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  • hVIVO Secures Phase 2a Influenza Trial Contract with Traws Pharma

    hVIVO Secures Phase 2a Influenza Trial Contract with Traws Pharma

    hVIVO (LSE:HVO) has entered into a clinical trial agreement with Traws Pharma to conduct a Phase 2a human challenge study evaluating tivoxavir marboxil, an oral, single-dose antiviral candidate designed to treat both seasonal and avian influenza.

    The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will be carried out at hVIVO’s quarantine facilities in Canary Wharf and is expected to enrol around 150 healthy participants through its FluCamp volunteer recruitment platform. The study will also utilise the company’s in-house virology laboratories, with the majority of associated revenue anticipated to be recognised during 2026.

    This agreement highlights hVIVO’s strategy of leveraging its refined influenza human challenge model and integrated clinical capabilities to deliver faster and more controlled efficacy data compared with conventional field trials. The approach strengthens its role as a comprehensive clinical development partner. For Traws Pharma, the collaboration is intended to generate high-quality clinical data on the safety and effectiveness of its antiviral candidate, supporting further development in a significant global respiratory disease market.

    From an investment perspective, the company’s outlook is supported by solid financial performance and an appealing valuation profile. Strong revenue growth and low leverage provide a favourable foundation within the biotechnology sector. While technical indicators point to positive momentum, the shares remain below key moving averages, which may indicate near-term resistance. A relatively low P/E ratio and a reasonable dividend yield further enhance its appeal to value and income-focused investors.

    More about hVIVO plc

    hVIVO plc is a specialised, full-service clinical development company and a global leader in human challenge trials. It works with seven of the world’s ten largest biopharmaceutical companies, offering an end-to-end platform that spans preclinical planning through to Phase II studies, alongside advanced laboratory services. The business operates across four core areas: consulting, clinical trials, human challenge studies, and laboratory services, with facilities in the UK and Germany.

  • Porvair Reports Steady Start to 2026 Amid Mixed End-Market Conditions

    Porvair Reports Steady Start to 2026 Amid Mixed End-Market Conditions

    Porvair (LSE:PRV) said trading in the first four months of 2026 remained in line with expectations, with revenue rising 5% on a constant currency basis. Performance was supported by the group’s diversified operations and stable demand across several core markets. Aerospace continued to show strong order momentum, while nuclear-related activity remained healthy. In contrast, European petrochemical markets and certain automotive segments were softer, and progress in life sciences and environmental laboratories was driven by scheduled product launches.

    Within the Metal Melt Quality division, demand for aluminium and superalloy applications stayed resilient. The company’s £5.5 million aluminium cast house facility in Hendersonville, U.S., is progressing toward commissioning in the first half of the year. Meanwhile, the recently acquired Drache business is integrating smoothly and performing in line with expectations.

    Despite ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and cost pressures, the board has maintained its full-year outlook. Management pointed to the strength of Porvair’s decentralised manufacturing model, which emphasises localised production, as well as a healthy pipeline of acquisition opportunities under review. The company also plans to host a capital markets event and provide a further update alongside its interim results later in the year.

    From an investment standpoint, Porvair’s outlook is supported by solid profitability and a relatively low level of debt. However, this is balanced by more uncertain trends in revenue growth and free cash flow. Share price indicators are mixed, while valuation appears moderate, with a price-to-earnings ratio of around 21.9 and a relatively modest dividend yield.

    More about Porvair

    Porvair plc is a specialist filtration and environmental technology group focused on designing and manufacturing high-performance consumable filtration products. The company operates across three divisions: aerospace and industrial, laboratory, and metal melt quality. Its products serve a wide range of global markets, including aerospace, nuclear, petrochemical, life sciences, and metals processing, providing exposure to diverse industrial and scientific applications.

  • Amcomri Reports Record 2025 Performance and Expands Testing Capabilities

    Amcomri Reports Record 2025 Performance and Expands Testing Capabilities

    Amcomri Group (LSE:AMCO) delivered a record financial performance in 2025, with revenue rising 22% to £70.9 million, adjusted EBITDA increasing 19.3% to £9.2 million, and profit before tax more than doubling to £4.1 million. The results were driven by improved margins and the contribution from earnings-accretive acquisitions. Strong growth across both its Embedded Engineering and B2B Manufacturing divisions, combined with a broad and diversified customer base, helped cushion the impact of weaker conditions in certain markets, while supporting higher earnings per share and asset values despite an increase in net debt.

