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Unilever PLC (LSE:ULVR) has reached an agreement to purchase the U.S.-based men’s personal care company Dr Squatch in a deal valued at approximately $1.5 billion, according to sources cited by the Financial Times on Friday.

The acquisition was initially announced by Unilever on Monday, following negotiations with private equity firm Summit Partners, which previously owned Dr Squatch. However, Unilever did not disclose the purchase price at that time.

Dr Squatch is recognized for its line of natural grooming products, including soaps, deodorants, and shampoos, which it markets directly to consumers through its online platform as well as via third-party retailers. The brand’s rapid growth has been fueled by viral advertising campaigns and endorsements from high-profile celebrities such as Sydney Sweeney and Mike Tyson.

Unilever stated that the acquisition aligns with its strategy to broaden its premium personal care portfolio on a global scale. This move reflects the company’s ongoing shift away from slower-growing food divisions to focus more on personal care brands with higher profit margins. It also follows Unilever’s 2023 decision to exit the male grooming space by selling Dollar Shave Club.

Gold prices edged lower in Asian trading on Friday, approaching their lowest level in nearly a month, as the ongoing ceasefire between Israel and Iran eased geopolitical tensions and reduced demand for the safe-haven metal. Meanwhile, investors turned their attention to upcoming U.S. inflation data, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions.

Spot gold slipped 1% to $3,293.79 per ounce, marking its lowest since early June. August gold futures declined 1.2%, settling around $3,306.70 an ounce by early Friday (01:15 ET / 05:15 GMT). The metal is set to close the week with losses exceeding 2%, marking its second straight weekly decline and down nearly 6% from its late-April record high.

Middle East Ceasefire Remains Stable, Inflation Data on Horizon

The truce brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump between Israel and Iran appeared to hold through Thursday, diminishing concerns about regional conflicts and weakening gold’s traditional role as a refuge during crises.

Market participants are now focused on the release of May’s Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index—the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation indicator—expected later Friday. Forecasts anticipate a 0.1% monthly rise in both headline and core PCE figures, translating to annual increases of 2.3% and 2.6% respectively, slightly above last year’s levels.

This follows Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s recent testimony to Congress, where he cautioned against premature interest rate cuts and highlighted that inflation pressures, especially those linked to tariffs, might be more persistent than anticipated.

In a sharp response, President Trump criticized Powell and indicated he is considering “three or four” candidates to replace him, with reports suggesting a potential nomination could come as early as September.

Commodity Prices Fall as Dollar Strengthens Slightly

The U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.1% during Asian trading but remained near its lowest point in over three years. A firmer dollar tends to make dollar-denominated commodities like gold more expensive for overseas buyers, dampening their demand.

Platinum futures dropped 1.3% to $1,392 per ounce, retreating from levels not seen in over a decade, though the metal still boasts a 32% gain for the month. Silver futures eased 0.6% to $36.38 an ounce.

Meanwhile, copper prices showed mixed movement: London Metal Exchange copper futures declined 0.2% to $9,891.15 per ton, while U.S. copper futures edged slightly higher, trading near $5.06 per pound.

Oil prices climbed modestly in Asian markets on Friday, supported by signs of steady demand in the United States. However, both Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude remain on track for sharp weekly declines after easing concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East.

As of 21:10 ET (01:10 GMT), Brent crude for August delivery gained 0.5%, trading at $68.07 per barrel, while WTI rose 0.5% to $65.57 per barrel.

The recent boost to oil prices came partly from a significant drop in U.S. crude inventories, indicating robust domestic demand. Additionally, optimism about potential economic stimulus measures in China, the world’s largest oil importer, helped buoy market sentiment.

A softer U.S. dollar—falling to its lowest point in over three years on Thursday—also lent support, fueled by growing speculation that the Federal Reserve may consider cutting interest rates. Investors are now awaiting new inflation data from the PCE price index later on Friday, which could influence the Fed’s next steps.

Weekly Decline Exceeds 12% as Geopolitical Risks Subside

Despite Friday’s modest gains, Brent and WTI futures have each dropped by more than 12% this week. The losses followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, which helped ease fears of supply interruptions in a region critical to global oil shipments.

The ceasefire, initially uncertain, appeared stable by Friday morning. Trump also indicated that Iran might continue selling oil to China—a bearish factor for oil prices—and highlighted upcoming nuclear negotiations with Tehran scheduled for next week.

Furthermore, Iran refrained from closing the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route, ensuring uninterrupted oil flows to Asian and European markets.

Market watchers are now focusing on the outcomes of recent U.S. military strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Early reports suggested these strikes had not fully halted Iran’s nuclear capabilities, though the White House disputed those claims.

No Immediate Plans to Replenish U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve

Adding to the pressure on oil prices, the Trump administration announced it does not intend to immediately refill the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR). The reserve currently sits at its lowest level since the 1980s after substantial drawdowns by the Biden administration aimed at tempering gas prices amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

With depleted SPR stocks, the U.S. has fewer emergency supplies available to counter sudden supply shocks or price spikes.

Nevertheless, Trump has advocated for boosting U.S. oil production, a strategy that could help mitigate some risks associated with low reserve levels.

Caledonian Holdings PLC (LSE:CHP) has completed the sale of its entire holding in Skillcast Group PLC, netting approximately £266,901.63 in proceeds. This disposal has generated a profit for Caledonian and aligns with the company’s broader investment strategy. Skillcast, a provider of compliance software solutions, reported revenues of £13.2 million and a pre-tax profit of £0.5 million for the fiscal year ending 31 December 2024.

