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European equities traded higher on Thursday as investors reacted to the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut, with attention turning to an upcoming policy meeting by the Bank of England. At 07:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX index rose 0.9%, France’s CAC 40 climbed 0.6%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 edged down 0.1%.

Fed Decision Boosts Risk Appetite

European markets followed the positive momentum seen in Asia, where Japan’s Nikkei 225 reached a new record high after the U.S. central bank reduced its benchmark rate overnight and signaled the possibility of additional cuts. On Wednesday, the Fed lowered its benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a range of 4.00–4.25%, marking its first reduction since December. Newly appointed Governor Stephen Miran dissented, advocating a larger 50-basis-point cut.

Federal policymakers projected two further reductions before year-end in response to mounting labor market concerns. Fed Chair Jerome Powell described the situation as “a challenging situation” for policymakers, highlighting that risks to inflation remain skewed to the upside, while risks to employment are tilted to the downside.

Bank of England Set to Meet

The Fed’s move sets the stage for the Bank of England, which is expected to keep rates on hold at 4% following last month’s cut—the fifth reduction since August 2024. Data released on Wednesday indicated that August inflation remained at 3.8%, the highest level in 19 months and nearly double the BoE’s 2% target. This is likely to prompt BoE policymakers to maintain rates while monitoring underlying inflation pressures from the labor market. The Bank of Japan is also expected to hold rates steady on Friday amid heightened political uncertainty.

Corporate Highlights

In corporate news, U.K. retailer Next (LSE:NXT) reported a significant rise in first-half profit, driven by strong online and international sales that offset weaker store performance. Engineering firm Renishaw (LSE:RSW) delivered record revenue and stronger adjusted profits despite soft demand in certain segments, maintaining a cautious but stable outlook for the new fiscal year. Confectionery giant Mars announced plans to invest €1 billion ($1.18 billion) in its EU operations by the end of 2026, targeting manufacturing, sustainability, and innovation initiatives.

Oil Markets React

Crude prices softened on Thursday after earlier gains to two-week highs, as traders assessed the Fed’s rate cut amid indications of slowing U.S. economic growth. At 03:05 ET, Brent futures fell 0.3% to $67.77 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped 0.3% to $63.85 per barrel. Persistent oversupply and weak fuel demand in the U.S., the world’s largest oil consumer, added pressure. Data from the Energy Information Administration showed that U.S. crude stockpiles fell sharply last week as net imports dropped to a record low, while exports rose to a near two-year high.

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.

Pets at Home Group PLC (LSE:PETS) announced on Thursday that CEO Lyssa McGowan has left the company with immediate effect, coinciding with a profit warning for the 2026 fiscal year.

The pet supplies retailer has commenced a search for a permanent successor, with non-executive chair Ian Burke stepping in as executive chair until a new CEO is appointed. McGowan had led Pets at Home since 2022.

In an unscheduled trading update, the company revised its FY26 underlying profit before tax guidance to a range of £90–100 million. Pets at Home attributed the downgrade to challenging retail market conditions. While previous guidance assumed 1% market growth with expected outperformance, the pet retail sector has instead remained subdued, showing a slight year-to-date decline.

Despite sequential improvements in retail performance, the pace has been below expectations. Store sales have struggled, declining 5% year to date. In contrast, the digital segment has recorded stronger results, with double-digit sales growth outperforming the broader online retail market. This growth has been supported by the company’s enhanced digital platform and a marked increase in Easy Repeat subscriptions.

The Vet Group continues to perform well, achieving high single-digit sales growth. Pets at Home confirmed that it remains on track to open 10 new veterinary practices in FY26, alongside 15 vet extensions, and expects continued profit progress in this division.

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.

Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (LSE:BMY) has announced the appointment of Keith Underwood as its new Chief Financial and Operating Officer. Underwood, who currently holds the position of Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Guardian Media Group (GMG), will join Bloomsbury on 2 February 2026. This timing allows for a seamless transition alongside the current Group Finance Director, Penny Scott-Bayfield.

