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Bango plc (LSE:BGO), (USOTC:BGOPF), a leading platform for subscription bundling and alternative payments, has announced key growth milestones with new partnerships, including MTN, Korea Telecom and Dish Network. Speaking on The Watchlist with Ricki Lee, CEO Paul Larbey outlined the company’s two core growth drivers, its established payments business and rapidly scaling Digital Vending Machine (DVM) and detailed the path toward sustainable profitability by fiscal year 2026.

Two Growth Engines: Payments and Digital Vending Machine
Bango operates two complementary businesses. Its long-standing payments business enables customers to charge digital and physical goods directly to their mobile phone bills, a highly profitable segment that continues to grow steadily in the mid-single digits.

Alongside this, the company’s newer Digital Vending Machine has emerged as a major growth engine. Launched just a few years ago, the DVM connects subscription services such as Netflix with distribution partners like telecom operators and pay TV providers. This Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model generates recurring revenue and positions Bango at the centre of the subscription bundling trend.

“The payments business provides stability and profitability, while the Digital Vending Machine is our future growth engine,” Larbey explained. “It’s a powerful combination.”

Expanding Globally
The Bango DVM has built a strong presence in North America, where six of the top eight telecom operators already use its platform. Success in this mature market provides the credibility and scalability to replicate growth worldwide. The company recently secured its first DVM contracts in Korea, Japan, and South Africa, expanding its footprint across Asia and Africa.

“Our platform is built on a ‘connect once, access many’ model,” Larbey said. “A content provider integrates once with Bango and can then reach distribution channels globally. Similarly, a telco can connect once and gain access to over 100 different content providers. That scalability is at the heart of our growth strategy.”

Profitability in Sight
Following the 2022 acquisition of Docomo Digital, Bango faced a temporary increase in costs. However, synergies from the integration and ongoing efficiency measures have transformed the company’s financial profile. EBITDA more than doubled in 2024, and the first half of 2025 saw a further 60% increase year-on-year.

With top-line growth across both businesses, alongside falling operating and capital expenditures, Bango expects to reach bottom-line profitability and significant cash generation in fiscal year 2026. “The business has never been in a stronger shape,” Larbey said.

Positioned for the Future
With global streaming and subscription services continuing to expand, Bango’s Digital Vending Machine provides a critical infrastructure layer for subscription bundling and  distribution via indirect channels. At the same time, its established payments business delivers stability and profitability. For investors, this dual-engine model offers both resilience and high-growth potential as the company transitions toward sustained profitability and cash generation.

For more information on Bango’s platform and growth strategy, visit https://bangoinvestor.com/.

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

U.S. stock futures edged higher Friday, as investors appeared unfazed by ongoing uncertainty around a prolonged government shutdown, which has delayed the release of key economic indicators. Traders are now relying on private-sector data for insight into the services sector, while specific corporate news also influenced after-hours trading. Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT) shares fell after the company warned that new U.S. export restrictions could hurt revenue.

Futures Climb Despite Shutdown Concerns

Futures for major U.S. indexes rose Friday following another session of record highs on Wall Street, even amid the continuing government shutdown and postponed payroll data. Technology shares led the gains, bolstered by optimism over artificial intelligence and strong momentum in chipmaker stocks. Overall, however, upward movement was tempered as the shutdown stretched into a third day.

S&P 500 futures were up 16 points, or 0.2%, Nasdaq 100 futures added 68 points, or 0.3%, and Dow Jones futures rose 101 points, or 0.2%, as of 03:49 ET.

Private Services Data in Focus

With the government shutdown preventing the publication of the crucial nonfarm payroll report, investors are turning to the ISM non-manufacturing index for September to gauge activity in the U.S. services sector. The reading, expected to dip slightly to 51.8 from 52.0 in August, still indicates expansion as readings above 50 signal growth. Analysts say the index may shed light on how U.S. tariffs are affecting a sector that represents a substantial portion of overall economic output.

“The Federal Reserve has been keeping close tabs on labor market figures, with policymakers mulling over a potential series of rate reductions to help boost hiring and investment — albeit at the risk of driving up inflationary pressures,” the report notes.

Applied Materials Warns on Export Restrictions

Applied Materials revealed that newly expanded U.S. export controls could reduce revenue by around $110 million in Q4 of its current fiscal year and $600 million in fiscal 2026. The restrictions make it harder to ship certain products overseas and provide specific components and services to select clients in China.