    During the year, the group strengthened its capabilities through acquisitions, including EMC Elite Engineering and the Electronix business of Radnor Technologies—marking its first transaction outside the UK. These additions have supported operational synergies and enhanced management depth across the organisation. After the year-end, Amcomri agreed to acquire Enerveo’s National Compliance and Testing division, further expanding its footprint in electrical testing and compliance services.

    Management noted that trading in 2026 has begun in line with expectations, with solid demand across key sectors such as rail electrification, defence, aerospace, power generation, and broader energy markets continuing to support activity.

    From an outlook perspective, the company benefits from strong financial momentum and positive share price trends. However, these strengths are balanced by a relatively high valuation, which may indicate limited upside. The lack of recent earnings call insights or major corporate events means these factors do not materially influence the overall investment view.

    More about Amcomri Group Plc

    Amcomri Group Plc is a UK-focused engineering services and industrial manufacturing business operating under a “Buy, Improve, Build” strategy. Through its Embedded Engineering and B2B Manufacturing segments, the group delivers critical technical services and specialised manufacturing solutions to clients in sectors such as infrastructure, transport, industrials, and energy—often within highly regulated and safety-critical environments.

    The company focuses on acquiring small and medium-sized businesses with strong positions in niche B2B markets, particularly in situations involving owner-manager succession. It aims to enhance performance through integration and operational improvements. Built through 19 acquisitions, including multiple bolt-on deals, Amcomri maintains a diversified portfolio that helps provide resilience across different economic cycles.

  • Mkango Secures UK Funding to Advance Circular Rare Earth Magnet Supply Chain

    Mkango Secures UK Funding to Advance Circular Rare Earth Magnet Supply Chain

    Mkango (LSE:MKA) has secured UK government backing through the £4 billion DRIVE35 programme, with its subsidiaries HyProMag and Mkango Rare Earths UK awarded £2.6 million in grant funding. The support forms part of the £6.5 million, three-year REACT UK consortium, which aims to establish a fully circular domestic supply chain for recycled neodymium-iron-boron magnets used in automotive applications.

    The initiative is being led by HyProMag in collaboration with key partners including Jaguar Land Rover, EMR, Less Common Metals, and the University of Birmingham. The project will integrate advanced recycling technologies with hydrogen-based processing methods to extract magnets from end-of-life electric and hybrid vehicles, before converting them into high-performance drive motor magnets. This approach is expected to strengthen domestic supply chain resilience while reinforcing Mkango’s early leadership in rare earth magnet recycling.

    In addition, a separate grant facilitated by the Advanced Propulsion Centre will support a feasibility study focused on expanding magnet manufacturing capacity at the Tyseley site. This further aligns with Mkango’s strategy to build a scalable industrial base in the UK for zero-emission vehicle technologies.

    Collectively, these developments enhance Mkango’s position across the value chain—from upstream recycling and materials processing to downstream magnet production—placing the company at the forefront of efforts to secure sustainable rare earth supplies for electric vehicles and broader clean energy applications.

    More about Mkango Resources

    Mkango Resources is a rare earths company listed on both AIM and TSX-V, focused on becoming a leader in recycled rare earth magnets, alloys, and oxides through its majority-owned Maginito platform. The group operates HyProMag in the UK and Germany for short-loop recycling and Mkango Rare Earths UK for long-loop chemical recycling. It also owns the Songwe Hill rare earth project in Malawi and the Puławy separation facility in Poland, both recognised as EU Strategic Projects.

  • ProCook Delivers Record Revenue as Retail and Online Growth Drive Performance

    ProCook Delivers Record Revenue as Retail and Online Growth Drive Performance

    ProCook (LSE:PROC) posted a robust fourth quarter, with revenue climbing 19.2% to £18.5 million and like-for-like sales increasing 9.9%. Growth was supported by strong double-digit gains across both its retail stores and ecommerce channels, alongside contributions from newly opened locations.

    For the full year, the company achieved record revenue of £85.5 million, representing a 23% year-on-year increase and exceeding market expectations. ProCook also significantly outpaced the broader UK kitchenware sector, outperforming it by around 20 percentage points while continuing to expand its market share.

