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U.S. stock futures fell Friday as fresh trade tensions weighed on sentiment. President Trump’s surprise move to impose steep new tariffs on Canadian goods raised concerns about broader global trade disruptions. Meanwhile, Nvidia crossed a $4 trillion market cap, and Bitcoin surged to record highs, driven by strong institutional demand.

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1. Trump Imposes 35% Tariff on Canadian Imports

President Donald Trump escalated trade tensions late Thursday, announcing a 35% tariff on all Canadian imports effective August 1. This marks a sharp increase from the current 25%. Trump warned that the rate could rise if Canada retaliates.

Goods under the USMCA trade agreement will remain exempt, as will the 10% tariff on Canadian energy and fertilizer. Trump also signaled possible 15% to 20% blanket tariffs on other trading partners. Recent measures have already hit countries like Japan, South Korea, and included a 50% tariff on copper.

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2. U.S. Futures Drop on Trade Anxiety

Markets pulled back from recent highs in response to the tariff announcement. As of 03:20 ET (07:20 GMT):

• S&P 500 futures fell 26 points (-0.4%)
• Nasdaq 100 futures were down 42 points (-0.2%)
• Dow futures dropped 200 points (-0.5%)

Despite strong closes Thursday, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reaching record highs, the new trade risks have unsettled investors. For the week, gains remain modest, with the Dow flat and both the S&P and Nasdaq up less than 1%.

Attention is now turning to whether Trump will target the European Union next. EU officials are pushing to reach a deal before the August 1 deadline.

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3. Nvidia Tops $4 Trillion Market Cap

Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) made history Thursday, becoming the first company to close above a $4 trillion market cap, finishing the session at $4.004 trillion. The stock is now up 89% since April lows, fueled by relentless demand for AI technology.

“This is the first reinvention of computing since the 1960s,” said CEO Jensen Huang on MSNBC, highlighting the company’s pivotal role in the AI revolution.

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4. Bitcoin Soars Past $118,000

Bitcoin rallied to a new all-time high Friday, reaching $118,320 before easing to $117,670, up 5.6% on the day. The surge is driven by strong institutional interest and favorable crypto policy under the Trump administration.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs brought in $1.18 billion in net inflows Thursday, marking six straight days of gains. Total ETF trading volume reached $6.3 billion, the highest since May.

In a further boost to sentiment, a top Chinese regulator held strategy talks this week on stablecoin and digital currency policy—an indication of a potential shift in China’s crypto stance.

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5. Oil Rises on Sanctions Speculation

Oil prices edged higher on speculation that the U.S. may impose new sanctions on Russia.

• Brent crude rose 0.4% to $68.94
• WTI crude gained 0.6% to $66.96

Still, gains were limited by ongoing concerns over global demand and increased OPEC+ production. Both benchmarks dropped over 2% on Thursday amid fears that new tariffs could hamper global economic growth.

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.

Arc Minerals Ltd (LSE:ARCM) has finalized a binding settlement agreement with Avanti Gold Corporation and Regency Mining Ltd to resolve an outstanding receivable of USD 1.25 million. The agreement establishes a cash payment schedule with amounts varying depending on payment timing, providing a timely boost to Arc Minerals’ liquidity through 2026. This settlement follows constructive discussions and supports the company’s ongoing strategy to optimize cash management.

About Arc Minerals

Arc Minerals Ltd is a mining company focused on acquiring and developing mineral resources. Its key projects include the Misisi gold project located in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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.

abrdn European Logistics Income PLC (LSE:ASLI) has completed the sale of two multi-tenant warehouses in Germany for around €66.5 million, achieving a 10% premium compared to their valuation at the end of Q1 2025. This transaction aligns with the company’s ongoing managed wind-down plan, which involves divesting assets and returning net proceeds to shareholders. The firm is also in advanced talks to dispose of fifteen additional properties, with a second capital distribution anticipated by mid-August 2025. These asset sales will naturally reduce future income streams, likely leading to lower dividend payments going forward.

