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Oil prices climbed on Monday, bouncing back somewhat following last week’s notable declines, as markets awaited upcoming discussions between the U.S. and Russia over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

As of 08:50 ET (12:50 GMT), October Brent crude futures increased by 0.5%, reaching $66.90 per barrel. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose 0.4% to $64.13 per barrel. Both benchmarks had fallen more than 4% over the previous week.

U.S.-Russia Talks in the Spotlight

A summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled for August 15 to explore potential solutions to end the war in Ukraine. This meeting comes amid escalating U.S. sanctions aimed at curbing Russia’s oil exports, particularly targeting major purchasers China and India.

Trump has imposed tariffs up to 50% on Indian imports to discourage its purchase of Russian oil and has threatened similar measures against China.

“With Russia demanding that Ukraine cede occupied territory to end the war, it’s difficult to see a quick solution,” analysts at ING noted in a recent report. “It’s unlikely that Ukraine will agree to give up its own territory. If we do see some level of de-escalation, it would remove sanction risk from the oil market. This would likely drive prices lower, given the bearish fundamentals.”

Despite these tariff threats, oil prices last week received only limited support, as broader reciprocal tariffs imposed by the U.S. on its key trade partners raised concerns about possible demand setbacks.

China Inflation Disappoints, Awaiting U.S. CPI

July’s consumer price index (CPI) in China remained flat, while the producer price index (PPI) contracted more than expected, pointing to a persistent deflationary trend in the world’s largest oil importer.

These figures followed a series of underwhelming economic data from China, signaling tepid effects from Beijing’s stimulus efforts and easing trade tensions with the U.S. Severe weather conditions in July also appeared to hamper Chinese economic activity.

All eyes this week are on the U.S. CPI report for July, due Tuesday. Market watchers will analyze the data closely for signs of easing inflation, which could increase expectations of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September.

Speculators Scale Back Brent Net Long Positions

Recent data shows traders turning bearish on oil despite ongoing sanction and tariff risks. Speculators decreased their net long position in ICE Brent by 20,375 contracts during the last reporting period, leaving 240,977 contracts as of the previous Tuesday. This was mainly due to liquidation of long positions.

Meanwhile, the U.S. oil rig count increased for the first time since April, rising by one to 411 active rigs last week, according to Baker Hughes (NASDAQ:BKR).

“Rig activity has declined significantly in recent months amid price weakness and the bearish market outlook. However, more recent price stability helped to slow the decline in the rig count,” ING commented.

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 opened Monday with a split performance as investors await this week’s high-stakes Russia-U.S. summit, which some hope could pave the way toward ending the conflict in Ukraine.

The U.K.’s FTSE 100 managed a modest gain of 0.3%, while Germany’s DAX slipped 0.1%, and France’s CAC 40 edged down 0.2%.

Shares of German steel producer Salzgitter (TG:SZG) fell following a wider loss reported for Q2 and a lowered forecast for the full year.

Defense sector stocks also faced pressure after U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at a possible territorial exchange deal between Russia and Ukraine to resolve the war that has lasted over three years.

Building materials firm Marshalls (LSE:MSLH) declined after releasing half-year figures that showed a significant drop in profits.

In contrast, London-listed homebuilder Vistry Group (LSE:VTY) gained ground after confirming the continuation of its £130 million share repurchase program.

Pharmaceutical company GSK (LSE:GSK) also saw its stock rise after the U.S. FDA accepted its priority review application for gepotidacin, an oral antibiotic aimed at treating uncomplicated gonorrhea.

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 are signaling a mostly flat start to Monday’s trading session, with markets expected to show limited movement after posting solid gains last week.

With no major economic releases scheduled for today, investors are likely to stay cautious, awaiting several important data points set to drop in the coming days.

All eyes will be on Tuesday’s consumer price index (CPI) report from the Labor Department, which could heavily influence expectations for future interest rate changes.

Economists forecast a modest 0.2% rise in consumer prices for July, down slightly from June’s 0.3% increase. Year-over-year inflation is anticipated to edge up to 2.8% from 2.7%.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy costs, is projected to grow 0.3% in July, up from 0.2% in June, pushing the annual figure slightly higher to 3.0% from 2.9%.

Ahead of these figures, CME Group’s FedWatch tool shows an 86.4% probability that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates by 25 basis points next month.

Additional reports on producer prices, retail sales, and industrial output are also expected to attract investor focus later this week.

After a mixed Thursday, stocks mostly rallied on Friday, with the tech-heavy Nasdaq closing at a fresh record high.

