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Oil prices dipped sharply during Asian trading on Friday, reversing some of their recent gains after the White House announced that President Donald Trump will take two more weeks to decide on whether to intervene in the escalating Iran-Israel conflict.

Despite this pullback, crude remains on track for a third consecutive week of gains, as ongoing tensions in the Middle East continue to raise concerns over potential disruptions to global oil supply. Market sentiment has been supported by data revealing a significant drawdown in U.S. crude inventories, signaling tighter fuel supplies in the world’s largest consumer.

By 21:20 ET (01:20 GMT), Brent crude futures for August delivery fell 1.9% to $77.33 per barrel. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures, which did not trade Thursday due to a U.S. holiday, climbed 0.8% to $74.07 a barrel.

Trump to Decide on Military Action Within Two Weeks

The White House clarified that President Trump will make a final call on potential military action against Iran within the next two weeks. The announcement eased fears of an imminent U.S. strike, especially following reports of preparations for such a move.

A U.S. military intervention would mark a major escalation, with Iran warning strongly against any attack. Nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran collapsed last week after Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s nuclear sites, with the conflict now entering its eighth day.

Attention remains on the possibility of further Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, particularly the Fordow enrichment plant, Iran’s largest.

Oil Markets Eye Third Straight Week of Gains

Brent and WTI futures were set to finish the week with gains between 3.5% and 4%, marking a third consecutive week of rising prices. Last week alone saw crude surge nearly 12%, primarily following Israel’s strikes on Iran.

The market remains concerned about potential supply disruptions from Iran, OPEC’s third-largest oil producer. Additionally, further U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil exports are seen as a risk amid the conflict.

Beyond geopolitical tensions, the recent drop of over 10 million barrels in U.S. crude inventories has further supported prices. With summer travel demand picking up, expectations for increased fuel consumption in the world’s top oil user are also boosting market sentiment.

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) is reportedly engaging with Indian companies to locally produce the manufacturing equipment needed for assembling its flagship iPhone devices in India, according to a report by Business Standard. This move is part of Apple’s broader strategy to expand its production footprint in India.

The California-based tech giant aims to source manufacturing tools domestically and supply them to its Indian contract manufacturers, a development confirmed by a senior official from India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Apple has previously announced ambitious plans to scale up iPhone production in India, partly in response to escalating U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made products.

While Apple continues to maintain manufacturing operations in China, it has expressed intentions to eventually produce all iPhones sold in the U.S. market through its Indian facilities. The effort to procure production equipment locally also reflects Apple’s strategic shift away from reliance on China, which has traditionally dominated the supply of capital equipment for iPhone manufacturing.

India’s role as an iPhone production hub has grown steadily, with major manufacturers such as Foxconn, Pegatron, and Tata Electronics significantly increasing output over recent years. Foxconn, Apple’s largest supplier, plans to invest $1.5 billion in a new components factory in Tamil Nadu, underscoring the country’s rising importance in Apple’s supply chain.

Central Asia Metals PLC (LSE:CAML) has updated its offer to acquire New World Resources Limited, raising the bid to A$0.053 per share and valuing NWR at around A$197 million. Alongside this improved proposal, CAML has included an off-market takeover offer and a conditional A$10 million placement to back the advancement of NWR’s Antler Project, which is progressing ahead of schedule.

The board of New World Resources has recommended that shareholders accept the revised offer, which aligns with Central Asia Metals’ broader strategy to expand its asset base and boost production capacity.

CAML’s outlook remains positive, supported by strong financial results and attractive valuation metrics. While technical indicators show room for further growth, some caution is advised due to momentum signals approaching overbought levels.

About Central Asia Metals

Central Asia Metals PLC specializes in the base metals industry, focusing on acquiring and developing metal assets that increase production and enhance cash flow. The company pursues strategic investments aimed at sustaining long-term growth and strengthening its market position.

ValiRx (LSE:VAL) has announced that Ambrose Healthcare has exercised its option to license VAL401 from ValiSeek Limited, in a deal worth £16 million plus ongoing royalties. This milestone enables the continued development and commercialization of VAL401, a repurposed form of Risperidone with promising anticancer properties.

The partnership with Ambrose Healthcare, a specialist pharmaceutical firm, is focused on advancing treatments for rare conditions such as pancreatic cancer. This collaboration highlights ValiRx’s commitment to pioneering innovative therapies and is expected to strengthen its position in the oncology sector while expanding potential applications across various cancer types.

About ValiRx plc

ValiRx is a life sciences company dedicated to early-stage cancer therapeutics and women’s health. Its mission is to accelerate the translation of cutting-edge scientific research into effective medicines. By integrating multiple disciplines and streamlining drug development, ValiRx reduces costs and expedites clinical progress. The company’s lead drug candidates are typically outlicensed or partnered for further development and market introduction.

Record plc (LSE:REC) has released its annual results for the year ended 31 March 2025, showcasing resilience and strategic advancement during a period of executive transition. Despite a modest decrease in revenue and assets under management, the company delivered an increase in earnings per share and raised its dividend—highlighting effective financial stewardship.

Looking ahead, Record is positioning itself for long-term growth through innovation and product diversification. Recent initiatives include the launch of new investment pillars and the introduction of pioneering offerings such as the world’s first Sharia-compliant Deep Tier Supply Chain Finance fund. These developments reflect a forward-looking strategy aimed at strengthening the company’s market standing and enhancing value for shareholders.

Supported by strong profitability, stable cash flows, and a generous dividend yield, Record continues to be viewed favorably by investors. Technical indicators suggest steady upward momentum, and recent corporate milestones reinforce the firm’s outlook as a competitive and evolving asset manager.