The company’s outlook is mixed, with steady yet historically fluctuating financial performance. Technical indicators reveal some positive momentum, although signs of overbought conditions persist. Valuation metrics remain elevated, highlighted by a high price-to-earnings ratio, while the dividend yield continues to offer some appeal. Recent corporate developments underscore strategic shifts that could influence future earnings and distributions.

About abrdn European Logistics Income PLC

abrdn European Logistics Income PLC specializes in investing across a broad portfolio of logistics real estate in Europe. The company targets high-quality warehouse properties situated in economically robust regions to benefit from increasing demand for modern logistics infrastructure.

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.

Accesso Technology Group PLC (LSE:ACSO) has updated its revenue forecast for the first half of 2025, anticipating results at the lower range of prior guidance due to softer attendance figures at key venues. Nevertheless, the company remains confident in maintaining its cash EBITDA margin targets and is focusing efforts on delivering robust performance during the pivotal summer season. Renewal talks are ongoing with a major client, which will influence gross profit from 2026 onwards, though improved terms on other contracts demonstrate solid customer relationships. Additionally, Accesso reports an expanding sales pipeline and a higher commercial win rate, marked by significant new client acquisitions that indicate positive momentum for the remainder of the year.

Accesso Technology’s strong financial results and corporate developments contribute positively to its stock rating. However, mixed technical signals and a moderate valuation—driven by a lack of dividend payments and a relatively high price-to-earnings ratio—moderate investor enthusiasm. The company’s strategic initiatives, including a share repurchase program, underline confidence in its future growth trajectory.

About Accesso Technology Group

Accesso Technology Group PLC specializes in technology solutions tailored for the leisure, entertainment, and cultural sectors. The company’s offerings include advanced ticketing, point-of-sale, virtual queuing, distribution, and experience management software designed to enhance guest experiences and boost revenue for venue operators. Serving over 1,200 locations across 33 countries, Accesso leverages data-driven insights to optimize operations and improve customer satisfaction.

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.

Polar Capital Holdings (LSE:POLR) announced an 8% increase in its Assets under Management (AuM), climbing from £21.4 billion to £23.2 billion in the quarter ending June 2025. This growth was fueled by positive fund performance and favorable market conditions, despite net outflows and a capital return following a tender offer by the Polar Capital Global Financials Trust. The company saw net inflows into funds such as Artificial Intelligence and Asian Stars, while experiencing outflows from its Technology fund. The successful tender offer marked the beginning of a new five-year term for the Global Financials Trust, which has seen notable net asset value growth over the last five years. Polar Capital remains confident in its long-term outlook, highlighting strong fund capacity and improving relative performance.

Financially, Polar Capital holds a strong position with solid profitability and a healthy balance sheet. However, recent declines in revenue and slower cash flow growth, alongside weak technical signals, indicate some potential headwinds. The stock’s undervaluation combined with an attractive dividend yield offers some offsetting appeal, making it a balanced consideration for investors.

About Polar Capital Holdings

Polar Capital Holdings plc is an active specialist asset manager focused on delivering diverse investment solutions. Operating across open-ended funds, investment trusts, and segregated mandates, the company emphasizes active management to achieve strong investment outcomes within the financial services sector.

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.

Petro Matad Limited (LSE:MATD) has successfully raised approximately £2.84 million through a combination of share placing and subscription. The capital will be directed towards lowering operating expenses and conducting cost-effective testing at key wells, including Heron-1, Heron-2, Gazelle-1, and Gobi Bear-1. A portion of the funds will also support the company’s SunSteppe Renewable Energy joint venture and further exploration activities within Block VII. These investments are intended to accelerate project development, boost production capacity, and create greater value for shareholders.

About Petro Matad

Petro Matad is a Mongolia-based oil exploration company holding full working interest and operatorship in two Production Sharing Contracts with the Mongolian government. These contracts cover Block XX in the country’s far east and Block V in the central western region, focusing on oil resource development and production.

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.