    Earnings performance showed improvement as well, with EBITDA projected to come in slightly ahead of forecasts, while operating profit and profit before tax were broadly in line with expectations. This came despite some headwinds from newer stores, which are still maturing, and foreign exchange pressures. The balance sheet remains solid, with £4.4 million in net cash and total available liquidity of £20.4 million, providing the company with flexibility to invest further in store expansion, marketing initiatives, technology upgrades, and AI capabilities. Management continues to target 100 stores, £100 million in revenue, and a 10% operating margin over the medium term.

    Looking ahead, the company’s outlook is supported by improving operational performance and strong cash generation, along with positive share price momentum trading above key moving averages. However, these strengths are partly offset by elevated balance sheet leverage and weaker valuation signals, including a negative P/E ratio and the absence of a dividend yield.

    More about ProCook Group PLC

    ProCook Group PLC is a UK-based direct-to-consumer kitchenware brand focused on designing, developing, and selling high-quality own-brand products at competitive prices. Headquartered in Gloucester, the company operates through its website and a network of 78 stores across the UK. Established over 30 years ago, ProCook employs more than 700 people and has been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 2021.

  • Serabi Gold Lifts Q1 Production, Advances Expansion and Coringa Approvals

    Serabi Gold Lifts Q1 Production, Advances Expansion and Coringa Approvals

    Serabi Gold (LSE:SRB) delivered first-quarter 2026 gold production of 12,042 ounces, marking a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. The company also reported a cash position of $64.4 million and is now debt-free following the repayment of a $5.3 million facility. Management reiterated its full-year production target of 53,000 to 57,000 ounces, supported by solid operational performance at both Palito and Coringa, where ongoing mechanisation and ore-sorting initiatives are improving efficiency and boosting grades.

    In response to capacity constraints and a favourable gold price environment, Serabi has initiated the installation of a fourth ball mill at the Palito Complex. This upgrade is expected to lift processing capacity to around 330,000 tonnes per year by 2027, allowing the company to treat lower-grade stockpiles and potentially restart operations at the São Chico satellite mine.

    At Coringa, progress continues toward securing a full mining licence, with key approvals related to land use and indigenous stakeholders moving forward. Meanwhile, the company is addressing safety concerns after two recent underground fatalities by increasing on-site safety personnel and commissioning an independent external review, highlighting a renewed focus on ESG standards and operational risk controls.

    From a financial standpoint, Serabi’s outlook is underpinned by strong margins, growing earnings potential, and minimal leverage, alongside an attractive valuation reflected in a relatively low P/E ratio. However, these strengths are somewhat offset by softer technical indicators, with the shares trading below short-term moving averages and showing limited momentum.

    More about Serabi Gold

    Serabi Gold is a Brazil-focused gold producer engaged in exploration, development, and mining activities. Its core assets include the Palito Complex and the Coringa underground project in the Tapajós region. The company’s strategy emphasizes expanding existing operations, optimizing plant capacity, and growing its resource base, with a goal of reaching at least 1.5 million ounces of gold resources by the end of 2026.

  • Sunda Energy Moves Forward with New Zealand Oil and Gas Deal

    Sunda Energy Moves Forward with New Zealand Oil and Gas Deal

    Sunda Energy plc (LSE:SNDA) has taken a significant step toward expanding its footprint in New Zealand by paying an initial US$1.5 million deposit to Matahio Ventures. The payment relates to a conditional agreement to acquire Matahio Energy NZ Limited, a company that holds and operates a mix of producing and exploration oil and gas permits across the country.

    This transaction highlights Sunda’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly by adding assets that are already producing as well as those still in the appraisal phase. By doing so, the company aims to build a more balanced portfolio that combines near-term output with longer-term development potential.

    As part of the acquisition process, Sunda has submitted an application to New Zealand regulators seeking approval for a change of control involving the permit-holding operating entities. This step is required under the Crown Minerals Act, and securing this consent will be essential before the deal can be finalized and the assets fully integrated into Sunda’s operations.

    From an investment perspective, the company continues to face pressure from its financial profile. It currently reports no revenue and widening losses, alongside ongoing cash outflows, although its leverage remains relatively low. While recent share price momentum has offered some technical support, overbought indicators suggest caution. Valuation also remains constrained given the lack of profitability and absence of dividend prospects.

    More about Sunda Energy plc

    Sunda Energy plc is an AIM-listed oil and gas exploration and appraisal company focused on the Asia-Pacific region. Its strategy centers on building a diversified portfolio of upstream assets, combining exploration opportunities with producing fields, and expanding its regional presence through targeted acquisitions such as its planned entry into New Zealand.