About Record plc

Record plc is a specialist asset management firm known for its expertise in currency hedging solutions for institutional clients. Expanding beyond its core currency services, the firm now offers strategies in risk management, absolute return, and private market investments—positioning itself as a diversified, risk-conscious alternative asset manager.

Fresnillo plc (LSE:FRES) has released its 2024 Report on Payments to Governments, detailing its financial contributions across the jurisdictions in which it operates. In compliance with UK disclosure regulations, the company reported total payments of $79.4 million, the majority of which were made in Mexico. These payments include taxes, royalties, and fees related to licenses and concessions.

This annual disclosure reflects Fresnillo’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance—factors that may positively influence stakeholder trust and the company’s broader reputation.

Fresnillo continues to show solid financial health, supported by encouraging earnings discussions, strategic cost management, and strong production performance. However, valuation concerns—highlighted by a high price-to-earnings ratio and overbought technical signals—suggest a need for careful navigation of ongoing operational challenges to maintain momentum.

About Fresnillo plc

Fresnillo plc is a prominent mining company specializing in the discovery, development, and extraction of precious metals. With core operations in Mexico and additional interests in Peru and Chile, Fresnillo is recognized for its leadership in the silver and gold mining sectors, underpinned by a focus on responsible and sustainable resource development.

SkinBioTherapeutics plc (LSE:SBTX) has announced the successful completion of a £4.2 million capital raise through a combined Placing, Subscription, and WRAP Retail Offer. A total of 24,704,836 new Ordinary Shares were issued at a price of 17 pence per share. The new shares are expected to begin trading on AIM by 24 June 2025, increasing the company’s total issued share capital and voting rights.

The funds raised will be used to advance SkinBioTherapeutics’ operational and strategic goals as it continues to develop and commercialize its innovative skin health solutions. While current financial metrics and technical indicators reflect challenges, this positive corporate development signals renewed investor confidence and potential for future growth.

About SkinBioTherapeutics plc

SkinBioTherapeutics plc is a biotechnology company focused on improving skin health through science-driven innovation. Operating at the intersection of consumer wellness and healthcare, the company develops microbiome-based products that address a range of skin conditions, serving both retail and medical markets.

Helix Exploration PLC (LSE:HEX) has announced major operational milestones, including the successful drilling of its Darwin #1 well and the acquisition of a Xebec PSA gas processing unit—advancing its helium production capacity. These developments are part of a broader strategic push that includes a dual listing on the OTCQB Venture Market in the U.S. and the securing of funding for additional drilling activity.

With helium demand continuing to rise amid global supply constraints and geopolitical uncertainty, Helix is positioning itself as a reliable domestic supplier to the U.S. market. The company’s Montana-based operations are expected to generate significant pre-tax cash flow—potentially up to $20 million annually—underscoring its role as a disruptive force in the helium industry.

About Helix Exploration PLC

Helix Exploration PLC is a helium-focused exploration and production company operating in the ‘Montana Helium Fairway’, a key geological region for helium resources. The company’s flagship Rudyard Project in northern Montana is designed to supply critical helium for industries such as medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing, and aerospace. By concentrating on domestic production, Helix aims to offer a stable, secure helium supply that is less vulnerable to international disruptions.

Berkeley Group Holdings (LSE:BKG) has announced solid financial results for the year ending April 2025, reporting a pre-tax profit of £528.9 million despite a challenging economic backdrop. These results underscore the resilience of the company’s business model and the momentum behind its long-term growth strategy, Berkeley 2035.

Central to this strategy is a commitment to enhancing long-term shareholder value through strategic land investment and expansion of its Build to Rent portfolio. Notably, 92% of homes delivered during the period were built on brownfield land, aligning closely with UK government housing priorities and underscoring Berkeley’s role in sustainable urban development.

The company has continued to make headway in planning and site acquisition, securing important consents and new development opportunities. Sustainability remains a key focus, with active initiatives underway to boost biodiversity and reduce carbon emissions across its projects.

While valuation metrics and financial strength remain strong, technical indicators appear neutral. The lack of earnings call commentary leaves some room for interpretation regarding short-term momentum.

About The Berkeley Group Holdings

The Berkeley Group is a leading UK residential developer, specializing in the transformation of complex brownfield sites into vibrant, sustainable communities. With a focus on cities such as London, Birmingham, and the South East, Berkeley is known for its expertise in urban regeneration, contributing high-quality homes while prioritizing environmental responsibility and community impact.

Cykel AI (LSE:CYK) has announced a robust 68.4% increase in its monthly recurring revenue, fueled by rising demand for its autonomous AI recruitment agent, Lucy. This growth marks a key milestone in the company’s accelerating commercial trajectory, with over 500 product demonstrations delivered and a major enterprise agreement secured with Transpharmation.

In addition to expanding its portfolio of AI-driven digital workers, Cykel AI has introduced a Bitcoin Treasury Reserve Strategy—further signaling its forward-looking approach and reinforcing its position as a pioneer in the AI agent space. These developments highlight the growing acceptance of AI-driven automation in enterprise environments.

About Cykel AI

Cykel AI develops autonomous digital workers capable of handling sophisticated business functions without direct human intervention. Built on the company’s proprietary TaskOS platform, its suite of AI agents includes Lucy for talent acquisition, Samson for research tasks, and Eve for sales operations. Designed to collaborate with human teams, these digital agents enable businesses to scale efficiently and innovate across core functions.