The Nasdaq added 207 points (1.0%) to finish at 21,450, while the S&P 500 gained 49 points (0.8%) to close at 6,389. The Dow Jones rose 207 points (0.5%) to end at 44,176.

For the week, the Nasdaq surged 3.9%, the S&P 500 climbed 2.4%, and the Dow advanced 1.4%.

Markets shrugged off worries about the economic fallout from President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on several U.S. trading partners, which took effect at midnight.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) was a standout, rallying 4.2% to hit its highest close in five months after unveiling plans to invest roughly $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.

The NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index also saw gains, climbing 1.4%, while banking stocks rose alongside the KBW Bank Index, which gained 1.2%.

Oil services, brokerage firms, and networking stocks showed strength, but commercial real estate shares moved lower.

Among notable movers, LegalZoom.com (NASDAQ:LZ) soared 31% after Bank of America upgraded its rating from Underperform to Buy.

Travel site TripAdvisor (NASDAQ:TRIP) jumped 11.7% following an earnings beat in the second quarter.

Conversely, Trade Desk (NASDAQ:TTD) shares plunged 38.6% after multiple Wall Street firms downgraded the stock despite strong earnings.

Salad chain Sweetgreen (NYSE:SG) dropped 23.1% after reporting disappointing Q2 results and lowering its full-year revenue forecast.

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 markets closed the week on a strong note Friday, buoyed by robust gains in technology shares.

The Nasdaq Composite climbed 0.98% to reach a fresh record high of 21,450.02, having hit an intraday peak earlier. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 added 0.78% to close at 6,389.45—just shy of its all-time closing high—and the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.47%, or 207 points, finishing at 44,175.61.

All three major indexes posted weekly gains: the Dow rose approximately 1.4%, the S&P 500 advanced 2.4%, and the Nasdaq led with a 3.9% jump.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) was a standout contributor to the tech rally, helping to lift both the Nasdaq and the technology sector within the S&P 500. Shares surged 13% over the week, marking the biggest weekly gain since July 2020, following the company’s announcement of a $600 billion investment in the U.S. over four years aimed at strengthening ties with the Trump administration.

Looking ahead, the market now turns its attention to July’s consumer price index (CPI) report due Tuesday, which is expected to show a 2.8% year-over-year increase, according to Reuters polling.

A higher-than-expected inflation reading could temper expectations for interest rate cuts, which have been priced in heavily after softer jobs data. Futures markets currently reflect over a 90% chance of a rate cut at the Federal Reserve’s September meeting, with at least two cuts anticipated this year, based on LSEG data.

Seasonal trends add another layer of caution, as August and September have historically been the weakest months for the S&P 500 over the past 35 years, with average declines of 0.6% and 0.8%, respectively.

Investors will also watch for any signs that President Trump’s tariffs are impacting consumer prices, as June data hinted at inflationary pressures in certain goods.

“While the weak July payroll report materially raised the probability of a September cut in the bond market’s eyes, we may need to see a softer CPI print this week to maintain such a high probability of a cut for September,” said Morgan Stanley strategist Michael Wilson.

Wilson added that a below-consensus CPI could spark a durable shift toward small-cap and lower-quality stocks that many investors have been anticipating. Conversely, a hotter CPI reading with tariff pressures appearing in core goods might lead to initial market leadership by more defensive, higher-quality sectors.

Other important economic data due this week includes Wednesday’s producer price index (PPI), followed by retail sales and the University of Michigan consumer sentiment index on Friday.

Q2 Earnings Wrap-Up

As the second-quarter earnings season winds down, results have generally been strong with a solid rate of beats and upward forecast revisions. Clearer sector trends are now emerging.

RBC Capital Markets noted that while many companies surpassing earnings expectations have not seen immediate stock price gains, three Russell 1000 sectors—Energy, Health Care, and Utilities—have bucked this trend with stronger price reactions following positive results.

Most S&P 500 sectors have seen upward revisions to earnings per share and revenue estimates, with Technology leading on both fronts, followed by Communication Services and Financials. Technology is also the only sector showing recent upward revisions to consensus operating margin forecasts for both Q2 and Q3, according to RBC, while overall market margin expectations have softened.

This week’s earnings calendar includes notable reports from AMC Entertainment (NYSE:AMC), Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO), JD.com (NASDAQ:JD), and Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT), among others.