  • Wall Street set to open lower as U.S.-Iran tensions resurface: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures

    Wall Street set to open lower as U.S.-Iran tensions resurface: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures

    U.S. equity futures signaled a softer open on Monday, with markets poised to pull back after last week’s strong rally.

    Renewed concerns over escalating tensions in the Middle East are weighing on sentiment after weekend negotiations between Washington and Tehran ended without a breakthrough.

    “They have chosen not to accept our terms,” U.S. Vice President JD Vance said during a brief press appearance, while noting that discussions could still resume. Iran responded by blaming “unreasonable U.S. demands” for the lack of progress.

    Oil’s sharp rebound is also expected to pressure equities early in the session, with crude futures climbing back above the $100-per-barrel mark.

    The move higher follows comments from President Donald Trump, who said the U.S. would move to restrict shipping linked to Iran through the Strait of Hormuz after talks collapsed.

    “Effective immediately, the United States Navy, the Finest in the World, will begin the process of BLOCKADING any and all Ships trying to enter, or leave, the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

    He also warned that U.S. forces are “locked and loaded” and ready to “finish up the little that is left of Iran” at an “appropriate moment.”

    “Markets are once again being pulled between competing forces, with geopolitical escalation in the Middle East reintroducing uncertainty just as investors turn their focus toward the start of earnings season,” said Daniela Hathorn, Senior Market Analyst at Capital.com.

    She added, “After a brief period of relief following ceasefire hopes, the breakdown in talks and the emergence of a ‘blockade of the blockade’ strategy by the US has pushed the narrative back toward duration risk: how long this conflict will last and how deeply it will impact the global economy.”

    Stocks ended last week on a mixed note after a relatively subdued session on Friday, following a rebound on Thursday.

    The Nasdaq Composite rose 80.48 points, or 0.4%, to close at 22,902.89, marking its highest finish in over a month. The S&P 500 slipped 7.77 points, or 0.1%, to 6,816.89, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 269.23 points, or 0.6%, to 47,916.57.

    Despite the uneven finish, all three major indexes recorded solid weekly gains, driven largely by a strong midweek rally. The Nasdaq surged 4.7% over the week, the S&P 500 gained 3.6%, and the Dow rose 3.0%.

    The Dow’s decline on Friday was partly due to weakness in Salesforce (NYSE:CRM), which fell 3.5%. Other blue chips, including Nike (NYSE:NKE), IBM (NYSE:IBM), and Verizon (NYSE:VZ), also moved lower.

    Investors remain cautious as uncertainty lingers over whether the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East can hold.

    Ahead of the weekend talks in Pakistan, Trump criticized Iran’s handling of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, saying it was doing a “very poor job” and adding, “That is not the agreement we have!”

    He also addressed reports that Iran was charging fees to tankers using the waterway, warning, “They better not be and, if they are, they better stop now!”

    In a separate message, Trump said, “The Iranians don’t seem to realize they have no cards, other than a short term extortion of the World by using International Waterways. The only reason they are alive today is to negotiate!”

    On the economic front, traders largely overlooked a report from the University of Michigan showing a sharp drop in consumer sentiment in April.

    The index fell to 47.6 from 53.3 in March, well below expectations of 52.0 and marking a record low, as concerns about the Iran conflict and inflation weighed on confidence.

    Separately, data from the U.S. Department of Labor showed consumer prices rose 0.9% in March, matching forecasts.

    Sector performance was mixed overall.

    Semiconductor stocks stood out, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index climbing 2.3% to a record closing high.

    Gold and computer hardware shares also posted gains, while software, biotech, and healthcare stocks lagged.

  • European stocks edge lower as Hormuz tensions rise after failed talks: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European stocks edge lower as Hormuz tensions rise after failed talks: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equity markets traded broadly weaker on Monday, following the breakdown of weekend negotiations in Islamabad and a U.S. naval move to restrict shipping linked to Iran through the Strait of Hormuz.

    Escalating geopolitical tensions lifted Brent crude above $102 per barrel, renewing concerns around inflation and the outlook for interest rates.

    Germany’s DAX fell 1.2%, France’s CAC 40 declined 0.9%, while the U.K.’s FTSE 100 slipped 0.5%.

    Vistry Group (LSE:VTY) was among the biggest fallers after naming internal candidate Adam Daniels as its new chief executive.

    National Grid (LSE:NG.) also traded lower after issuing a pre-close update ahead of its full-year results.

