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Ithaca Energy (LSE:ITH) has finalized the purchase of an additional 46.25% stake in the Cygnus gas field from Spirit Energy, raising its operated share to 85%. The move underscores Ithaca’s strategy to consolidate its footprint in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), securing more reserves while expanding production capacity. As the UKCS’s largest gas field, Cygnus plays a vital role in supporting the country’s energy security. Following the deal, Ithaca expects to lift production to around 140,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day by year-end, cementing its position as a leading UKCS operator and creating a platform for further expansion.

The company’s outlook is shaped by solid technical performance and strong cash flow generation, offering resilience despite ongoing profitability pressures. While Ithaca’s high dividend yield helps offset weak earnings, long-term growth will hinge on delivering sustained improvements in profitability.

About Ithaca Energy

Ithaca Energy is one of the UK’s largest independent oil and gas producers, with a proven record of value creation through acquisitions and organic investments. The company is focused on expanding its UKCS portfolio while prioritizing energy security and sustainable operations. Its strategy includes lowering emissions and working toward net zero ahead of the timelines set under the North Sea Transition Deal.

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.

Barclays has raised its outlook for Watches of Switzerland (LSE:WOSG), noting that affluent U.S. buyers are continuing to absorb tariff-driven price increases. The bank highlighted that downside risks have lessened and the overall risk-reward profile has improved.

“Early commentary from brands suggests that US consumers continue to purchase luxury watches, despite higher prices,” Barclays said, calling the development “incrementally positive” for the investment case.

The brokerage maintained its “overweight” rating on the retailer, setting a price target of 425p versus the September 29 closing price of 365p, implying a potential gain of 16.6%.

Luxury watch brands have taken varied approaches to adjusting prices in response to U.S. tariffs. Patek Philippe raised U.S. prices by approximately 15%, described by Barclays as “at the high end of the range,” while Swatch Group limited increases to 6%–10%.

Swatch CEO Nick Hayek noted that “things are booming in the US” and reported U.S. sales growth of 5% by the end of August. Rolex has not yet raised U.S. prices, but Barclays pointed out that “the solid trading since earlier increases of about 3% was an encouraging signal.”

Barclays highlighted Watches of Switzerland’s trading update for the 18 weeks ending August 31, which showed “strong trading throughout the period, particularly in the U.S.” The bank emphasized that this report predates the latest round of price adjustments following the announcement of a 39% tariff on Swiss watch imports.

In a revised scenario analysis, Barclays said its base case now anticipates a potential earnings-per-share impact of 0%–5% lower, compared with a previous range of 2%–11% lower. The updated outlook assumes supply-constrained U.S. luxury watch volumes remain stable, while unconstrained volumes could fall by up to 12.5%. Price increases are modeled at 13% for supply-constrained brands and 7.5% for others, producing a fair value range of 323p–511p per share, equating to a downside of 9% and upside of 43%.

The bank added, “we would be surprised if Patek introduced such a large price increase if it was seeing a material change in demand/sell out rates,” noting there is no evidence that supply is being diverted to other markets.

Barclays also pointed out that Watches of Switzerland’s U.S. average selling price has historically been about 56% higher than in the U.K., reflecting a wealthier customer base. The company operates in affluent areas including New York, Las Vegas, Atlanta, and Florida.

Watches of Switzerland noted in July that “the US market was less impacted by price increases and has remained strong throughout,” contrasting with the U.K., where significant price hikes in 2023 weakened demand.

Looking ahead, Barclays projected adjusted EPS of 42.6p in fiscal 2026, rising to 48.8p by 2028. Revenue is expected to increase from £1.65 billion in 2025 to £1.93 billion in 2028, with EBITDA margins averaging 11.2%.

The brokerage concluded that the updated analysis reduces the likelihood of more pessimistic outcomes, with the most cautious scenario now implying a 3%–13% downside to EPS, compared with a prior range of 6%–19%.

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.

British shares nudged up on Tuesday, while the pound gained against the U.S. dollar after official figures showed the UK economy expanded by 0.3% in the second quarter of 2025.

By 12:57 GMT, the FTSE 100 was up 0.2%, with GBP/USD climbing 0.1% to above 1.34. Elsewhere in Europe, Germany’s DAX rose 0.1%, while France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.2%.