Analyst Views on U.S. Stocks

• JPMorgan: “Given the more mixed labor market data, expectations for Fed cuts have been brought forward. Markets now price a 90% chance of a rate cut in September, signaling a return to easing after a nine-month pause. The key question is how these cuts will affect the indices and sector leadership, especially after the significant rebound in cyclical sectors in both the U.S. and Europe.”
• Morgan Stanley: “We remain bullish over a 6-12 month horizon supported by improving earnings and cash flow. Our favored sectors include Industrials and Financials, and we prefer U.S. equities over international ones. Consumer discretionary remains underweight due to tariff concerns and weaker pricing power.”
• Yardeni Research: “Despite weaker economic data recently, the S&P 500 has kept rising. Possible reasons include investor confidence in a Fed easing in September (though we’re skeptical), receding recession fears, a rebound in productivity in Q2, and the ongoing economic boost from the Digital Revolution.”

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.

Allianz Technology Trust (LSE:ATT) announced on Monday a profit attributable to ordinary shareholders of £44.9 million for the six months ending June 30, 2025, boosted by £48.8 million in fair value investment gains.

During this period, the trust’s net asset value (NAV) total return reached 2.9%, outperforming the Dow Jones World Technology Index (sterling-adjusted, total return), which declined by 0.2%. The share price rose by 1.2%, although the discount to NAV widened to 10.1%, up from 8.4% at the close of 2024. NAV per ordinary share grew to 471.8p from 458.6p, and shareholders’ equity increased slightly to £1,765 million from £1,746.9 million.

Strong performance was driven by gains in entertainment technology, semiconductor stocks, and selected software and IT services. Notably, underweight positions in Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and stakes in Cloudflare (NYSE:NET), Spotify Technology (NYSE:SPOT), Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ:HOOD), and CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ:CRWD) outperformed the benchmark.

Conversely, the trust’s largest drag came from underweight holdings in Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), alongside positions in Atlassian (NASDAQ:TEAM), Klaviyo (NYSE:KVYO), and Alibaba (NYSE:BABA).

Technology hardware stocks declined nearly 20% amid macroeconomic concerns and tariff-related pressures, while semiconductor shares gained ground on growing demand driven by artificial intelligence.

Companies with market caps between $250 billion and $1 trillion, and those from $10 billion to $250 billion, recorded a 6.4% rise, whereas super-megacaps exceeding $1 trillion fell by 4%.

To manage the discount, the trust bought back 6,873,738 shares during the half-year period at an average discount to NAV and subsequently canceled them. No performance fee was recorded.

Top holdings as of June 30 included Nvidia, Microsoft, Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO), Apple, Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), Taiwan Semiconductor, Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD), CyberArk Software (NASDAQ:CYBR), and Snowflake (NYSE:SNOW).

Market volatility was influenced by geopolitical tensions, including U.S. protectionist policies introduced by President Donald Trump and conflicts involving Israel and Iran. Central banks took differing approaches to interest rates, with the Federal Reserve holding rates steady, several major banks cutting rates, and the Bank of Japan opting to raise rates.

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 defense shares declined in early Monday trading as investors assessed the prospects of a potential peace agreement between Ukraine, the U.S., and Russia ahead of the scheduled meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin later this week.

Stocks of companies such as Renk (TG:R3NK) and Hensoldt (BIT:1HENS) each fell over 2%, alongside Germany’s Rheinmetall (BIT:1RHM) and Italy’s Leonardo (BIT:LDO).

With the summit set for Friday in Alaska, Trump hinted that a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine might involve territorial exchanges between the involved parties. He announced the upcoming talks last Friday, coinciding with a self-imposed deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire or face additional sanctions from Washington.

Concerns have emerged over the absence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy from the talks, raising questions about whether Ukraine might be pressured into accepting terms dictated by the U.S. and Russia. Despite this, Zelenskiy continues to receive strong support from NATO and various European nations, who emphasize that Kyiv’s participation in negotiations is essential.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance has indicated that efforts are underway to organize a meeting involving Trump, Putin, and Zelenskiy.

Previous attempts at peace, including three rounds of talks between Ukraine and Russia over recent months, have yet to bring an end to the conflict.

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 dropped Monday amid reduced geopolitical worries, as investors shifted focus to critical U.S. inflation data set to be released this week.

By 04:30 ET (08:30 GMT), Spot Gold declined 1% to $3,365.26 an ounce, while December Gold Futures fell 2.1% to $3,419.90 per ounce.

Calm before the Ukraine summit

The gold market continued its recent downturn, influenced by the approaching meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Alaska, aimed at negotiating an end to the conflict in Ukraine. The passing of Trump’s deadline without harsher U.S. sanctions on Russia contributed to easing investor concerns, lowering demand for gold as a safe haven.

“But with Russia demanding that Ukraine cede occupied territory to end the war, it’s difficult to see a quick solution,” said analysts at ING, in a note. “It’s unlikely that Ukraine will agree to give up its own territory.”

