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Oil prices edged lower in Friday’s Asian trading session as markets awaited signals from the upcoming OPEC+ meeting, while new U.S. sanctions on Iran helped limit further declines.

Brent crude for September delivery dipped 0.2% to $68.66 a barrel, while WTI futures fell to $65.51, also down 0.2%. Despite this slight pullback, both benchmarks are still up 1–2% on the week, though they continue to recover from sharp losses seen the previous week.

A stronger U.S. dollar, driven by upbeat nonfarm payrolls data, exerted pressure on oil, as expectations for near-term rate cuts diminished. Investor anxiety also lingered over the U.S. economic outlook, following the House’s approval of a divisive tax-and-spending bill and looming tariff decisions due by July 9.

OPEC+ Eyes Fresh Output Increase

Attention now turns to the weekend’s OPEC+ meeting, where the alliance is reportedly considering another output increase of 411,000 barrels per day for August. This would mark the fourth consecutive monthly hike, as the group continues unwinding production cuts implemented during the oil market downturn.

Led by Saudi Arabia, OPEC+ is also taking steps to penalize members that exceed their quotas, reinforcing internal discipline. The moves align with Washington’s ongoing push for higher output to contain energy prices. Crude briefly rallied to 2025 highs in June during the Israel-Iran conflict but has since retreated below $70 amid easing geopolitical tensions.

U.S. Tightens Grip on Iranian Oil Trade

In a separate development, the U.S. Treasury announced fresh sanctions targeting a smuggling network linked to Iranian oil exports. The group, led by Iraqi-British national Salim Ahmed Said, allegedly funneled Iranian oil under the guise of Iraqi origin.

These sanctions are designed to cut off Iran’s oil revenues and pressure Tehran over its nuclear program. Tensions escalated after the U.S. struck several Iranian nuclear sites in late June, prompting Iran to halt cooperation with the UN’s atomic watchdog. Nevertheless, diplomatic engagement continues, with new nuclear talks scheduled in Oslo next week, according to Axios.

MJ Gleeson plc (LSE:GLE) released its trading update for the fiscal year 2025, indicating that profits are expected to meet market forecasts despite a tough operating environment. The Gleeson Homes division experienced a modest rise in home sales and better reservation levels, though profit margins were squeezed by external pressures and internal inefficiencies. To address these challenges, the company has initiated ‘Project Transform,’ a strategic reorganization focused on streamlining leadership and strengthening compliance to boost overall performance. Meanwhile, Gleeson Land’s results came in at the lower end of expectations, with some asset disposals postponed until FY2026.

While the housing market remains uncertain, MJ Gleeson maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook, supported by steady sales rates and ongoing improvements in operational processes.

Outlook and Market Sentiment

MJ Gleeson’s forecast is underpinned by consistent financial results and recent insider buying activity. However, prevailing technical indicators and broader market uncertainties suggest investors should remain watchful.

About MJ Gleeson PLC

MJ Gleeson plc operates through two core segments: Gleeson Homes and Gleeson Land. Gleeson Homes specializes in affordable, low-cost housing, targeting buyers such as couples earning the National Living Wage, with homes starting at approximately £100,000. Gleeson Land focuses on acquiring and promoting land for residential development, working closely with planning authorities to unlock value.

Aptamer Group plc (LSE:APTA) has successfully raised £2 million through a share placing aimed at fast-tracking the commercialization of its Optimer® technology and reinforcing its market standing. The capital will be directed towards scaling up manufacturing capabilities, strengthening licensing deals, and launching new services such as biomarker discovery and AI-enhanced aptamer development. This funding boost is expected to enhance supply chain robustness, increase the company’s market credibility, and unlock fresh opportunities in the life sciences arena, positioning Aptamer Group as a global innovator in aptamer technology.

While the company currently faces financial challenges and negative valuation indicators, these are partially balanced by encouraging technical signals and recent positive corporate milestones. The company’s future success depends on effectively executing its strategic growth plans and improving its financial performance.

About Aptamer Group Plc

Aptamer Group plc is a pioneer in the life sciences sector, developing next-generation synthetic binders through its proprietary Optimer® technology. The company specializes in producing high-affinity, highly specific binding solutions and aims to capture a significant portion of the estimated US$210 billion affinity ligand market. Revenue streams include fee-for-service contracts and licensing, with a focus on expanding intellectual property and advancing its Optimer® platform.

Avation PLC (LSE:AVAP) has provided a trading update confirming steady performance aligned with market expectations. Moody’s recently assigned the company a B1 Corporate Family Rating, reflecting a stable outlook. Growth in the global air travel sector, especially across the Asia-Pacific region, supports Avation’s operations given its focused fleet and customer base in this area.

Although supply chain disruptions have impacted the delivery of new aircraft, Avation continues to uphold strong aircraft valuations and lease rates. The company has also taken strategic steps to optimize its fleet by selling and acquiring aircraft while actively reducing debt. Avation is pursuing financial discipline through share buybacks and exploring refinancing options to strengthen its balance sheet.

The company’s outlook is supported by solid valuation metrics and positive corporate initiatives, along with favorable technical momentum. While operational improvements are evident, revenue fluctuations and leverage levels remain areas to monitor. Ongoing strategic management and a strong market position underpin Avation’s growth prospects.

About Avation PLC

Avation PLC is a Singapore-based commercial aircraft leasing company managing a diverse fleet of widebody, narrowbody, and turboprop jets. It leases aircraft to 16 airlines across 14 countries worldwide. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and focuses on global aircraft leasing solutions.

