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Mobico Group PLC (LSE:MCG) announced Monday the completion of its School Bus business sale, netting upfront proceeds of $364 million (£273 million).

This amount landed near the lower end of the previously indicated range of $365-385 million.

Despite this, the company now anticipates its fiscal 2025 covenant leverage ratio—net debt to EBITDA—will be approximately 2.5x, improved from around 2.8x at the end of fiscal 2024.

This outcome surpasses earlier expectations, as Mobico had initially described the sale’s effect on leverage as “broadly neutral.”

The company reiterated its adjusted operating profit forecast for fiscal 2025, excluding the School Bus segment, within £180-195 million.

Mobico also highlighted that the final balance sheet position for School Bus at closing will trigger further impairment and the reclassification of foreign exchange and net investment hedge reserves.

This is expected to result in a non-underlying charge in the first half of 2025, with results due on September 9.

As disclosed before, the deal includes a $70 million earn-out tied to School Bus hitting specified revenue, EBITDA, and free cash flow milestones.

Shares of Mobico are currently priced at 29.00 pence, with RBC maintaining a Sector Perform rating and a 35 pence price target.

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.

Standard Chartered (LSE:STAN) has launched spot trading services for bitcoin and ether at its U.K. division, focusing on institutional investors amid rising demand for cryptocurrency exposure.

The bank revealed on Tuesday that it is the first global systemically important bank to deliver secure, regulated, and scalable access to spot trading of bitcoin and ether with physical settlement.

Institutional participants—including corporations, investors, and asset managers—can now trade these digital currencies through familiar foreign exchange platforms.

Additionally, Standard Chartered intends to roll out non-deliverable forwards trading shortly, as stated by the bank.

Chief Executive Bill Winters commented, “As client demand accelerates further, we want to offer clients a route to transact, trade and manage digital asset risk safely and efficiently within regulatory requirements.”

This launch marks a broadening of Standard Chartered’s digital asset services, reflecting financial institutions’ response to growing institutional interest in cryptocurrencies.

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 saw slight gains on Tuesday, with investors looking beyond the fluctuating tariff landscape and focusing instead on the start of the corporate earnings season across Europe and the U.S.

By 07:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX index was up 0.3%, France’s CAC 40 increased by 0.2%, and the U.K.’s FTSE 100 rose 0.1%.

Earnings season takes center stage

Despite a rocky start to the week following President Donald Trump’s announcement of 30% tariffs on European Union imports effective August 1, markets in Europe began on a cautiously optimistic note.

Similar tariffs have recently been imposed on Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil, raising concerns about a potential escalation into a global trade conflict.

Yet investors appear to be growing accustomed to the tariff news and are shifting their focus to the upcoming Q2 earnings reports, particularly how ongoing trade tensions might affect corporate profits.

Strong Q2 results from Ericsson

Analysts predict a slight 0.2% decline in STOXX 600 earnings for the quarter, a dip from the previous quarter’s 2.2% growth.

Still, Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) surprised markets with stronger-than-expected adjusted profits in Q2, buoyed by North American sales growth and cost reduction efforts.

UK homebuilder Barratt Developments (LSE:BDEV) posted solid full-year results for 2025 despite a challenging housing market, while credit reporting firm Experian (LSE:EXPN) saw 8% organic revenue growth and reaffirmed its yearly guidance thanks to strong demand across its services.

Across the Atlantic, investors will watch second-quarter earnings from major U.S. banks such as JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM), Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC), and Citigroup (NYSE:C) later in the day.

S&P 500 profits for the quarter are forecast to rise 5.8%, down from the 10.2% predicted in early April before the trade disputes intensified, according to LSEG data.

Germany’s ZEW survey and U.S. inflation report in focus

Market participants are also set to review Germany’s ZEW economic sentiment index for July and eurozone industrial output for May, looking for clues about regional economic momentum.

However, the main economic event will be the U.S. consumer price index data for June, widely watched for indications on the Federal Reserve’s next moves on interest rates.

Economists expect the CPI to show a 0.3% monthly increase in June, up from 0.1% in May, with the annual inflation rate rising to 2.6% from 2.4%.

China’s growth beats expectations, but slows slightly

Earlier reports showed China’s economy grew 5.2% year-on-year in Q2, just above forecasts of 5.1%, though slightly slower than the 5.4% growth seen in Q1.

Oil prices dip as Russian deadline eases supply concerns

Oil prices retreated Tuesday following President Trump’s announcement of a 50-day deadline for Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine and avoid sanctions, which helped ease fears of immediate supply disruptions.

At 03:05 ET, Brent crude futures fell 0.6% to $68.82 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures dropped 0.7% to $66.53 per barrel.

Oil had rallied late last week amid speculation that the U.S. might impose harsher tariffs on Russia due to stalled peace talks, but the softened stance has calmed supply worries and led to selling pressure early this week.