Inflation data takes center stage

Market attention now turns to key inflation indicators from the U.S. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for July is due Tuesday, followed by the Producer Price Index (PPI) later in the week.

Traders are awaiting these readings to help gauge the Federal Reserve’s policy direction, with expectations of a September rate cut priced near 90% following disappointing employment numbers earlier this month.

The U.S.-China tariff truce, which has paused escalation of import duties, expires on August 12. While optimism exists for its extension, uncertainty remains high.

Tariff uncertainty hits gold imports

Last week, gold futures climbed to a record above $3,530 an ounce after the U.S. Customs and Border Protection ruled that standard 1-kilogram and 100-ounce gold bars would be subject to import tariffs.

This ruling caused disruptions in bullion flows, with some Swiss refiners halting shipments to the U.S., Reuters reported. Industry groups warned this move could negatively impact the global gold trade, especially since Switzerland is a major refining hub.

“However, this has now eased, with reports that the White House will clarify the issue with an executive order amid suggestions that gold bar imports won’t face tariffs,” ING added.

Other metals retreat

Other precious metals also saw declines: Platinum Futures slipped 0.7% to $1,330.80 per ounce, and Silver Futures dropped 1.4% to $37.990 per ounce.

Copper futures softened as well, with contracts on the London Metal Exchange down 0.1% to $9,751.50 per ton and U.S. Copper Futures falling 0.5% to $4.4485 per pound.

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 continued to slide during Monday’s Asian trading session, following sharp losses last week as investors turned their attention to upcoming discussions between the U.S. and Russia that could signal easing tensions in the Ukraine conflict.

Weak inflation figures from China, the world’s largest oil importer, also pressured markets, alongside mixed signals about the country’s economic recovery in July. These factors, combined with a series of disappointing economic data points recently, have dampened optimism about future oil demand.

By 21:35 ET (01:35 GMT), October Brent crude futures declined by 0.8% to $66.08 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude fell 0.8% to $62.47 per barrel. Both benchmarks had dropped over 4% during the previous week.

US-Russia Summit and Oil Export Sanctions in Spotlight

A summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled for August 15, with hopes that talks will pave the way to resolving the ongoing war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the U.S. has intensified efforts to curb Russia’s oil exports by targeting its largest buyers, China and India.

In an attempt to deter Russian oil purchases, the Trump administration imposed tariffs of up to 50% on Indian imports and threatened similar measures against China. Although these tariff threats provided some support to oil prices last week, concerns remain over broader U.S. trade policies that could suppress demand.

China’s Inflation Disappoints, US Data in Focus

China reported stagnant consumer price inflation for July, while producer prices fell more than expected, underscoring persistent deflationary pressures in the country. This data follows a string of moderate economic reports, suggesting Beijing’s stimulus efforts and a recent easing of trade tensions with the U.S. are offering limited support.

Additionally, adverse weather in July appeared to impact China’s economic activity negatively.

Attention now shifts to the U.S. consumer price index (CPI) for July, set for release on Tuesday. Analysts anticipate that signs of easing inflation could strengthen expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut in September. The CPI reading is particularly important given the U.S.’s role as the largest global oil consumer and the potential inflationary effects from Trump’s tariff policies.

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 remained mostly steady on Monday as traders prepared for several important upcoming events: the release of July’s U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI), the meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, and the looming deadline for a trade deal between Washington and Beijing.

By 04:05 ET/08:05 GMT, the Dollar Index, which measures the greenback against a basket of six major currencies, inched up slightly to 98.050, recovering somewhat after sharp declines last week.

July CPI in focus

Since the release of a weak payroll report earlier this month, the dollar has faced pressure, raising expectations that the Federal Reserve will reduce interest rates at its September meeting. Currently, markets are pricing in over a 90% probability of such a cut.

Attention now shifts to Tuesday’s July consumer price data, with economists and policymakers cautioning that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration may accelerate inflation.

“Consensus is expecting another acceleration in core CPI, to 0.3% month-on-month (3.0% year-on-year), in this week’s July print,” noted analysts at ING in a report. “That is a number that can probably be seen as acceptable for the Federal Reserve to proceed with a September cut, given the backdrop of a significantly weaker jobs market.”

Trade negotiations between the U.S. and China are also under scrutiny as the August 12 deadline for a tariff deal approaches. Both sides aim to finalize an agreement to prevent the imposition of triple-digit tariffs on goods.

Market sentiment favors an extension of the truce, especially after reports over the weekend from the Financial Times that chipmakers Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) and AMD (NASDAQ:AMD) have agreed to give the U.S. government 15% of their revenue from sales of chips to China.

