around 20% of global oil consumption. Disruptions in the strait have been a central concern for energy markets, with the waterway now effectively closed to tanker traffic.

Since the conflict erupted, oil prices have surged more than 25%, pushing fuel costs higher across global markets.

“Tail risks from a sustained Hormuz stoppage remain in play, shifting the potential energy shock closer in scale to the 2022 Russia‐Ukraine episode,” OCBC analysts wrote in a research note.

“In a moderately severe scenario – partial flows resuming under military escort – Brent could stay near USD100/bbl through mid‐year before cooling toward a well‐supplied 2026 equilibrium.”

Major oil producers in the Middle East, including the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, have begun curbing output as storage facilities fill up amid widespread supply disruptions.

Trump acknowledges near-term oil spike as gasoline prices rise

U.S. President Donald Trump acknowledged the recent jump in oil prices on Sunday evening, suggesting that crude could remain elevated in the short term.

“Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace,” Trump wrote in a social media post.

Last week Trump dismissed concerns about rising gasoline prices in the United States linked to the Iran conflict, telling Reuters that the military campaign against Tehran was his top priority.

U.S. gasoline futures climbed more than 10% on Monday, rising well above $3.00 per gallon and approaching levels last recorded in mid-2022.

Oil markets were only modestly reassured by Trump’s earlier pledge to support maritime insurance coverage and potentially deploy naval protection for ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

Gold prices declined on Monday but bounced back from deeper intraday losses as escalating tensions in the conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran lifted both oil prices and the U.S. dollar.

Despite the drop, bullion stayed comfortably above the $5,000-per-ounce threshold as geopolitical uncertainty continued to drive demand for safe-haven assets.

By 05:20 ET (09:20 GMT), spot gold was down 1% at $5,117.23 per ounce, while gold futures slipped 0.7% to $5,124.66 per ounce. Earlier in the trading session, spot prices had briefly fallen to $5,015.23 per ounce before rebounding.

Gold holds above $5,000 as Iran conflict fuels safe-haven demand

The precious metal has attracted increased demand since the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. However, its upward momentum has been restrained by concerns that the inflationary impact of the war could push major central banks toward a more hawkish policy stance.

Over the past week, the U.S. dollar has outperformed gold, while oil has led gains across the commodities complex as traders anticipate possible disruptions to global crude supply linked to the conflict.

Both the dollar and oil surged Monday following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian oil infrastructure, a development viewed by markets as a potential escalation of the war. The U.S. dollar index rose 0.6%, while Brent crude rallied sharply — climbing as much as 30% and moving beyond the $100-per-barrel level.

Oil later pared some of its gains after the Financial Times reported that G7 countries were discussing the potential release of emergency petroleum reserves to counter supply shortages.

Separately, Bloomberg reported that Saudi oil producers had begun offering cargoes on the spot market, a relatively uncommon move.

During the weekend, Iran was also reported to have targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively obstructing a critical shipping route that carries around 20% of the world’s oil supply.

Gold had already declined by roughly 2% last week as prices fluctuated between the $5,000-per-ounce level and the record high close to $5,600 reached in late January. Since then, the metal has seen sharp volatility amid heightened speculative activity and growing uncertainty over the future direction of interest rates.

A significantly weaker-than-expected U.S. nonfarm payrolls report released on Friday briefly fueled expectations of lower interest rates, although attention has since shifted toward the inflationary implications of rising oil prices.

Silver rebounds after dipping below $80

Other precious metals also traded lower Monday, with silver briefly dropping below $80 per ounce during early trading.

However, spot silver regained most of its losses and was down 0.6% at $83.8025 per ounce.

Platinum also edged lower, with spot prices falling 0.6% to $83.8060 per ounce, although the metal recovered from its earlier session lows.

Like gold, both silver and platinum have experienced significant volatility since the sharp market decline in late January. Nevertheless, their safe-haven appeal and expectations for stronger industrial demand have helped keep both metals in positive territory for the year.