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 edged higher during Tuesday’s Asian trading session, supported by ongoing worries about U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs, which have sustained safe-haven buying. Additional caution stemmed from uneven economic data released out of China, reinforcing investor caution.

Geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine further bolstered demand for gold, following the U.S. decision to send additional weaponry to Kyiv and threats of stricter sanctions targeting Russia’s oil sector.

Despite these drivers, gold remained mostly confined to a trading range between $3,300 and $3,500 per ounce, as the dollar’s resilience capped larger gains. Other base metals showed only modest movement. Market participants are now focused on forthcoming U.S. consumer price index (CPI) figures, looking for clues on potential interest rate moves.

Spot gold climbed 0.6% to $3,364.26 per ounce, while September gold futures gained 0.4%, reaching $3,373.52 per ounce as of 01:44 ET (05:44 GMT).

Tariff Uncertainty and Geopolitical Risks Support Gold

Tuesday’s rally in gold prices builds on recent strength amid elevated uncertainty surrounding Trump’s recent tariff announcements. Over the past week, the president unveiled steep tariffs on major trading partners, including 30% levies on imports from Mexico and the European Union.

The EU is reportedly preparing retaliatory measures, though Trump has left the door open for trade negotiations. With just over two weeks remaining for talks to avert these tariffs, markets remain uneasy about the potential onset of a renewed global trade conflict.

On the geopolitical front, Trump has granted Russia a 50-day window to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine. Yet tensions remain high as Trump publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, while the U.S. sent additional offensive weapons to Ukraine capable of striking Moscow.

Other precious metals such as silver and platinum held steady but remained below recent highs, after significantly outperforming gold in June. Both metals face increasing resistance after weeks of gains.

Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of CPI Data

The U.S. dollar steadied in Asian markets following strong gains earlier this month. Attention centers on the upcoming U.S. CPI report, which is expected to show a modest rise in both headline and core inflation for June. This data will be closely watched for its implications on inflationary pressures linked to Trump’s tariffs.

Persistent inflation reduces the likelihood of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates aggressively, as policymakers have expressed caution about easing monetary policy amid trade uncertainties.

Copper Prices Under Pressure After Mixed China Data

Mixed economic signals from China weighed on copper prices, adding to broader risk aversion. On the London Metal Exchange, benchmark copper futures inched up 0.2% to $9,642.20 per ton, while U.S. copper futures rose 0.3% to $5.5460 per pound, stabilizing after a sharp decline from record levels.

China’s GDP growth in Q2 slightly exceeded expectations, buoyed by stimulus efforts and limited trade headwinds from the U.S. However, growth decelerated compared to the previous quarter, with June data on retail sales and fixed asset investment coming in below forecasts.

Industrial output surprised positively, but analysts from ANZ cautioned that the GDP report revealed underlying weakness, with deflationary pressures dampening growth. Beijing’s initial stimulus boost is also expected to fade in the latter half of the year.

As the world’s largest importer of copper, any sign of economic cooling in China could undermine demand for the metal.

Notably, China’s copper imports rebounded in June with a 9% increase, breaking two months of consecutive declines.

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 declined modestly during Tuesday’s Asian trading session as investors processed U.S. President Donald Trump’s 50-day warning for Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine, alongside the threat of sanctions on nations continuing to purchase Russian oil.

Traders also evaluated a wave of Chinese economic data released Tuesday, which included second-quarter GDP, industrial production, retail sales, and other significant metrics.

At 21:56 ET (01:56 GMT), September Brent crude futures slipped 0.2% to $69.06 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures dropped 0.3%, settling at $66.79 per barrel.

Oil initially rallied Monday following Trump’s announcement but closed nearly 2% lower after he held off on immediate tougher measures, offering a 50-day window.

Trump sets 50-day deadline for Russia to end Ukraine war

On Monday, Trump demanded that Russia reach a peace agreement within 50 days, warning of “secondary sanctions” against countries continuing to import Russian oil should Moscow fail to comply.

While this triggered an initial price surge, crude retreated as traders debated the timing and enforcement of these sanctions.

“The lack of any immediate action and the belief that these threats won’t be carried out help to explain the market reaction,” ING analysts commented in a note.

“However, if Trump does follow through, and the tariff is implemented effectively, it would drastically change the outlook for the oil market. Russia exports more than 7m b/d of crude oil and refined products,” they added.

The largest importers of Russian crude include China, India, and Turkey.

“OPEC’s spare production capacity would not be able to fill the entire shortfall. This would present significant upside to oil prices. Given Trump’s desire for low oil prices, we don’t believe Trump would be keen to follow through with this threat,” the analysts concluded.

Focus shifts to Trump tariffs and China’s GDP outperforming expectations

Last week, Trump announced plans to impose a 30% tariff on most imports from the EU and Mexico starting August 1.

In retaliation, reports on Monday indicated the EU has finalized a list of tariffs targeting $84 billion of U.S. goods, heightening trade tensions with Washington.