Euro supported by Ukraine talks

In Europe, the euro gained 0.1% against the dollar to 1.1651, buoyed by hopes that the upcoming meeting between Presidents Putin and Trump may pave the way for a ceasefire in Ukraine.

“The considerable uncertainty surrounding the outcome and the reduced G10 FX sensitivity to the Ukraine conflict limit the case for significant adjustments to our EUR view at this time,” ING analysts added.

The British pound traded flat at 1.3451 ahead of Tuesday’s crucial employment report. A survey by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development revealed that UK private sector hiring intentions fell to their lowest since the pandemic, with just 57% of employers planning to recruit in the next quarter, down slightly from 58% in the previous survey.

Yuan weakens ahead of trade talks

The Chinese yuan edged lower against the dollar, with USD/CNY at 7.1830 after weekend data showed inflation remained subdued in July. Consumer prices were flat, while producer price inflation contracted more than expected, signaling weakening momentum despite Beijing’s recent stimulus efforts.

Trade relations between China and the U.S. remain in the spotlight as both countries approach the August 12 deadline for a lasting tariff truce. Earlier this year, Washington and Beijing agreed to temporarily ease tariffs, with hopes of reaching a permanent deal. President Trump hinted last week at a possible extension of the deadline, as talks between the two economic giants continue.

Other currency moves

The Japanese yen fell 0.1% to 147.63 against the dollar amid light trading while Japan observes a public holiday. Meanwhile, the Australian dollar slipped 0.1% to 0.6519 ahead of the Reserve Bank of Australia’s meeting on Tuesday, where a rate cut is widely expected following a surprise hold in July.

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 opened higher on Monday, with the pound gaining ground, following data revealing the weakest hiring plans among UK firms since the pandemic began—pointing to a gradual slowdown in the previously resilient labor market.

By 07:15 GMT, the FTSE 100 had risen 0.3%, while the British pound increased 0.09% against the US dollar, crossing above 1.34. Meanwhile, Germany’s DAX slipped 0.06%, and France’s CAC 40 climbed 0.1%.

UK companies reveal lowest hiring intent since pandemic

Surveys published Monday indicate UK employers’ hiring appetite has softened to its weakest level since COVID-19 struck. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) found that only 57% of private sector companies plan to recruit in the next three months—the lowest since early 2021. This represents a slight drop from the previous quarter, when 58% of private employers aimed to hire.

S4 Capital in initial talks to acquire MSQ Partners

Digital marketing firm S4 Capital PLC (LSE:SFOR) confirmed it is in early-stage discussions about acquiring MSQ Partners. The company acknowledged media speculation but gave no details on terms or timing of the potential deal.

Plus500 plans $165 million return to shareholders via buybacks and dividends

Fintech firm Plus500 (LSE:PLUS) announced a shareholder return of $165 million following a solid first half, including a 4% revenue increase to $415.1 million and a net profit of $149.6 million, slightly above last year’s $148.8 million. The payout consists of $90 million in share buybacks—split between a $35 million interim program and a $55 million special repurchase—and $75 million in dividends, divided into a $35 million interim dividend and a $40 million special dividend.

GSK obtains FDA priority review for oral gonorrhea antibiotic

Pharmaceutical company GSK (LSE:GSK) revealed that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has accepted its priority review application for gepotidacin, an oral antibiotic targeting uncomplicated gonorrhea.

M&S resumes clothing click-and-collect after cyberattack disruption

Marks & Spencer (LSE:MKS) has restarted its clothing click-and-collect service after suspending it due to a cyber hack and data breach. Online delivery resumed on June 10, with click-and-collect now back in operation.

Heathrow records busiest July ever with strong North American traffic

Heathrow Airport announced its busiest month on record in July, driven largely by high traffic on routes to North America, especially around Independence Day. The airport also had its busiest day ever on August 1 and remains Europe’s most punctual major hub, outperforming Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, and Madrid airports.

Rolls-Royce transfers £4.3 billion UK pension scheme to insurer

Rolls-Royce (LSE:RR.) completed a £4.3 billion deal transferring its UK pension obligations to Pension Insurance, covering 36,000 members and related liabilities. CFO Helen McCabe described the transaction as “a win-win for all our stakeholders” and “another step on our journey towards simplifying Rolls-Royce.”

Spectris opts for KKR’s $6.4 billion offer, dropping Advent bid

Scientific instruments maker Spectris (LSE:SXS) announced it will not pursue Advent’s buyout proposal, choosing instead to support competitor KKR’s $6.4 billion offer.