UK Economic Growth Slows

Data from the Office for National Statistics confirmed that the UK economy grew 0.3% from April to June, signaling a notable slowdown compared with the first quarter. The quarterly figure was unchanged from the ONS’s initial estimate. On an annual basis, GDP was 1.4% higher than a year ago, slightly revised up from an initial 1.2% projection.

Corporate Highlights

• Oil majors BP PLC (LSE:BP.) and Shell PLC (LSE:SHEL) declined after reports that OPEC+ may accelerate production increases in the coming months, potentially boosting supply.
• 3i Infrastructure PLC (LSE:3IN) rose after posting first-half returns above expectations, driven by strong performance from its largest holding, TCR. The firm said it is on track to exceed its target return for the period ending September 29 and deliver its full-year dividend of 13.45p, fully covered by net income. Management emphasized a disciplined pricing approach despite an active asset pipeline.
• A.G. Barr PLC (LSE:BAG) reported a 20.1% rise in adjusted pre-tax profit for H1, reaching £35.2 million for the 26 weeks ending July 26, up from £29.3 million a year earlier. Revenue rose 3.1% to £228.1 million, while operating margin expanded from 13% to 15%. The Scottish soft drinks maker attributed growth to margin gains and strong sales of its Boost brand.
• Close Brothers Group PLC (LSE:CBG) swung to a £122.4 million full-year loss after taking a £165 million provision for motor finance commission costs, alongside additional charges of £33 million for customer remediation and £47.5 million from rental businesses. The total offset the firm’s underlying profitability.
• ASOS PLC (LSE:ASC) warned that full-year revenue will likely fall short of expectations as consumer demand remains weak, with profit projected at the lower end of guidance. Shares tumbled over 10% in early trading. The online fashion retailer is working to refresh its fast-fashion image while cutting costs amid growing competition from Chinese rivals and U.S. tariffs.

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 stock markets posted a mixed session on Tuesday as investors weighed uncertainty surrounding U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the possibility of a U.S. government shutdown due to a political deadlock in Congress over spending and healthcare.

In economic news, the U.K. economy expanded more slowly in the second quarter, with growth in services and construction offset by a decline in industrial output, according to the Office for National Statistics. Real GDP grew by 0.3% in Q2, unchanged from initial estimates, following a 0.7% increase in Q1.

Preliminary data from Germany showed inflation rising in four key states during September, while the country’s unemployment figure increased more than expected, according to labor office statistics.

Meanwhile, major European indices traded mixed: the French CAC 40 fell 0.3%, the U.K.’s FTSE 100 edged up 0.1%, and Germany’s DAX gained 0.2%.

On the corporate front, Addex Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ADXN) surged after announcing progress in developing treatments for neurological disorders. 3i Infrastructure (LSE:3IN) also climbed after reporting first-half returns above expectations.

Conversely, Close Brothers (LSE:CBG) dropped sharply after posting a full-year loss of £122.4 million and withholding its final dividend due to regulatory uncertainties around motor finance commissions.

Online retailer ASOS (LSE:ASC) fell after cautioning that its annual revenue would likely miss market forecasts. Danish jewelry firm Pandora (USOTC:PANDY) also slid after announcing CEO Alexander Lacik plans to retire in March 2026, concluding seven years in the role.

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.

Futures for major U.S. stock indexes point to a slightly weaker open Tuesday, suggesting that equities may give back some of the gains recorded over the past two trading sessions.

Investors are likely weighing recent market strength against growing concerns over a possible government shutdown, which would occur if Congress fails to pass funding by 12:01 a.m. ET on Wednesday.

Democrats are insisting that a temporary funding bill extend enhanced Obamacare tax credits, while Republicans maintain that these issues should be addressed only after a funding bill is approved.

After Monday’s meeting between President Donald Trump and Congressional leaders, Vice President JD Vance said, “we’re headed to a shutdown because the Democrats won’t do the right thing.”

“Relations between the Democrats and Republicans are frostier than an Alaska morning, so markets are not confident on the prospects of agreeing a deal before midnight tonight,” noted Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

He added, “One of the biggest short-term concerns for markets is the impact this would have on the release of government data – particularly the jobs number due on Friday – without which the Federal Reserve might not feel as confident about cutting interest rates.”

