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London’s FTSE 100 index opened flat on Tuesday as investors digested fresh developments in global trade policy, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest tariff announcements. Market participants remained cautious, awaiting further signals on upcoming trade negotiations.

As of 07:32 GMT, the FTSE 100 edged up by 0.01%, while the British pound strengthened by 0.3%, surpassing the $1.36 mark against the dollar. Elsewhere in Europe, Germany’s DAX rose 0.2%, while France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.2%.

Trump Adjusts Tariff Timeline, Targets Key Trade Partners

President Trump issued an executive order on Monday, extending the deadline for trade agreement negotiations to August 1. While the White House signaled a willingness to negotiate, Trump confirmed the deadline could shift depending on progress made with foreign governments.

He also outlined new tariff rates impacting 14 countries, warning that Japan and South Korea could face 25% duties on their exports if no agreement is reached.

SIG Shares Drop on Soft Demand; New CEO Announced

Shares in SIG PLC (LSE:SHI) fell over 3.4%, placing it among the biggest FTSE 250 decliners. The construction materials group reported subdued demand during the first half of 2025 and voiced caution for the months ahead.

Despite these challenges, SIG maintained its full-year profit guidance in line with market expectations and announced Pim Vervaat as the incoming CEO, effective later this year.

Glencore Gains on JPMorgan Upgrade

Shares in mining and trading giant Glencore (LSE:GLEN) rose 1.6% after J.P. Morgan reinstated its coverage of the stock with an “overweight” rating and a price target of £3.60 by December 2026, implying around 20% potential upside.

Analysts cited Glencore’s improving production outlook, capital return strategy, and operational flexibility as key strengths. However, the note also acknowledged the company’s recent underperformance, having trailed the MSCI Europe index by 45% since May 2024, driven in part by falling coal prices and softer earnings results.

Oil prices edged lower during early Tuesday trading in Asia, as markets reacted to rising geopolitical tension fueled by fresh U.S. trade tariffs and concerns over increased global oil supply from the OPEC+ alliance.

By 01:40 GMT (21:40 ET Monday), Brent crude futures for September delivery slipped 0.7% to $69.11 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell by the same margin to $67.46. This pullback came after both benchmarks climbed over 1% on Monday, supported by expectations of sustained market tightness despite looming supply increases.

Trump Targets Trade Partners with Sweeping Tariff Threats

U.S. President Donald Trump intensified his protectionist trade agenda on Monday, issuing formal notices to 14 countries about forthcoming tariff hikes set to take effect on August 1. Key Asian trading partners Japan and South Korea were among those notified of a 25% tariff across all exports, while other nations, including Thailand, Serbia, and Tunisia, face potential levies of up to 40%.

Trump’s executive order extended the initial July 9 deadline, offering additional time for negotiations but warning that the August 1 timeline remains largely fixed. The uncertainty surrounding the implementation of these tariffs — particularly for major energy-consuming nations like Japan, South Korea, and India — has raised fears of disrupted global trade flows and weakened industrial demand.

OPEC+ Signals Bigger Supply Boost as Cuts Wind Down

Meanwhile, the spotlight remains on OPEC+ after the oil-producing coalition announced a production increase of 548,000 barrels per day for August, exceeding the monthly hikes of 411,000 bpd seen in the preceding three months. The group also hinted at a similar potential rise in September, which will be reviewed during its upcoming meeting on August 3.

This expansion continues the unwinding of the voluntary 2.2 million bpd in supply cuts led by key producers like Saudi Arabia and Russia, aimed at stabilizing oil markets earlier in the year.

Although oil prices tumbled early Monday on the news of higher supply, they rebounded later after Saudi Arabia raised the official selling price (OSP) of its Arab Light crude to Asian buyers for August delivery — a move interpreted by traders as a vote of confidence in demand recovery.

Audioboom (LSE:BOOM) delivered a robust Q2 2025 performance, with adjusted EBITDA soaring 400% and gross profit increasing 35%. Growth was driven by the expansion of the Audioboom Creator Network and the strong results from its Showcase advertising marketplace. The company also launched a new partnership with Gumball FM, introducing AI-powered Adaptive Ads to enhance monetization options for creators. With over $70 million in booked revenue for 2025, Audioboom’s solid financial foundation positions it well for continued growth in the second half of the year, despite ongoing global economic uncertainties.

