Blog

Zephyr Energy (LSE:ZPHR) has released its interim results for H1 2025, reporting strong progress on its Paradox Basin project in Utah. The company successfully drilled the State 36-2R well, achieving a peak production rate of 2,848 barrels of oil equivalent per day, highlighting the project’s significant potential. Zephyr is moving toward commercial production and is actively engaging with partners to accelerate further drilling.

In addition, Zephyr completed a US$7.3 million acquisition of producing assets in the Rocky Mountain basins, aimed at strengthening its competitive position and financial performance. This transaction is supported by a US$100 million strategic partnership, designed to drive growth in Zephyr’s non-operated portfolio and support broader expansion efforts.

Despite these operational achievements, Zephyr’s financial outlook is challenged by negative profitability and cash flow pressures. Technical indicators remain bearish, and valuation metrics are weak, weighing on investor sentiment.

About Zephyr Energy

Zephyr Energy plc is a technology-driven oil and gas company focused on responsible resource development in the Rocky Mountain region of the U.S. The company manages a 46,000-acre lease in the Paradox Basin, Utah, and holds interests in producing wells across the Williston Basin in North Dakota and Montana. Zephyr aims to generate cash flow from its non-operated assets to fund Paradox Basin development while pursuing strategic acquisitions to grow its portfolio.

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.

Verici Dx (LSE:VRCI) has marked a milestone in the first half of 2025 by generating initial revenues from its flagship product, Tutivia™, a diagnostic test for acute post-transplant rejection. The company secured £6.35 million in funding to support commercial expansion, extending its cash runway into the second half of 2026. Tutivia™ has received Medicare coverage, enabling broader adoption across transplant centers in the US. With commercial operations scaling up, Verici Dx anticipates a significant increase in testing volumes in H2 2025 and beyond.

Financially, the company continues to face challenges related to ongoing losses and cash flow pressures. While technical indicators are neutral, valuation remains weak due to negative earnings, highlighting the need for careful financial management during this growth phase.

About Verici Dx Plc

Verici Dx plc develops advanced clinical diagnostics for organ transplant patients, with a particular focus on kidney transplants. Its test portfolio leverages RNA sequencing technology to evaluate rejection risk and improve patient outcomes. Key offerings include Tutivia™, for detecting acute post-transplant rejection, and the Pre-Transplant Risk Assessment (PTRA) test, which is licensed to Thermo Fisher.

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.

Cadence Minerals (LSE:KDNC) has secured £2.34 million in funding through a combination of equity subscriptions and contributions from directors, providing the resources needed to restart operations at the Azteca Plant in Brazil. The financing is expected to generate meaningful cash flow, supporting the company’s Definitive Feasibility Study and initial works on the Amapá Project. This move strengthens Cadence’s financial position and lays the groundwork for sustained operational growth.

About Cadence Minerals

Cadence Minerals PLC is an investment and development company in the mining sector, with a focus on advancing mineral resource projects. Its flagship interest is the Amapá Iron Ore Project in Brazil, a fully integrated operation that includes mining, rail, port, and beneficiation infrastructure.

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.

Legal & General (LSE:LGEN) has appointed Andrew Kail as its next Group Chief Financial Officer, effective December 1, 2025, succeeding Jeff Davies, who is stepping down. Kail, who joined L&G in 2021, brings a wealth of experience from his career at PwC and his senior leadership roles within the company. His appointment is viewed as a strategic step to reinforce L&G’s financial strength and growth ambitions, with his in-depth knowledge of the business expected to support both operational execution and long-term strategy.

Despite the leadership transition, Legal & General continues to face challenges tied to declining revenues, weaker profitability, and liquidity concerns. Market indicators suggest a bearish outlook, while a high price-to-earnings ratio points to potential overvaluation. These pressures are somewhat balanced by the company’s attractive dividend yield, though limited corporate updates and the absence of earnings call insights restrict further clarity.