Still, any sell-off could be muted, as lawmakers often reach last-minute agreements to prevent a shutdown.

On Monday, major indexes mostly climbed, extending gains from Friday. The Nasdaq added 107.09 points, or 0.5 percent, to 22,591.15; the S&P 500 rose 17.51 points, or 0.3 percent, to 6,661.21; and the Dow gained 68.78 points, or 0.2 percent, to 46,316.07.

Tech stocks contributed to Wall Street’s rally, with AI leader Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) jumping 2.1 percent. Video game maker Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA) rose 4.5 percent after announcing an all-cash acquisition by a consortium including PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners, valuing the company at roughly $55 billion. EA shareholders will receive $210 per share, a 25 percent premium to the unaffected closing price of $168.32 on September 25.

Despite these gains, traders exercised caution, mindful of the looming shutdown risk. Market attention also turns to the Labor Department’s jobs report, scheduled for Friday, which could be delayed if the government closes, potentially influencing Federal Reserve interest rate decisions.

Computer hardware stocks outperformed, with the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index jumping 4.1 percent. Western Digital (NASDAQ:WDC) led the rally with a 9.2 percent gain after Morgan Stanley significantly raised its price target.

Brokerage stocks showed strength, reflected by a 1.4 percent rise in the NYSE Arca Broker/Dealer Index.

Energy stocks, however, weakened amid falling crude oil prices, pulling the NYSE Arca Oil Index down 2.3 percent and the Philadelphia Oil Service Index down 1.7 percent.

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.

Serica Energy plc (LSE:SQZ) announced on Tuesday that it has entered into an agreement to acquire 100% of Prax Upstream Limited from Prax Exploration & Production Plc (in Administration) for $25.6 million.

The acquisition encompasses a 40% operated stake in the Greater Laggan Area, a 10% interest in the Catcher Field, a 5.21% stake in the Golden Eagle Area Development, and full ownership of the Lancaster field.

The deal adds 11.0 million barrels of oil equivalent (mmboe) in 2P reserves at an acquisition cost of $2.3 per barrel. In the first half of 2025, the combined assets produced 13,800 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boepd).

“This transaction represents a further step in the delivery of our growth strategy – it diversifies our portfolio, increases our reserves and resources, and enhances near-term cashflows at an attractive valuation,” said Chris Cox, Serica’s CEO.

Under the terms, Serica will pay the upfront consideration and is expected to receive payments totaling roughly $100 million, reflecting interim post-tax cashflows based on the economic dates of each transaction and estimated completion dates. The company anticipates an additional $50 million of free cash flow from these assets in 2026. Completion of the acquisition is targeted for Q4 2025, with remaining sale and purchase agreements scheduled for finalization in Q1 2026.

The Greater Laggan Area assets include the Laggan, Tormore, Glenlivet, Edradour, and Glendronach fields, the onshore Shetland Gas Plant, and four infrastructure-led exploration licenses. These assets contributed 5,000 boepd in H1 2025, with gas accounting for 90% of output.

The Lancaster field, in which Serica now holds full ownership, produced 5,900 boepd in H1 2025 but is expected to cease production after Q3 2026.

Following the acquisition, Serica’s portfolio will maintain one of the lowest decommissioning liabilities per 2P barrel in the UK North Sea, with short-term decommissioning costs primarily associated with the Lancaster field.

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 slipped on Tuesday as markets grappled with the dual pressures of a potential government shutdown and key upcoming labor data.

By 05:25 ET (09:25 GMT), the Dollar Index, which measures the greenback against six major currencies, was down 0.2% at 97.442.

U.S. Government Shutdown Looms

With the deadline for passing a short-term funding bill approaching, the risk of a government closure is increasing. Lawmakers from both parties have traded blame over the stalemate following a Monday meeting with President Donald Trump. Vice President JD Vance said he now believes the government is “headed to a shutdown.”

“The dollar has suffered from rising risk of a U.S. government shutdown and falling oil prices since the weekend,” said analysts at ING in a note.

Analysts also warn that a shutdown could postpone the release of crucial nonfarm payrolls data scheduled for Friday. This elevates the importance of today’s August JOLTs figures, a key indicator of job openings and hiring demand, as traders seek signals for potential interest rate cuts later this year.