The U.S. Department of Commerce recently widened its blacklist to include majority-owned subsidiaries of listed firms, aiming to prevent circumvention of export rules through smaller affiliates. Applied Materials did not specify which products or customers will be affected. Shares dropped roughly 2.7% in extended trading.

Gold Holds Ground on Fed Rate Outlook

Gold prices remained steady, poised for a seventh consecutive weekly gain as investors priced in the potential for additional Federal Reserve rate cuts amid concerns over the prolonged government shutdown. Spot gold rose 0.2% to $3,864.40 per ounce, while December futures increased 0.5% to $3,887.22/oz by 04:00 ET. The metal has surged roughly 47% so far this year, benefiting from expectations of a lower-rate environment.

Oil Poised for Weekly Loss

Oil prices moved higher Friday but are set for the steepest weekly decline since late June, amid expectations that OPEC+ could increase production further. Brent futures added 1.1% to $64.78 per barrel, while U.S. WTI crude gained 1.1% to $61.16 per barrel. Both benchmarks had fallen nearly 2% in the previous session, and market participants anticipate a near 8% drop for the week.

“Sentiment remains cautious after reports earlier this week suggested that OPEC+ could raise output by as much as 500,000 barrels per day in November, triple the increase added this month,” analysts noted.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Microsalt plc (LSE:SALT), a leader in patented low-sodium salt solutions, has announced record first-half 2025 revenue, reflecting growing international traction and increasing demand from both established and new markets. In a recent interview with Ricki Lee on The Watchlist, CEO Rick Guiney discussed the company’s strategy for sustaining growth, strengthening partnerships, and capturing opportunities across global food and consumer markets.

A major driver of recent performance has been repeat orders from one of Microsalt’s largest customers, particularly across its divisions in Mexico and North America. Guiney explained that the company is reinforcing these relationships through direct engagement and a strengthened R&D platform. “Because of the size and importance of this customer, we’re making in-person visits and tailoring our solutions to ensure we meet their needs worldwide,” he said.

Microsalt is also gaining momentum in Asia, Australia, and South Africa. Guiney noted that entering new regions requires adapting to unique regulatory, cultural, and dietary dynamics. “Every geography has its own dietary preferences. Our research ensures we design the right formulas and flavour profiles to match local demand,” he explained.

Looking ahead, the company has set ambitious sales commitments for 2026 and 2027, supported by forward contracts and long-term customer relationships. “Our growth projections are solid because they’re based on existing customer commitments,” Guiney emphasized. “Once a customer goes low sodium, they can’t go back. That makes our business model very durable.”

Microsalt’s patented technology is a critical differentiator, providing both a competitive moat and scalability in a rapidly expanding market. “We’re the low-sodium specialists. This is all we do,” Guiney said. “If you walk through any grocery store, almost every product on the shelf is a candidate for sodium reduction. That’s the size of the opportunity.”

With global health authorities and regulators increasingly focused on reducing sodium consumption, Microsalt’s solutions are well-positioned to benefit from both policy support and consumer demand. For investors, the company offers exposure to a unique, patented product with global applicability and growing adoption across key markets.

For more on Microsalt’s growth and expansion strategy, visit microsaltinc.com.

Disclaimer:

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Oil prices climbed 1% on Friday, breaking a four-day losing streak following a fire at one of the West Coast’s largest refineries in the United States. Despite the rebound, crude remains on track for its steepest weekly drop since late June.

Brent crude futures rose 61 cents, or 1%, to $64.73 a barrel by 06:58 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) added 62 cents, or 1%, to $61.10 a barrel.

Fire at Chevron’s El Segundo Refinery

A blaze erupted Friday at Chevron’s El Segundo facility, one of the largest refineries on the U.S. West Coast. Local authorities confirmed that the fire was contained to a single area. In a regulatory filing, Chevron also reported emergency flaring at the 290,000-barrel-per-day refinery, which primarily produces gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel.

Weekly Losses Persist Amid Supply Concerns

Despite Friday’s gains, Brent remains down 7.6% and WTI 7% for the week, pressured by expectations that OPEC+ may boost output further, even amid oversupply concerns. Sources told Reuters that the OPEC+ alliance could approve an increase of up to 500,000 barrels per day in November—triple the October boost—as Saudi Arabia seeks to regain market share.