Premier Miton Group PLC (LSE:PMI) has reported a slight dip in Assets under Management (AuM), totaling £10.5 billion as of June 30, 2025, down from £10.7 billion a year earlier. Despite net outflows of £173 million, the firm recorded strong investment performance, with more than 70% of its funds outperforming the median benchmark. The company noted reduced withdrawals from its UK equity funds alongside robust returns from its European equity strategy. Additionally, the recent acquisition of a new institutional mandate and ongoing negotiations for another are expected to bolster future asset inflows. Market uncertainty driven by US tariff policies and tensions in the Middle East has impacted investor sentiment, though signs of stabilization may improve business prospects.

Premier Miton’s outlook reflects a blend of challenges and strengths. While revenue and profit pressures persist, the company’s solid cash flow and healthy balance sheet provide resilience. Technical indicators point to possible overbought levels, and valuation metrics suggest the shares may be priced above fair value despite an attractive dividend yield. Recent positive corporate developments help offset some financial and valuation concerns.

About Premier Asset Management

Premier Miton Investors specializes in delivering strong investment returns across a broad spectrum of strategies, including equities, fixed income, multi-asset, and absolute return funds.

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.

Solvonis Therapeutics plc (LSE:SVNS) has received a £1 million capital injection from its major shareholders to fast-track its AI-enhanced drug discovery efforts. The funding will specifically support the development of treatments targeting major depressive disorder and stimulant use disorder. This investment strengthens Solvonis’ capacity to identify and validate promising early-stage candidates, aiming to meet growing global demand for innovative therapies in these expanding markets.

About Solvonis Therapeutics PLC

Solvonis Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company headquartered in London, listed on the London Stock Exchange’s main market. The company focuses on creating novel treatments for addiction and mental health conditions. Its pipeline includes repurposed and new compounds addressing high-need neuropsychiatric disorders such as Alcohol Use Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, with an emphasis on co-occurring and underserved mental health challenges.

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.

Allergy Therapeutics (LSE:AGY) has granted 250,674,403 warrants to subscribe for new ordinary shares in connection with a £50 million loan facility arranged with SkyGem Acquisition Limited and Southern Fox Investments Limited. As part of the facility drawdown of £10 million, these warrants were issued to support the company’s financial strategy. Additionally, 674,403 warrants were issued to Hayfin Healthcare Opportunities LuxCo S.a.r.l. to address anti-dilution provisions.

This issuance forms a key component of Allergy Therapeutics’ approach to managing its debt obligations, although it may lead to an increase in the company’s share capital, potentially affecting market dynamics.

Despite ongoing financial challenges heavily influencing its stock outlook, technical indicators point to some upward momentum. Recent positive corporate developments offer a degree of optimism for future growth, though valuation concerns persist given the company’s negative earnings.

About Allergy Therapeutics

Allergy Therapeutics is a UK-based international biotech firm specializing in the development and distribution of aluminium-free immunotherapy vaccines aimed at treating allergic diseases. The company markets its products across nine major European countries and maintains licensing agreements in an additional ten territories.

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.

Westminster Group Plc (LSE:WSG) has secured a £500,000 credit facility from strategic investor Pantheon A Family Office Limited to support its expansion plans and upcoming projects. The facility is unsecured, interest-free, and structured as short-term financing with a one-year maturity, offering the company greater financial flexibility.

In addition, Westminster has amended the conversion price on its Convertible Loan Notes, reducing it from 3p to 2p per share. This adjustment translates into an annual interest cost saving of £100,000, further strengthening the company’s financial position. These developments demonstrate Pantheon’s continued confidence in Westminster’s growth trajectory within the security services sector.

About Westminster Group Plc

Westminster Group Plc is a global provider of integrated security solutions, specializing in advanced technology for surveillance, detection, tracking, and interception. The company delivers long-term managed security services to airports, ports, and other critical infrastructure, complemented by consultancy, manpower, and training offerings. Its client base includes governments, NGOs, and leading commercial enterprises operating in high-growth and emerging markets worldwide.

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.