Earlier, Trump unveiled new tariffs on Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Brazil, plus a 50% tariff on copper, all set to take effect August 1.

Meanwhile, Monday’s data showed China’s economy grew by 5.2% year-on-year in Q2 2025, slightly surpassing forecasts of 5.1%, buoyed by strong exports and government stimulus.

Additional figures released Tuesday revealed factory output surged beyond expectations in June, while retail sales lagged behind forecasts.

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.

Anglo Asian Mining (LSE:AAZ) reported a notable increase in production for Q2 and the first half of 2025, with the new Gilar mine contributing to a total output of 16,378 gold equivalent ounces in H1. The company maintained positive cash flow and reduced net debt, advancing steadily toward its strategic objective of becoming a mid-tier copper-focused producer by 2029.

About Anglo Asian Mining

Anglo Asian Mining plc is a producer of gold, copper, and silver operating a portfolio of production and exploration assets in Azerbaijan. Listed on the AIM market, the company aims to evolve into a multi-asset, mid-tier copper and gold producer by 2029, with plans to commission four new mines.

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.

Arrow Exploration Corp. (LSE:AXL) announced successful production from two horizontal wells, AB HZ4 and AB HZ5, in the Alberta Llanos field, contributing to total corporate production of 4,600 to 4,800 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) net. The company remains financially robust with no debt and a cash balance of $13.5 million, providing flexibility for its drilling and exploration programs. This drilling success supports ongoing development plans, with Arrow actively reviewing its schedule to optimize production growth amid changing market conditions.

About Arrow Exploration Corp.

Arrow Exploration Corp. is an oil-focused company operating primarily in Colombia through its subsidiary Carrao Energy S.A. It concentrates on expanding production across key basins including Llanos, Middle Magdalena Valley, and Putumayo. With significant interests linked to Brent light oil pricing and low royalty rates, the company is positioned for strong operating margins and growth potential.

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.

Concurrent Technologies Plc (LSE:CNC) delivered record-breaking results in the first half of 2025, with significant revenue and order intake growth year-over-year. The company continues to secure key strategic design wins, reinforcing confidence in its medium- and long-term growth trajectory. The recent launch of the unique Kratos product has attracted strong market interest. Despite potential headwinds from US contract challenges and global supply chain disruptions, Concurrent remains on course to achieve its full-year targets.

The company’s robust financial performance and strategic developments are key drivers behind its positive score. Technical indicators suggest moderate bullish momentum, although valuation concerns persist due to a high price-to-earnings ratio and a low dividend yield.

About Concurrent Technologies

Concurrent Technologies Plc specializes in the design and manufacture of advanced embedded plug-in cards and systems. Serving telecommunications, defense, security, telemetry, scientific, and aerospace sectors, their products utilize Intel processors and are engineered for high performance and long lifecycle applications, meeting stringent industry standards and supporting numerous embedded operating systems.

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.

Tirupati Graphite Plc (LSE:TGR) has released its delayed 2024 annual report, outlining the financial and operational hurdles encountered throughout the year, including liquidity pressures and executive changes. Despite these setbacks, the company has taken important steps in 2025 to stabilize its business and enhance its financial position, centering on unlocking the value of its core assets.

While the year ended with a modest loss after tax, the acquisition of Suni Resources in Mozambique provided a financial boost that helped mitigate operating losses. Production volumes rose by 49%, yet margin pressures persisted due to operational inefficiencies and challenging market conditions. With these improvements, Tirupati Graphite is now better positioned to comply with listing requirements and advance its growth ambitions.

About Tirupati Graphite Plc

Tirupati Graphite Plc specializes in the flake graphite sector, delivering critical minerals vital for the global energy transition. The company’s operations focus on mining and production activities in Madagascar and Mozambique.

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.

B&M European Value Retail S.A. (LSE:BME) delivered a positive start to FY26, with group revenue rising 4.4%, supported by new store launches and strong sales in both B&M UK and France. The UK business achieved a 1.3% like-for-like sales increase, benefiting from favorable weather and Easter timing, despite some softness in FMCG categories. During the quarter, the company opened 18 new outlets in the UK and 4 in France, continuing its expansion trajectory.

Operational enhancements include the commencement of the new import center in Ellesmere Port and preparations to relocate the Middlewich distribution hub. These developments underscore B&M’s resilience and growth ambitions amid ongoing economic challenges.

The outlook remains stable, underpinned by a solid financial base, attractive valuation, and a generous dividend yield. However, technical signals suggest a cautious market sentiment. Recent corporate milestones and strategic initiatives highlight B&M’s potential for sustained leadership and growth.

About B&M European Value Retail S.A.

B&M European Value Retail S.A. is a major discount variety retailer headquartered in the UK. Operating under the B&M brand across the UK and France, as well as Heron Foods and B&M Express in the UK, the group managed 787 stores in the UK and 139 in France as of June 2025. The company is listed on the FTSE 250 Index.

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.