“If OPEC+ do go ahead and announce a 500,000 bpd increase this weekend, it’s likely a big enough increase to send crude oil lower again, initially to support at $58.00, before a test of this year’s lows (of around) $55.00,” said Tony Sycamore, an analyst at IG.

Analysts note that a combination of higher potential OPEC+ supply, reduced refinery runs globally due to maintenance, and seasonal drops in demand are likely to accelerate crude stockpiles in the U.S. and elsewhere.

U.S. Inventory Data Signals Growing Supply

The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported Wednesday that crude, gasoline, and distillate inventories rose last week, reflecting softer refining activity and weaker demand.

“We believe September marked a turning point, with the oil market now heading towards a sizeable surplus in Q4 2025 and into next year,” JPMorgan analysts said in a note.

Geopolitical Developments

Meanwhile, finance ministers from the Group of Seven nations stated Wednesday that they will intensify efforts to pressure Russia, targeting entities continuing to increase purchases of Russian oil.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

The U.S. dollar edged slightly lower on Friday in a session marked by low volatility, as investors weighed the impact of the ongoing U.S. government shutdown and the possibility of additional Federal Reserve rate cuts.

At 04:30 ET (08:30 GMT), the Dollar Index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, was down 0.1% at 97.475, retreating after gains seen in the previous session.

Government shutdown suppresses market movement

The shutdown has effectively stalled hopes for the timely release of the key nonfarm payrolls report, originally scheduled for Friday. The Federal Reserve has closely monitored labor market data, considering a potential series of rate cuts to support hiring and investment.

A report from the Chicago Fed, blending private and public data, estimated the September unemployment rate at 4.3%, unchanged from August. However, other readings indicate further labor market weakening; the ADP National Employment report on Wednesday showed private payrolls fell by 32,000 in September, reinforcing expectations of two additional Fed rate cuts this year.

The lack of fresh official data has kept trading ranges narrow. “Traded volatility is falling across financial markets,” said analysts at ING, in a note. “Investors have settled into the view that the Fed will likely cut rates twice more this year and probably another 50bp in 2026. The U.S. interest rate volatility – so often the driver of volatility in other asset classes – is just not here at the moment.”

Euro climbs on strong eurozone services data

EUR/USD rose 0.2% to 1.1735 after HCOB and S&P Global reported that growth in the eurozone services sector accelerated slightly in September, reaching an eight-month high. The Eurozone Services PMI Business Activity Index climbed to 51.3 in September from 50.5 in August, signaling the fourth straight month of expansion.

“The ECB script at the moment remains one of the 2.00% deposit rate being at a good place, but that the central bank would not hesitate to act if needed,” said ING. “That threat to act probably means one further rate cut should inflation undershoot at a time of weak activity. However, the market struggles to price another 25bp cut in this cycle.”

GBP/USD moved up 0.1% to 1.3460, benefiting from dollar softness.

Yen softens as BOJ Governor signals caution

USD/JPY traded 0.1% higher to 147.43 following comments from Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda, who emphasized caution over economic trends and trade tariffs, suggesting the central bank would not raise rates immediately.

While Ueda confirmed the BOJ would hike rates if supported by economic data, his measured statements pressured the yen. Still, USD/JPY was set for an almost 1.4% weekly decline, reflecting demand for the yen as a safe-haven amid global uncertainties.

Elsewhere, USD/CNY remained steady at 7.1196 with Chinese markets closed for Golden Week, while AUD/USD gained 0.2% to 0.6608 after the Reserve Bank of Australia left rates unchanged this week.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Gold prices eased slightly in Asian trading on Friday, trimming part of their weekly gains as investors maintained a strong appetite for risk assets despite concerns surrounding the ongoing U.S. government shutdown.

Positive sentiment around artificial intelligence developments and expectations for additional U.S. interest rate cuts helped keep equity markets buoyant this week, with Wall Street indices hitting a series of record highs. While gold also climbed, its gains were limited by reduced demand for safe-haven assets.

Spot gold slipped 0.3% to $3,847.27 an ounce, while December gold futures held steady at $3,871.12/oz by 01:06 ET (05:06 GMT). Earlier in the week, spot gold touched an all-time high of $3,897.20/oz.