About Legal & General

Founded in 1836, Legal & General is one of the UK’s most established financial services groups and a leading global investor, overseeing £1.1 trillion in assets. The group has a strong presence across Institutional Retirement, Retail Savings and Protection, and Asset Management, with a focus on responsible investment practices and meeting the long-term savings needs of its customers worldwide.

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.

Emmerson PLC (LSE:EML) has released its interim results for the first half of 2025, underscoring its ongoing arbitration proceedings with the Moroccan Government regarding the Khemisset Potash Project. The company is seeking damages of $2.2 billion for the loss of the project and has secured $11 million in third-party litigation funding to support the legal process. The arbitration is moving forward, with the tribunal expected to be formally established by October 2025. Emmerson has reaffirmed its determination to pursue its case in full.

About Emmerson PLC

Emmerson PLC, an AIM-listed mining firm, specializes in the development of potash assets. The company is currently entangled in a legal battle with the Moroccan Government following the rejection of an environmental permit for the Khemisset project, which ultimately led to its expropriation.

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) reported strong progress in the first half of 2025, posting record revenue of $0.8 million, a sharp increase compared to the same period last year. The company managed to narrow its net loss while extending its footprint in the UK and Belgium. At the same time, it strengthened its sales pipeline through partnerships with large-scale food producers.

The launch of MicroSalt® Premium and a strategic push into bulk ingredient sales have created a foundation for longer-term financial gains. Looking forward, the company expects accelerated revenue growth supported by new product introductions and rising demand from major multinational FMCG firms, suggesting a positive growth trajectory in the years ahead.

Despite these advances, MicroSalt’s stock outlook remains tempered by lingering financial pressures and negative technical signals. While operational milestones and new initiatives highlight potential, investor sentiment is weighed down by concerns around stability and valuation.

About MicroSalt PLC

MicroSalt PLC is an innovator in the food industry, producing natural, full-flavour salt with around 50% less sodium. Its mission is to provide healthier alternatives for both manufacturers and consumers, addressing global health risks linked to excessive sodium intake. Backed by patented technology, the company offers a scalable solution that is gaining adoption across a growing number of international markets.

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.

Friday brought fresh data on the Fed’s favorite tool for monetary policy decisions — the PCE index, showing a 0.26% month-over-month and 2.74% year-over-year (previously 0.16% m/m and 2.60% y/y) rise in August. Expectations were 0.3% m/m and 2.7% y/y. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones jumped slightly, and the DXY pulled back.

The figure was lower than expected, so why worry?

These forecasts had already been set at the upper end, so there is not much reason for real optimism. It is also worth remembering that the Fed’s target is 2%, but instead of getting closer, the U.S. seems to be moving in the opposite direction so far. And it is not just about a stronger economy, but mostly trade wars.

And those, for now, are only getting hotter. For example, it was announced last week that, starting this Wednesday, the U.S. will impose 100% tariffs on branded pharmaceuticals, 25% on trucks, and up to 50% on furniture. Strikingly, investors don’t seem particularly concerned, and markets keep climbing.

What does the Fed say?

In his speech last week, Powell noted that tariffs are more likely to have a one-off effect on prices than to fuel long-term core inflation. At the same time, he acknowledged that the Fed faces a “difficult situation” in deciding how much and how quickly to cut interest rates, given the risk of renewed inflation.

This concern appears to be shared by the entire FOMC. The president of the Kansas City Fed said monetary policy was “on the right track,” while his counterpart in Chicago warned of the risks of cutting too quickly, and St. Louis pointed out that further easing could make policy overly accommodative.

Still, dissenting voices remain — and interestingly, they are all Trump appointees. Stephen Miran, for instance, is calling for two more half-point cuts before year-end. Michelle Bowman, the Fed’s current vice chair for supervision and a potential future chair candidate, has also taken a more dovish stance.

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 showed a mixed trend on Monday as investor caution grew over the risk of a potential U.S. government shutdown.