About Audioboom

Audioboom is a global podcasting leader, with 100 million monthly downloads from 38 million unique listeners worldwide. Ranked as the fifth largest podcast publisher in the US by Triton Digital, the company offers a scalable ad-tech and monetization platform providing commercial, distribution, marketing, and production services to top-tier podcasts. Audioboom operates internationally through partnerships across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, distributing content on platforms including Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.

Synectics plc (LSE:SNX) reported impressive first-half 2025 results, with revenue up 35% to £35.5 million and underlying operating profit rising 48% to £3.3 million. The company credits robust demand in the leisure and hospitality sector alongside significant contract wins, including agreements with West Midlands Police and a major gaming resort in Southeast Asia. Maintaining a debt-free status and a healthy cash position, Synectics is well-positioned to support organic growth and pursue strategic acquisitions. Its refreshed strategy emphasizes expanding market reach, investing in technology, and strengthening partnerships to drive long-term growth and value creation.

The company’s outlook is positive, underpinned by strong financial performance and strategic progress. Technical indicators are mixed, resulting in a neutral market signal, while valuation metrics suggest the stock is fairly valued. Lack of recent earnings call data means no additional impact from that aspect.

About Synectics

Synectics plc specializes in advanced security and surveillance solutions, integrating systems, technology, and data to enhance safety and operational efficiency. The company serves critical infrastructure, energy, public spaces, transport, and leisure sectors, leveraging deep technical expertise and partnerships to deliver innovative, tailored solutions.

Victrex plc (LSE:VCT) recorded an 8% rise in sales volume for Q3 2025 year-on-year, fueled primarily by growth in its Sustainable Solutions segment. However, revenue declined 3% due to a less favorable sales mix and lower average selling prices. The Medical division, especially the Spine segment, experienced softness amid industry-wide destocking and increased competition. Operational challenges at the company’s new manufacturing facility in China are being addressed, while capital expenditure is expected to remain below prior guidance. Despite currency pressures, Victrex continues to exercise strong cost control and efficiency improvements. The company anticipates high single-digit volume growth for the full year, focusing on sustainable medium to long-term growth.

Victrex’s outlook benefits from solid financial footing and encouraging earnings guidance, although technical indicators and margin pressures present caution. An appealing dividend yield supports the valuation, offsetting some operational and currency risks.

About Victrex

Victrex is a global leader in high-performance polymer solutions, serving key markets including Automotive, Aerospace, Energy & Industrial, Electronics, and Medical. The company’s sustainable materials are vital components in products ranging from smartphones and aircraft to cars and medical devices. With over four decades of expertise, Victrex is broadening its portfolio into semi-finished and finished products, aiming to boost environmental impact and shareholder value.

SIG plc (LSE:SHI) reported a slight 1% increase in like-for-like revenue for the first half of 2025, with underlying operating profit expected to rise to around £15 million, up from £12 million during the same period last year. Although the company continues to face market pressures, it has maintained strong cash flow and is actively pursuing cost reduction and efficiency initiatives. Additionally, SIG announced that Pim Vervaat will assume the role of CEO and Chair designate starting October 2025, marking a planned shift in leadership. The company’s full-year outlook remains stable, positioning it to capitalize on a potential market recovery.

Despite positive developments, SIG faces notable financial challenges and valuation concerns, with shares appearing somewhat overvalued. Nevertheless, ongoing corporate actions and some technical support help temper the cautious sentiment. Financial performance and profitability remain the primary constraints affecting the company’s assessment.

About SIG plc

SIG plc is a prominent European supplier specializing in insulation and building products. It delivers a broad portfolio of construction materials and solutions across multiple European markets, serving a diverse range of customers in the construction industry.

Begbies Traynor Group plc (LSE:BEG) has celebrated its tenth straight year of growth, reporting strong increases in both revenue and EBITDA for the year ending 30 April 2025. Revenue climbed by 12%, driven by a combination of organic expansion and acquisitions, while adjusted EBITDA rose 11%. The group sustained a healthy financial position, finishing with a net cash balance of £0.9 million, underpinned by solid cash flow and strategic reinvestments. Begbies Traynor continues to lead the market in business recovery and advisory services, with notable growth in its property advisory division. The company remains optimistic about maintaining its upward trajectory, supported by favorable market conditions and an expanded team of professionals.