Safe-haven demand offset by strong risk appetite

The persistent enthusiasm for risk-driven investments constrained demand for gold and other safe-haven assets, as global equities recorded steady gains. Historical patterns suggested that government shutdowns in the U.S. typically have a limited effect on financial markets, further easing investor concerns.

Expectations for lower U.S. interest rates also supported risk sentiment. Private sector employment data showed continued weakness, drawing more attention than usual given that official September nonfarm payrolls were delayed due to the shutdown.

Other precious metals also saw modest declines Friday after solid gains earlier in the week. Spot platinum dropped 0.6% to $1,567.97/oz, while spot silver was steady at $47.0025/oz. Over the week, silver rose 2.3%, and platinum remained largely unchanged.

Gold is poised to add 2.2% for the week, marking its seventh consecutive weekly gain, driven by growing confidence that the Federal Reserve will continue to cut interest rates later this year.

Markets priced for October Fed cut

Weak private labor reports reinforced expectations of another Fed rate reduction in October, following the 25 basis point cut in September. According to CME FedWatch, the market is pricing a 99.3% probability of an additional 25 bps cut at the end-of-October meeting.

Expectations for further easing were strengthened by Challenger job cuts data showing continued layoffs in September, albeit at a slower pace than the prior month, and ADP payroll data revealing a sharp deterioration in private employment. These readings attracted more attention than usual due to the delay of official nonfarm payrolls.

The Fed cited growing labor market risks as a key reason for September’s rate reduction, although some officials have expressed caution over the necessity of further cuts amid persistently high U.S. inflation.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

European equities rose on Friday, positioning themselves for weekly gains as investors embraced a risk-on stance amid expectations of further Federal Reserve easing, even as the U.S. government shutdown entered its third day.

At 07:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX advanced 0.4%, France’s CAC 40 gained 0.4%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 rose 0.3%, after hitting a record high earlier this week. The pan-European Stoxx 600 reached an all-time peak on Thursday, marking its fifth straight day of gains and putting it on track for a weekly increase of more than 2%.

Global Sentiment Supports European Markets

Despite uncertainty caused by the U.S. government shutdown, European markets, like Wall Street, have been buoyed this week as investors focused on the Federal Reserve’s potential interest rate cuts. The shutdown has paused the release of official data, including the widely watched nonfarm payrolls report, but weak preliminary jobs data has reinforced expectations that the Fed may implement two further rate reductions this year, including one at the end of October.

Investors have also taken comfort from historical trends showing that government shutdowns have generally not derailed market performance, although U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent noted in a Thursday interview that the shutdown could have a negative impact on the country’s economic growth.

Eurozone PMI Data in the Spotlight

Attention in Europe is shifting to regional economic activity, with investors looking for insights into how tariffs under the Trump administration might be affecting growth. The HCOB eurozone composite PMI is anticipated to show a modest expansion in September, indicating continued growth in business activity.

Meanwhile, the European Central Bank is expected to maintain interest rates at the current level for the third consecutive meeting on October 30, despite inflation in the 20-country eurozone rising to 2.2% in September from 2.0% in August.

Corporate Updates

In corporate news, J D Wetherspoon (LSE:JDW) highlighted that rising labor, energy, and packaging costs are likely to weigh on profits this financial year, even as the U.K. pub chain reported higher revenue and earnings for the year ended July 27.

Roche (BIT:1ROG) announced that Claudia Suessmuth Dyckerhoff will not seek re-election to the Swiss pharmaceutical company’s board. Dyckerhoff, a board member since 2016, is stepping down after being nominated to serve on the board of another healthcare firm.

Oil Prices Set for Weekly Decline

Oil markets rose on Friday, but both Brent and U.S. West Texas Intermediate benchmarks are on track for their steepest weekly losses since late June. Brent futures added 1.1% to $64.78 per barrel, while WTI rose 1.1% to $61.16 per barrel.

In the previous session, both benchmarks fell nearly 2% to their lowest levels since early June and are poised for a roughly 8% decline over the week. Concerns over a potential OPEC+ production increase of up to 500,000 barrels per day in November—three times November’s current output addition—kept investor sentiment cautious.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

European stocks have finally broken out of a six-month trading range, with the Stoxx 600 hitting fresh highs. Barclays notes that the rally has lagged behind similar surges in the U.S., Japan, and China, where AI-driven enthusiasm had already propelled markets to record levels.