Despite this successful exit, Caledonian Holdings continues to face financial challenges marked by ongoing losses and negative cash flow. The company benefits from having no debt, but limited revenue growth and weak valuation metrics present ongoing risks. Recent efforts to increase share capital signal potential for growth, yet the company’s outlook remains uncertain without clear earnings guidance or positive technical indicators.

About Caledonian Holdings PLC

Caledonian Holdings PLC is an investment firm listed on AIM, concentrating on opportunities within the financial services sector.

Brave Bison (LSE:BBSN) has made significant strides towards its strategic objectives during the first five months of 2025, completing four key acquisitions that strengthen its foothold in the marketing and technology sectors. Among these, Engage Digital Partners, Builtvisible, and The Fifth have broadened Brave Bison’s expertise in sports marketing, performance marketing, and influencer marketing. The upcoming acquisition of MiniMBA, expected to finalize in July 2025, represents the company’s largest deal so far and will introduce a new skills and capabilities division. This transaction is backed by a £13.5 million capital raise, with MiniMBA’s founder, Mark Ritson, joining as a strategic investor.

Brave Bison’s growth outlook is underpinned by these acquisitions and strategic collaborations, enhancing its competitive position and future potential. While technical analysis indicates strong upward momentum, there are minor overbought signals suggesting cautious optimism. The company maintains solid financial health but needs continued revenue growth to sustain its progress.

About Brave Bison

Brave Bison is a global marketing and technology partner supporting brands across eight countries, including the UK, India, Australia, and Egypt. The company delivers performance-driven digital marketing and advertising technology via its brands Brave Bison, SocialChain, and Sport & Entertainment. It leverages proprietary platforms such as AudienceGPT and AdStudio to optimize campaigns and collaborates with major digital platforms like Google, Meta, and TikTok. SocialChain specializes in creative and social strategies, while the Sport & Entertainment division partners with international sports federations to shape digital initiatives.

Ascent Resources Plc (LSE:AST) has successfully restarted production at four wells located in the Wolf Point area of Utah after installing a new pressure gathering system. Initial output levels have exceeded the company’s projections, and additional efforts are underway to reactivate more wells, underscoring Ascent’s commitment to maximizing the efficiency of its current asset base.

About Ascent Resources

Ascent Resources Plc is an oil and gas company focused on exploring and producing hydrocarbons, with key operations in regions such as Utah and Colorado. The firm prioritizes enhancing production from existing wells to drive operational growth.

Eurasia Mining PLC (LSE:EUA) has announced the appointment of SPARK Advisory Partners Limited as its new Nominated Adviser, with OAK Securities stepping in to replace SP Angel as the company’s brokers. The firm is also approaching the final stages of securing a dual listing on the Astana International Exchange, with trading expected to begin shortly after the release of its 2024 annual results.

This development represents a key milestone in Eurasia Mining’s broader strategy to expand its market presence and accelerate growth.

About Eurasia Mining

Eurasia Mining PLC is a mining company specializing in the extraction of precious metals such as iridium, osmium, palladium, platinum, rhodium, ruthenium, and gold.

Seeing Machines Limited (LSE:SEE) has kicked off a six-week pilot of its Guardian Generation 3 aftermarket solution, partnering with Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, Inc. This collaboration aims to strengthen sales across the Americas by leveraging Mitsubishi’s established customer network. The pilot represents a key move to enhance vehicle safety technology and unlock growth opportunities in the highly competitive US connected vehicle market.

While Seeing Machines faces financial challenges including high leverage and negative cash flow, the company’s strategic partnerships and insider confidence provide a positive outlook amid an otherwise volatile environment.

About Seeing Machines

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Australia, Seeing Machines is a global leader in AI-driven vision monitoring systems. Their technology improves transport safety by delivering real-time insights into vehicle operator behavior and is deployed in sectors such as Automotive, Commercial Fleets, Off-road, and Aviation across markets in Australia, the USA, Europe, and Asia.

Dekel Agri-Vision Plc (LSE:DKL) has successfully closed an oversubscribed fundraising round, generating gross proceeds of £2.33 million. The raise attracted strong support from both Subscribing Directors and institutional investors, with shares issued at a 37.5% discount to the prevailing market price.

The capital injection will be directed towards advancing the company’s strategic projects. Following shareholder approval at the forthcoming General Meeting, the new shares are set to begin trading on AIM.

About Dekel Agri-Vision

Dekel Agri-Vision Plc is an agriculture-focused company operating in West Africa, committed to building a sustainable and diversified portfolio of farming projects.

Mindflair plc (LSE:MFAI) has released its audited financial results for the year ending 31 December 2024, revealing a substantial rise in net asset value to £10.79 million, fueled largely by increased valuations in its investments, notably Infinite Reality. The company recorded a pre-tax profit of £3.16 million, marking a significant recovery from the previous year’s loss.

During the period, Mindflair divested its holdings in Getvisibility, generating proceeds of £2.6 million, and made several strategic investments in emerging AI companies. This financial update highlights Mindflair’s commitment to advancing its portfolio in artificial intelligence and strengthening its financial foundation, positioning it favorably for future growth.

About Mindflair plc

Mindflair plc is an investment firm specializing in next-generation technologies, with a particular emphasis on AI-driven transformation of traditional sectors. The company supports its portfolio both directly and indirectly, including stakes in funds managed by Sure Valley Ventures and Sure Ventures plc.