Cel AI Plc (LSE:CLAI) has strengthened its treasury by acquiring Bitcoin valued at approximately USD 678,450.93. This purchase was financed through an early advance provided by OAK Securities, as part of a broader fundraising initiative. The move aligns with Cel AI’s approach to diversify its financial holdings, aiming to hedge against currency depreciation while capitalizing on the growth potential of digital assets.

Despite this strategic step, the company continues to face significant financial hurdles, including ongoing challenges with profitability and cash flow. While technical indicators suggest some positive momentum, volatility and weak valuation metrics temper investor enthusiasm. However, recent corporate developments signal possible upside if new leadership can successfully drive strategic improvements.

About Cel AI Plc

Cel AI Plc operates within the artificial intelligence sector, specializing in deploying AI agents alongside managing a strategic Bitcoin treasury. The company blends AI infrastructure revenues with digital asset management to enhance its competitive position in the market.

Kitwave Group PLC (LSE:KITW) has announced that Gerard Murray, a Non-Executive Director, together with his personal controller, Marta Fernandez Varona, acquired a combined total of 30,000 ordinary shares on July 3, 2025. Following this purchase on the London Stock Exchange, both now hold 75,000 shares each, representing approximately 0.09% of the company’s issued share capital.

This modest increase signals confidence in Kitwave’s future growth prospects and could positively influence investor sentiment.

The company’s outlook is underpinned by strong financial results and encouraging corporate developments. Although technical indicators point to a bearish trend, the firm’s compelling valuation and ongoing strategic efforts provide a foundation for optimism.

About Kitwave Group PLC

Kitwave Group PLC operates in the delivered wholesale sector, supplying a broad range of products and services. Listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange, the company focuses on efficient delivery of wholesale goods to its client base.

Oracle Power PLC (LSE:ORCP) has completed its initial geochemical sampling program at the Blue Rock Valley Copper and Silver Project located in Western Australia. The survey identified significant geochemical anomalies extending over a 2-kilometer strike length, with promising new copper zones detected both northwest and southeast of the established workings.

This discovery points to potential expansions in mineralization, enhancing Oracle Power’s asset portfolio and reinforcing its standing within the mining sector. The company intends to advance the project by conducting further sampling and geophysical studies, followed by drilling to evaluate these new targets, subject to regulatory clearance.

About Oracle Power PLC

Oracle Power PLC is a mining project developer focused on the exploration and advancement of mineral assets. Its key interests include copper and silver projects, primarily situated in the Ashburton Basin area of Western Australia, aiming to unlock value through resource development.

Versarien Plc (LSE:VRS) has extended its collaboration with Montana Química LTDA, allowing the South American manufacturer to incorporate Versarien’s proprietary graphene-enhanced thermoplastic compounds, Polygrene™, into its product range. The renewed agreement encompasses additional technical support, know-how sharing, and training programs, alongside structured financial terms including upfront and royalty payments.

This extension strengthens Versarien’s foothold in the South American market and deepens its strategic relationship with Montana, fostering the development of innovative, value-added products.

Despite this positive partnership development, Versarien faces ongoing financial challenges marked by persistent negative margins and elevated debt levels. The company’s outlook remains constrained by these financial pressures and subdued technical signals, although recent corporate moves indicate efforts to stabilize and grow the business.

About Versarien

Versarien Plc is a specialist advanced engineering materials group that focuses on developing and licensing cutting-edge materials. Its business model prioritizes manufacturing-light operations paired with licensing, targeting sectors that benefit from high-performance material solutions.

Thruvision Group plc (LSE:THRU) has initiated a retail share offer through the Winterflood Retail Access Platform aiming to raise up to £250,000 by issuing new ordinary shares. This retail offer is part of a larger capital raising initiative, which includes a planned placing and subscription intended to secure around £2.5 million in total funding. The proceeds will be used to advance the company’s strategic goals and strengthen its market standing.

The offer is available to existing UK shareholders, highlighting Thruvision’s commitment to engaging its retail investor base as it pursues growth. Despite ongoing challenges including declining revenues and profitability pressures, the company is pushing forward with new product developments and corporate initiatives.

About Thruvision Group plc

Thruvision Group is a global leader in walk-through security screening technology, delivering innovative solutions that improve safety and operational efficiency across multiple industries. The company continues to focus on advancing its technology portfolio while navigating a challenging financial landscape.

Enwell Energy PLC (LSE:ENW) has confirmed that production licenses for its MEX-GOL, SV, and VAS gas fields in Ukraine remain suspended as a result of sanctions imposed by the Ukrainian government targeting the company’s ultimate beneficial owners. Due to these restrictions, Enwell reported zero production during the second quarter of 2025.

The company is actively engaged in legal actions to contest the suspensions and is exploring alternative strategies to lessen the operational impact. Despite the ongoing regulatory hurdles in Ukraine, Enwell is progressing with development planning for its Svystunivsko-Chervonolutskyi (SC) exploration license area and currently holds a cash balance of around $100.7 million to support its activities.

About Enwell Energy

Enwell Energy is an oil and gas exploration and production company with a primary focus on Ukrainian assets. Its portfolio includes gas and condensate fields such as Mekhediviska-Golotvshinska, Svyrydivske, and Vasyschevskoye, alongside an exploration license for the Svystunivsko-Chervonolutskyi region. The company is committed to advancing its projects despite the challenging political and operational landscape.