While the company’s financial performance and positive corporate developments are strong, valuation concerns remain due to a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio. Technical indicators suggest a steady outlook, supporting a cautiously optimistic investment perspective.

About Begbies Traynor

Begbies Traynor Group plc is a premier financial and real estate advisory firm employing over 1,300 professionals across 45 UK offices and four international locations. The company offers a wide range of services, including restructuring, financial and deal advisory, funding solutions, valuations, asset advisory, auctions, project development, property management, and insurance. Its multidisciplinary teams of insolvency practitioners, accountants, lawyers, funding experts, and chartered surveyors work collaboratively to enhance, protect, and unlock value for clients’ businesses and assets.

Empire Metals Limited (LSE:EEE) has wrapped up its most extensive drilling campaign to date at the Pitfield Project in Western Australia, marking a significant step forward in the project’s development. The program concentrated on high-grade titanium mineralisation at the Thomas Prospect, completing 180 drill holes to support the upcoming maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate. This critical milestone sets the stage for subsequent economic assessments and detailed mine planning, moving the project closer to commercial viability.

About Empire Metals

Empire Metals Limited is an exploration and resource development company listed on AIM and OTCQB, primarily focused on the Pitfield titanium project in Western Australia. In addition to Pitfield, the company holds exploration assets in Australia and Austria, with a focus on titanium and precious metals exploration.

Solid State plc (LSE:SOLI) has released its final results for the year ending 31 March 2025, revealing a 23.4% drop in revenue to £125.1 million alongside a 64.7% decrease in adjusted operating profit to £6.0 million. These declines were largely driven by the acceleration of revenues into the previous year and delays in a major defense contract.

Despite these setbacks, the company remains upbeat about its prospects for the coming year, supported by a robust order pipeline and ongoing strategic investments in acquisitions and infrastructure development. Recent contract wins include a $25 million order for communications equipment and a $5.1 million Internet of Things (IoT) deal, underscoring Solid State’s resilience and capacity to capitalize on long-term growth trends across key sectors.

Solid State continues to demonstrate solid financial health with consistent profitability, steady cash flow, and a strong balance sheet. While technical indicators advise cautious optimism, the company’s fair valuation and recent strategic moves position it well for sustainable growth. Overall, Solid State stands as a compelling option within the Hardware, Equipment & Parts sector.

About Solid State plc

Solid State plc is a prominent value-added electronics provider, delivering durable components, assemblies, and systems primarily for industrial and defense applications in demanding environments. Its offerings span ruggedized computing, battery power solutions, antennas, secure radio communications, imaging technology, and electronic components & displays. Operating through two divisions—Systems and Components—Solid State serves diverse industries including defense, aerospace, energy, environmental monitoring, oceanography, robotics, medical, life sciences, and transportation. Headquartered in Redditch, UK, the company employs over 400 staff across 14 sites worldwide.

Georgina Energy Plc (LSE:GEX) has taken a significant step forward in advancing its Mt Winter permit and well re-entry plans by submitting the required documentation to the Central Land Council for an Aboriginal Land Rights Act agreement. This milestone is critical for obtaining approval of the EPA155 priority area from the Northern Territory Minister for the Department of Mining and Energy. The company is also moving toward finalizing the acquisition of the Mt Winter tenement from Mosman Oil & Gas and intends to re-enter two additional wells within EPA155.

Recent seismic data reprocessing has expanded the prospective resource area, enhancing Georgina Energy’s potential to tap into the growing markets for hydrogen and helium.

Despite these strategic developments, the company continues to face significant financial challenges, including negative profitability and cash flow constraints. Technical indicators show a neutral momentum, but the current financial instability heavily influences the stock’s overall risk profile. Investors should consider these factors carefully given the elevated risk.

About Georgina Energy

Georgina Energy is focused on becoming a key player in the energy sector with an emphasis on helium and hydrogen production. The company holds two main onshore Australian assets through its subsidiary Westmarket O&G: the 100% owned Hussar Prospect in Western Australia and the EPA155 Mt Winter Prospect in the Northern Territory. Positioned to meet increasing demand for clean energy resources, Georgina Energy aims to leverage its strategic holdings for future growth.