Underwood will report directly to Chief Executive Nigel Newton and will become a member of Bloomsbury’s Board of Directors.

Before his current role at GMG, where he also served as Interim CEO, Underwood was Chief Financial and Operating Officer at Channel 4 and spent more than eight years as part of its Executive Committee. His career experience also includes senior positions at Discovery Networks International, Sky, and PwC. He is a Chartered Accountant and serves as a Board member of Digital Catapult.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the appointment, Nigel Newton, Founder and Chief Executive of Bloomsbury, said: “significant media, finance, operations and AI expertise.” Newton highlighted that Underwood joins at a pivotal time as the company pursues opportunities in Artificial Intelligence, licensing content for future revenue while improving operational efficiency.

Commenting on his new role, Underwood stated: “I am delighted to be joining Nigel Newton and his team at Bloomsbury. Bloomsbury has achieved hugely impressive growth with an increasingly diversified, high-quality portfolio distributed across more geographies, in more formats than ever before.”

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.

Domino’s Pizza Group (LSE:DOM) has named Andrew Andrea, currently CFO of C&C Group (LSE: CCR), as its new chief financial officer. Andrea will join the company on 16 March 2026, succeeding Edward Jamieson, who is leaving immediately.

In the interim, Richard Snow, Domino’s Acquisition and Integration Director, will assume the company’s finance responsibilities. Chair Ian Bull praised Andrea’s appointment, highlighting his strong track record in the hospitality sector and experience operating within franchise-based businesses. Jamieson had served as Domino’s finance head since October 2022.

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 Spire Healthcare (LSE:SPI), a leading UK private hospital operator, jumped more than 4% following reports that major investors are urging the company to explore a potential sale. According to Sky News, activist investment trust Achilles, co-founded by fund manager Christopher Mills, together with other Harwood Capital Management entities holding around 5% of Spire, have encouraged the board to engage with prospective buyers.

Investors argue that Spire is undervalued, noting that its real estate assets alone are estimated at over £1.4 billion, compared with a market capitalization of roughly £820 million. The company operates 38 hospitals and more than 50 clinics, medical centres, and consulting rooms across the UK, making it the country’s largest provider of hip and knee procedures. CEO Justin Ash leads the company, which is chaired by Sir Ian Cheshire.

Achilles, managed by Robert Naylor, has reportedly recommended that Spire appoint advisers to initiate a formal sale process. While no formal approaches have been confirmed, the board has reiterated its commitment to enhancing shareholder value. The push for a sale reflects broader investor interest in UK-listed firms, with multiple FTSE 250 companies attracting attention from private equity and overseas buyers.

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.

Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Ltd (LSE:CORD) has reported robust results for the first quarter ending 30 June 2025, with aggregate portfolio revenue rising 9% to £85.3 million and EBITDA increasing 9.6% to £41.3 million. These like-for-like, constant currency growth figures include the addition of Datacenter United (DCU) to the portfolio in March 2025.

Breaking down performance by asset:

• Emitel generated revenue of PLN 174.1 million (£34.47 million) and EBITDA of PLN 117.26 million (£23.4 million), up 8.3% and 7.3% respectively.
• CRA posted revenue of CZK 701.1 million (£23.9 million) and EBITDA of CZK 347.5 million (£11.9 million), growing 1.2% and 2.3% respectively.
• Speed Fibre Group recorded €22.4 million (£19.1 million) in revenue and €6.8 million (£5.7 million) in EBITDA, up 3.4% and 11.1%.
• Hudson Interxchange saw revenue rise 4.7% to $5.8 million (£4.4 million), while EBITDA remained negative at -$0.8 million (-£0.6 million).

The company maintained an AFFO dividend cover of 1.7x, consistent with year-end levels. On the balance sheet, Cordiant held £217.9 million in liquidity, pro-forma for the BT Ireland acquisition and DCU syndication. Net debt stood at £686.2 million on a fully look-through basis, representing 40.8% net debt to GAV, with no significant refinancing requirements until June 2029.