“Remember the July issue was bad, with job openings dropping and layoffs accelerating,” ING added. “Today’s numbers can be quite impactful on the dollar, which now has a more balanced positioning and embeds a less pessimistic macro view compared to a couple of weeks ago….this means downside risks for the dollar.”

German CPI Offers Upside

In Europe, EUR/USD rose 0.2% to 1.1747 after preliminary data indicated rising inflation in four major German states during September. Analysts expect harmonized national inflation to edge up to 2.2% from 2.1% last month. As Europe’s largest economy, Germany’s inflation figures may signal broader eurozone trends, with full data due Wednesday.

GBP/USD gained 0.1% to 1.3345, supported by U.K. GDP growth of 0.3% in Q2 and a revised annual growth rate of 1.4%, up from the prior estimate of 1.2%.

Aussie Steady After RBA Hold

AUD/USD climbed 0.4% to 0.6606 after the Reserve Bank of Australia kept its cash rate at 3.60%, pausing after three cuts earlier in 2025. Officials said they prefer to await clearer inflation and labor market signals.

USD/JPY dropped 0.5% to 147.92 after August data showed Japan’s factory output fell 1.2% for the second consecutive month, reflecting ongoing industrial weakness. Separate figures also revealed the fastest decline in Japanese retail sales in four years.

USD/CNY edged slightly higher to 7.1199 following China’s report that manufacturing activity contracted for a sixth straight month in September, with the service sector also showing weaker activity.

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 UK-listed betting companies fell on Tuesday after Finance Minister Rachel Reeves indicated that gambling operators could face increased taxation.

Speaking to ITV News on Monday, Reeves said there is “a case for gambling companies to pay more taxes,” sparking concern among investors in the sector.

The comments follow a recent push from over 100 Labour MPs who earlier this month called for higher taxes on gambling businesses. Lawmakers cited the UK’s comparatively lower gambling tax rates as justification for a hike.

Among the hardest-hit stocks, Evoke (LSE:EVOK) fell 1.5% as of 09:07 GMT, making it one of the biggest decliners on London’s small-cap index, which was down 0.09%. Other gambling operators also traded lower, with Entain (LSE:ENT) slipping 1.08% and Flutter (LSE:FLTR) down 0.5%.

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.

3i Infrastructure PLC (LSE:3IN) reported first-half returns that exceeded expectations on Tuesday, driven by robust performance from its largest holding, TCR, which helped push the stock higher.

The firm indicated it is on track to surpass its target return for the period ending September 29 and to achieve its full-year dividend goal of 13.45p, fully covered by net income.

In a pre-close update, management highlighted that the company “maintains a disciplined approach to pricing despite an active asset pipeline.” Proceeds from the next asset sale are earmarked to reduce part of its £900 million revolving credit facility, of which £360 million is currently drawn.

3i Infrastructure also reported a cash balance of £13 million and total income and non-income cash of £122 million, representing an 18% increase compared with the same period last year.

TCR exceeded the projections set in March 2025, benefiting from higher rental margins and cost efficiencies. Infinis also outperformed expectations, supported by progress in its development pipeline.

FLAG reported strong demand for subsea fibre connectivity, driven by hyperscaler growth and AI workloads, while ESVAGT maintained a solid pipeline despite vessel delivery delays caused by shipyard operational issues. Management noted that recovery for SRL “remains slow.”

“A strong headline from 3IN with the company ahead of guidance for H1, whilst also indicating a further realisation is expected. We continue to expect strong demand for 3IN assets and therefore expect a good premium on any realisation,“ said analysts at RBC Capital Markets in a note.

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 UK-based payments firm PayPoint (LSE:PAY) climbed roughly 8% on Tuesday, leading gains on London’s mid-cap index.

The rally followed the announcement that International Distribution Services (IDS), the parent company of Royal Mail, is investing £43.9 million in PayPoint’s Collect+ business.

Under the deal, IDS acquires a 49% stake in Collect+, valuing the unit at £90 million.

In connection with the transaction, PayPoint declared a special dividend of 50 pence per share for its shareholders.

The company also anticipates that the investment will bolster earnings per share in the first full fiscal year ending March 2027.

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.