“Lack of AI/Big tech winners along with fiscal/ geopolitical concerns and a strong euro meant that Europe wasn’t participating in the melt up until now,” strategists led by Emmanuel Cau said in a note.

The picture has shifted in recent weeks, with stabilizing earnings revisions, easing tariff uncertainty, and more supportive currency dynamics helping Europe catch up.

“Overall, we find the tactical risk-reward compelling for European equities. More catch-up for the region would likely be a pain trade in Q4,” they added.

The broadening of the rally is key. Sectors previously under pressure — including exporters, China-linked companies, and short-cycle plays — have started to rebound. Earlier in the year, a stronger euro weighed on exporters, but a stabilized dollar and improving Chinese data are boosting demand-sensitive groups such as mining, semiconductors, and luxury goods.

Healthcare, heavily sold off amid U.S. drug pricing reform fears and tariff concerns, is also poised for recovery. Barclays closed its underweight on the sector earlier this year, noting that much of the downside is already reflected in prices. The recent Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) agreement with the U.S. administration is cited as a potential framework for future sector developments.

Equity flows reinforce the trend: global markets have absorbed roughly $115 billion over the past three weeks, with Europe seeing modest participation, led by strong inflows into Industrials. Most other sectors gained support, with Financials and Telecoms as the only exceptions.

On the macro side, rising money supply, improving PMIs, and potential U.S. government shutdown risks provide a constructive backdrop for European equities.

Still, strategists caution that some risks remain, particularly around French politics, but they see further upside if lagging sectors continue to recover.

“The recent nascent outperformance of laggards such as EU exporters/China proxies/trade sensitive names has been crucial for the recent breakout in the SXXP,” the team said, noting that light positioning could leave many investors on the wrong side of the trade if gains persist.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Shares of Beauty Tech Group (LSE:TBTG) jumped on their London Stock Exchange debut Friday, opening at 287.40 pence — roughly 5.2% above the IPO price of 271 pence, which placed the company’s valuation at around £300 million ($403 million).

Headquartered in Cheshire, Beauty Tech specializes in at-home beauty devices featuring technologies such as LED lights and lasers.

The IPO comprised 10.7 million new shares expected to raise £29 million, together with 28.6 million shares sold by existing shareholders. The combined offering represents approximately £106.5 million, or about 35.5% of the company’s issued share capital.

The listing occurs amid a subdued London IPO market, which has seen slow activity this year, with some companies choosing to list overseas despite recent reforms intended to make the U.K. more attractive for new public listings.

“From establishing ourselves as a global leader in the fast growing at-home beauty technology market to successfully completing this milestone listing on the London Stock Exchange, the group continues to go from strength to strength,” said Laurence Newman, founder and CEO of Beauty Tech.

“As we enter the next stage of our growth journey, this IPO provides the perfect platform to increase awareness of our three distinct, premium brands and take the group to the next level, while delivering sustained and profitable growth.”

Founded in 2009 as CurrentBody.com by Newman and chief technology officer Andrew Showman, the company initially retailed third-party at-home devices before pivoting in 2019 to concentrate on its own brands. Its current product range includes LED face masks, laser hair-removal devices, and hair-growth helmets incorporating radio frequency, microcurrent, and other advanced treatments.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

J D Wetherspoon PLC (LSE:JDW) has reported robust financial results for the 52 weeks ending 27 July 2025, with revenue rising 4.5% to £2,127.5 million and profit before tax increasing 10.1% to £81.4 million. Like-for-like sales grew 3.2% in the last nine weeks, outperforming the industry’s 0.5% growth. Despite pressures from higher national insurance contributions, labor costs, and energy expenses, the company has worked to limit price increases for customers. Wetherspoon also highlighted its significant tax contributions, totaling £838 million in the past financial year. Looking forward, the company expects a reasonable financial outcome, though government-led cost increases could influence results.

The company’s outlook is supported by strong financial performance and post-pandemic stabilization. Valuation metrics are reasonable, with a fair price-to-earnings ratio and modest dividend yield, though technical indicators suggest weak momentum, slightly tempering the outlook.

About J D Wetherspoon

J D Wetherspoon PLC is a leading UK hospitality company, operating a network of pubs across the country. The business focuses on providing high-quality food and drink at competitive prices, supported by well-trained staff. Each pub is uniquely designed and maintained to ensure a high level of customer satisfaction.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or other professional advice. It should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any securities or financial instruments. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. You should conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.