Among industrial metals, copper futures declined 0.4% to $12,817.0 per ton.

U.S. equity futures were trading lower early Monday as the conflict involving Iran entered its second week, intensifying concerns that a surge in oil prices could spark a fresh inflation shock for the global economy. Crude has climbed above $100 per barrel, raising worries about renewed price pressures worldwide. Gold edged lower as the U.S. dollar strengthened, while fresh data showed Chinese consumer inflation increased more than expected in February.

Futures move lower

U.S. stock futures declined Monday as investors continued to track the escalating hostilities linked to Iran, which have driven oil prices sharply higher.

By 03:51 ET, Dow futures had fallen 783 points, or 1.7%, S&P 500 futures were down 100 points, or 1.5%, and Nasdaq 100 futures had dropped 399 points, or 1.6%.

Wall Street’s key indexes had already ended the previous week with losses exceeding 0.9%, as the intensifying Middle East conflict raised fears about potential damage to the global economy.

Alongside the ongoing military campaign by U.S. and Israeli forces targeting Iran, investors were also reacting to a weaker-than-anticipated February nonfarm payrolls report. The data renewed concerns that the U.S. labor market may be showing signs of strain.

“February’s overwhelmingly disappointing NFP report has left a bitter aftertaste to a week already wrecked by geopolitical conflict,” Lukman Otunuga, Senior Market Analyst at FXTM, told Investing.com.

Markets are unlikely to see a break from headline-driven volatility in the near term.

Investors will be closely watching key economic releases later this week. The U.S. consumer price index is due Wednesday and will provide a fresh look at inflation trends. On Friday, the personal consumption expenditures price index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, will be published along with new data on job openings. Both releases will cover January.

Oil climbs above $100 per barrel

Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, surged above $100 per barrel as energy markets reopened amid renewed fears that the conflict with Iran could disrupt supplies flowing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

By 04:33 ET, Brent futures had jumped 16% to $107.15 per barrel.

Since the initial strikes more than a week ago, financial markets have grown increasingly uneasy about the possibility that tanker traffic through the strait — located just south of Iran — could remain largely halted. The narrow waterway is a vital artery for global energy trade, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passing through it, much of it destined for Asian markets.

Growing safety concerns for crews and difficulties obtaining insurance coverage for voyages through the region have left many vessels stranded on both sides of the strait. Container shipping firms have also begun diverting routes away from the area. Analysts at ING noted that upstream oil production is increasingly being curtailed as crude-exporting countries run up against storage limits.

Meanwhile, Mojtaba Khamenei has been named Iran’s next Supreme Leader — a decision that appears unlikely to pave the way for a ceasefire in the expanding conflict. The son of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in airstrikes at the outset of the war on February 28, Mojtaba Khamenei has been described as an “unacceptable” choice by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“The combination of these production shut-ins and no signs of de-escalation in the war means the market is having to aggressively price in a prolonged supply disruption. The bottom line is that, as long as we don’t see oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices will only move higher,” the ING analysts warned.

Oil’s rally eased somewhat after reports indicated that Saudi Arabia may increase crude supply to global markets. The Financial Times also reported that G7 finance ministers plan to discuss the potential release of emergency petroleum reserves during a crisis meeting scheduled for Monday.

Oil surge rekindles inflation fears

Highlighting the economic significance of energy costs, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that a sustained 10% rise in oil prices could push global headline inflation up by roughly 0.4 percentage points.

Speaking at an event in Japan, Georgieva urged policymakers to “Think of the unthinkable and prepare for it.”

She argued that governments should prioritize strengthening institutions and advancing regulatory frameworks that support economic expansion.

The risk of renewed inflation — which had cooled after the sharp spike following the pandemic — presents a complicated challenge for the Federal Reserve. Policymakers already face signs of softness in the labor market, and rising energy prices could further complicate their policy outlook as Americans begin to see higher gasoline prices.

In response, investors have increasingly bet that the Fed could keep interest rates unchanged for longer than previously anticipated. Bond yields have moved slightly higher, while the U.S. dollar has strengthened.