Economic updates were limited, but fresh Bank of England figures indicated a slowdown in housing activity. U.K. mortgage approvals slipped to 64,700 in August, down by 500 from July and slightly below expectations of 65,000. Secured lending eased by £0.2 billion to £4.3 billion, following a steeper decline of £0.9 billion in the prior month. Consumer credit borrowing held steady at £1.7 billion.

In terms of indices, Germany’s DAX dipped 0.1%, while France’s CAC 40 edged up 0.3% and London’s FTSE 100 gained 0.4%. Rising commodity prices lent support to mining stocks, with Anglo American, Antofagasta, and Glencore all advancing.

Company-specific moves added further divergence. Pets at Home (LSE:PETS) rose after announcing a new chief financial officer. GSK (LSE:GSK) rallied sharply as CEO Emma Walmsley prepared to step down after nearly nine years, handing the reins to Luke Miels, its current commercial chief. CMC Markets (LSE:CMCX) jumped after extending a tech collaboration with Westpac in Australia. On the downside, automaker Stellantis (BIT:STLAM) slipped marginally after naming Joao Laranjo as its new CFO.

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. equity futures point to a stronger open on Monday, with technology and artificial intelligence stocks expected to lead gains following last week’s mixed performance.

Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) is trading 1% higher in the premarket, while Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) is up 0.9% after several sessions of selling pressure. Investor attention is also on Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA), which surged 5.4% after confirming an agreement to be acquired by a group of investors, including PIF, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. The $55 billion all-cash deal values the gaming giant at $210 per share, a 25% premium over Thursday’s closing price of $168.32.

Friday’s upbeat finish is providing momentum heading into the new week. The Dow climbed 299.97 points to 46,247.29, the S&P 500 advanced 38.98 points to 6,643.70, and the Nasdaq added 99.37 points to 22,484.07. However, all three benchmarks still posted weekly declines, snapping recent winning streaks.

Macroeconomic risks remain in focus. Markets are awaiting Friday’s nonfarm payrolls data, expected to show 50,000 jobs added in September after a modest 22,000 gain in August. The figures could heavily influence expectations around future Federal Reserve rate cuts. At the same time, a looming government funding deadline on Tuesday is raising the risk of a partial U.S. government shutdown.

Recent inflation data has bolstered sentiment. The Commerce Department said the PCE price index, the Fed’s preferred inflation gauge, increased 0.3% in August, with the annual rate ticking up to 2.7%. Core PCE inflation held steady at 2.9%, aligning with forecasts and reinforcing confidence in further Fed easing.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump unveiled fresh trade measures via Truth Social, including a 100% tariff on imported pharmaceuticals not produced in the U.S., a 25% tariff on heavy trucks, and a 50% levy on cabinetry and vanities, effective October 1.

Friday also saw strong sector moves. Gold miners rallied as bullion prices hit multi-year highs, with the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index up 2.5%. Oil service stocks gained on higher crude prices, while utilities, housing, steel, and natural gas companies all posted notable advances.

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.

Bank of America’s Global Equity Risk-Love gauge indicates that investor sentiment is showing early signs of euphoria as equity markets worldwide near record highs, according to a recent report from the bank.

The measure sits around the 85th percentile of its historical range dating back to 1987, remaining largely stable over the past month. Volatility levels, put-call ratios, and spread readings suggest optimism, whereas positioning and survey metrics are more moderate.

Emerging Markets and Asia ex-Japan Risk-Love scores have reached their peak since Q2 2021, with 9 of 16 tracked markets now in the top quintile of their historical ranges. China’s metric climbed to the 92nd percentile—its highest since April 2021—while Taiwan sits at the 80th percentile.

India’s indicators continue to show resilience despite negative news flow, reflecting little sign of bearish sentiment. Overall, optimism is broadening across the Asia-Pacific region.

BofA retains its positive market outlook, pointing to rising earnings forecasts, synchronized global monetary easing, a softer U.S. dollar, and strong market breadth as tailwinds for investors. The bank also cautioned that, after six months of steady gains, markets may enter a period of consolidation.

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.