About Cordiant Digital Infrastructure

Cordiant Digital Infrastructure Ltd is a leading owner and operator of digital infrastructure assets, including data centres, telecom towers, and fibre networks. The company focuses on stable, long-term cash flow generation through portfolio growth and strategic acquisitions across Europe and beyond.

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.

Helium One Global Ltd (LSE:HE1) has reported that development of its Galactica helium project in Colorado is advancing on schedule. Initial site preparation and facility development are largely complete, with all required permits secured and engineering plans nearing finalization. The company aims to commence helium production by December 2025 as part of its broader strategy to commercialize helium and CO₂ discoveries, enhancing its position in the global helium market.

Despite these operational advances, Helium One’s financial performance remains weak, marked by ongoing losses and minimal revenue. While the project offers potential long-term growth, current financial instability and negative valuation metrics weigh heavily on the outlook. Mixed technical indicators suggest further caution.

About Helium One Global

Helium One Global Ltd is a helium exploration company with operations primarily in Tanzania and a 50% stake in the Galactica-Pegasus helium development project in Colorado, USA. The company aims to address global helium supply shortages, with projects spanning two continents. Its flagship Tanzanian project in the southern Rukwa Rift Basin has successfully discovered helium and is moving toward commercial production.

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.

Next plc (LSE:NXT) has published its Half Year Report for the period ending July 2025, alongside the declaration of an interim ordinary dividend of 87 pence per share. The dividend is scheduled for payment on 5 January 2026, with an ex-dividend date of 4 December 2025. The announcement reinforces the company’s commitment to delivering shareholder value and may positively influence investor sentiment.

Next’s performance continues to be underpinned by consistent revenue growth and strong profit margins, driving its favorable stock profile. Technical indicators show a bearish trend, while valuation metrics suggest the shares are fairly priced. The absence of recent earnings calls or corporate events does not materially affect the outlook.

About Next plc

Next plc is a leading retailer specializing in clothing, footwear, and home products. The company offers an extensive range of fashion and lifestyle items, serving a broad customer base through both physical stores and online channels.

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.

ValiRx plc (LSE:VAL) announced that its subsidiary, Inaphaea Limited, has partnered with TwinEdge Bioscience to accelerate cancer drug development using digital ‘patient avatars’ powered by AI and computational biology. This collaboration seeks to create one of the largest populations of digital twins, aiming to reduce clinical trial costs and improve patient-drug matching.

Inaphaea is also enhancing its capabilities through agreements for new cancer cell models and the 3K Screen program, which has already identified promising drug candidates for further testing and potential commercialization.

While the company continues to make strategic scientific progress, financial performance remains challenging, with significant losses and dependence on external funding. Technical indicators show a neutral to slightly positive outlook, but the overall valuation is impacted by unprofitability.

About ValiRx

ValiRx plc is a life sciences company focused on early-stage cancer therapeutics and women’s health. The firm aims to translate innovative scientific research into effective medicines, providing a framework to accelerate clinical development and improve patient outcomes.

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.

Iofina plc (LSE:IOF) has achieved record revenue and iodine output for the first half of 2025, with revenue rising 12.3% to $29.2 million and gross profit increasing 21.2% to $6.3 million. Iodine production grew by 10.6%, driven by strong market demand and favorable pricing. The commissioning of the new IO#11 plant is expected to further boost output, with anticipated production of 400–440 metric tonnes of crystalline iodine in the second half of the year.

The company remains well-positioned for continued growth, leveraging robust cash generation and available banking facilities to support ongoing operational investments.

About Iofina

Iofina plc is a vertically integrated producer of iodine and specialty chemical products, and the second-largest iodine producer in North America. Operating through its subsidiaries Iofina Resources and Iofina Chemical, the company extracts iodine from oil and gas brine streams using environmentally friendly processes and operates eight iodine extraction plants in Oklahoma.

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.