Gold slips

Gold prices declined but stayed above their session lows as the conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran drove flows into the U.S. dollar, making bullion more expensive for international buyers.

Even with the pullback, gold remained comfortably above the $5,000-per-ounce level, as geopolitical uncertainty continued to support demand for safe-haven assets.

Spot gold fell 1.6% to $5,090.21 per ounce by 04:46 ET, while gold futures dropped 1.2% to $5,096.40 per ounce.

The metal had already lost roughly 2% last week, fluctuating between $5,000 per ounce and the record high near $5,600 reached in late January. Since then, gold prices have experienced sharp swings amid increased speculative trading and ongoing uncertainty over the outlook for interest rates.

Chinese inflation data

China’s consumer inflation rose more than expected in February, supported by stronger spending during the Lunar New Year holiday, while producer prices continued to decline — though at a slower pace than economists had forecast.

Official figures released Monday showed the consumer price index (CPI) climbed 1.3% year-on-year in February, marking the fastest growth since February 2023. The reading exceeded forecasts of 0.9% and represented a sharp acceleration from the 0.2% increase recorded the previous month.

The rise in consumer inflation was largely driven by increased spending during the Lunar New Year celebrations in early February. This year, authorities in Beijing extended the holiday period to a record nine days.

Chinese consumers boosted spending on domestic travel, dining and various discretionary goods during the festive period, contributing to the rise in prices.

However, analysts at ANZ noted that excluding the seasonal effect, inflation in China remains uneven, leaving room for Beijing to consider additional monetary easing measures.

European equity markets opened the week sharply lower on Monday as oil prices spiked, with escalating tensions in the Middle East raising concerns about disruptions to global energy supplies.

At 08:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX index was down 2.1%, France’s CAC 40 had fallen 2.4%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 slipped 1.6%.

Crude jumps as Middle East tensions intensify

The situation in the Middle East worsened over the weekend as the United States and Israel launched additional airstrikes across Iran, targeting several locations including oil storage facilities.

At the same time, major regional producers — Kuwait, Iran and the United Arab Emirates — have reduced output, while tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz have nearly stopped since hostilities began roughly a week ago. The narrow waterway typically carries about one-fifth of global oil shipments.

These developments have driven crude prices above $110 per barrel, levels not seen since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. If the conflict persists, analysts warn that prices could potentially approach record levels around $150 per barrel.

Brent crude futures jumped 15% to $106.55 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures climbed 12% to $101.92 per barrel.

No end in sight

Oil prices had already been rising last week, although not as dramatically, as many investors initially believed the conflict might remain short-lived and that global oversupply would eventually push crude prices lower.

However, several reports indicate that Iran has appointed Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new Supreme Leader on Sunday. The move suggests the leadership is unlikely to soften its stance in the near term.

U.S. President Donald Trump has already stated that he views Mojtaba Khamenei as an “unacceptable” choice, raising the prospect of further escalation.

Trump also addressed the surge in oil prices, saying that short-term increases were a “small price to pay” for eliminating Iran’s nuclear threat. Rising global energy prices are already beginning to affect fuel costs at gas stations across the United States.

Concerns about global economic conditions

Beyond geopolitical developments, the European corporate calendar is quiet on Monday with no major earnings releases scheduled, following what has generally been a relatively solid quarter.

On the economic front, data released earlier showed that German factory orders plunged 11.1% in January — a much steeper drop than the 4.2% decline economists had expected and a sharp reversal from the 6.4% increase recorded the previous month.

German industrial production also declined by 0.5% in January, following a 1.0% fall in the preceding month.

Meanwhile, worries about the broader global economy intensified late last week after data revealed the U.S. economy unexpectedly shed jobs in February and the unemployment rate rose to 4.4%. The figures could indicate weakening labor market conditions, potentially placing the Federal Reserve in a difficult position as it balances slowing growth against the inflationary impact of higher oil prices.