    In contrast, Halma (LSE:HLMA) advanced in London after the group announced the $90 million acquisition of California-based Surgistar, a specialist in ophthalmic surgical tools and devices.

  • Five market drivers to watch in the coming week

    Five market drivers to watch in the coming week

    Geopolitical tensions are setting the tone at the start of the trading week, with the U.S. decision to impose a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz fuelling volatility. The move has lifted oil prices once again, while upcoming inflation data and a packed earnings calendar could shape sentiment in the days ahead.

    1. U.S. begins Hormuz blockade

    The U.S. military has confirmed it will implement restrictions on vessels linked to Iran in the Strait of Hormuz from 10 a.m. Eastern on Monday, following an order from President Donald Trump after weekend talks with Tehran broke down.

    The Pentagon said ships “entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas” will be affected, while vessels not tied to Iran will still be able to transit the waterway.

    The move follows 21 hours of negotiations in Pakistan that failed to secure an extension to the fragile two-week ceasefire. Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. side, said Iran rejected demands to curb its nuclear program. Pakistan, which mediated the talks, urged both parties to “uphold their commitment to ceasefire.”

    Meanwhile, separate talks between Israel and Lebanon are due in Washington this week, though ongoing strikes on Hezbollah-linked targets continue to cast doubt over the durability of a broader regional truce.

    2. Oil prices surge past $100 again

    Crude markets rallied on Monday, with prices climbing back above the $100 per barrel mark.

    Brent crude rose 6.7% to $101.65, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained 7.1% to $103.42.

    Despite the sharp move, Pepperstone analysts described the reaction as “relatively contained,” suggesting investors largely see the blockade as a negotiating tactic rather than an immediate supply shock.

    “I’d not be at all surprised to see risk assets remain underpinned to a degree, with continued hope that a deal can be agreed likely to continue to encourage dip buying, even as crude benchmarks are likely to grind steadily higher as physical supply tightens further,” said Michael Brown, Senior Research Strategist at Pepperstone.

    Oil had briefly fallen below $100 last week after the ceasefire announcement, which came after Trump warned Iran’s “civilization” could be destroyed if the Strait of Hormuz remained closed. Even so, prices continue to trade well above pre-conflict levels.

    3. Focus turns to U.S. producer prices

    The rebound in energy costs has heightened concerns about inflation and its implications for global monetary policy.

    Investors will be watching closely for U.S. producer price index (PPI) data this week, which will reflect price trends in March—the first full month impacted by the Iran conflict.

    Recent consumer price figures already showed a notable rise, driven largely by higher fuel costs. Energy prices increased 12.5% year-on-year, up sharply from 0.5% in February.

    However, core inflation—excluding food and energy—came in below expectations at 2.6% annually and 0.2% month-on-month.

    Given this softer core reading, analysts suggest the Federal Reserve may take a measured approach when interpreting inflation data. The upcoming PPI release could provide further clarity on the outlook for interest rates.

    “A stronger-than-expected [PPI] reading would reinforce the case for a ‘higher for longer’ rate outlook, likely supporting the dollar and leaving EUR/USD’s recent rebound vulnerable to renewed downside,” said Laurence Booth, Global Head of Markets at CMC Markets.

    4. Bank earnings kick off reporting season

    The U.S. earnings season gathers momentum this week, starting with results from major financial institutions.

    Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) is among the first to report, with its stock up about 3% year-to-date. Trading revenues have benefited from portfolio adjustments linked to developments in artificial intelligence, while its investment banking arm has also shown growth.

    However, the conflict in Iran could weigh on outlooks. While market volatility can boost trading activity, higher commodity prices may deter companies from pursuing large transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, potentially impacting advisory revenues.

    Other banks set to report include JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), Citigroup (NYSE:C), Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) and Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS).

    Outside the banking sector, results are also expected from Netflix and PepsiCo.

    5. European luxury earnings in spotlight

    In Europe, attention will also turn to the luxury sector, where several major players are due to report.

    LVMH (EU:MC) will release first-quarter sales, with geopolitical developments likely to influence its outlook. Rivals Kering SA (EU:KER) and Hermès (EU:RMS) are also scheduled to report.

    Reuters has reported that luxury sales in hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi have weakened due to the conflict, weighing on the roughly $400 billion sector.

    Meanwhile, ASML (EU:ASML is set to report on Wednesday, with investors focused on its ability to meet strong demand from artificial intelligence chipmakers.