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  • FTSE 100 advances as weak U.S. jobs data boosts rate-cut hopes and Iran talks remain on hold

    FTSE 100 advances as weak U.S. jobs data boosts rate-cut hopes and Iran talks remain on hold

    UK equities moved higher on Friday after weaker-than-expected U.S. labour market data reinforced expectations that the Federal Reserve could take a less aggressive approach to interest rates. With U.S. markets closed for the Independence Day holiday, lighter trading volumes were also expected to increase volatility during the European afternoon.

    The FTSE 100 gained 0.29% by 03:23 ET (07:23 GMT). Germany’s DAX rose 0.75%, while France’s CAC 40 added 0.30%. Sterling strengthened 0.16% against the U.S. dollar to $1.3367. U.S. exchanges remained closed for the holiday, leaving European markets with reduced liquidity.

    The U.S. economy created 57,000 nonfarm payroll jobs in June, well below economists’ expectations of 113,000. Employment figures for April and May were also revised lower, reinforcing signs of a cooling labour market.

    Although the unemployment rate edged down to 4.2%, the decline was largely attributed to lower labour force participation rather than stronger hiring. Meanwhile, wage growth matched market forecasts.

    Negotiations between the United States and Iran have been temporarily suspended ahead of the state funeral of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose body arrived at Tehran’s Grand Mosalla complex early on Friday.

    Official ceremonies are due to run from 4 July through 9 July, with Iranian officials expecting between 15 million and 20 million mourners to attend.

    Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan said discussions would resume “at the earliest possible time” once the commemorations have concluded. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard leadership also warned the U.S. and Israel against carrying out military action during the funeral procession, while Washington confirmed that a second Marine unit of more than 2,000 personnel has been deployed to the region.

    Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz continued to recover, reaching at least 258 vessel movements last week compared with 138 the previous week. However, traffic remains well below pre-conflict levels of around 130 ships per day.

    Prime minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham told LBC’s Andrew Marr that he would increase business rates on large out-of-town warehouses to help finance a 20% reduction in business rates for high street retailers.

    “I believe there is a case for higher business rates on warehouses,” he said, adding that he remained committed to Labour’s 2024 manifesto pledges on income tax, VAT and national insurance. Burnham also declined to identify his preferred chancellor before his expected confirmation on 20 July.

    In commodity markets, Brent crude rose 0.32% to $72.03 per barrel, while WTI crude gained 0.10% to $68.76. Gold prices climbed sharply as the weaker dollar boosted demand, with gold futures rising 1.39% to $4,183.65 an ounce and spot gold advancing 1.13% to $4,170.36.

  • Craneware warns FY26 results will miss expectations as 340B delays weigh on growth (CRW)

    Craneware warns FY26 results will miss expectations as 340B delays weigh on growth (CRW)

    Craneware (LSE:CRW) has warned that its financial results for the year ended 30 June 2026 are expected to come in below market forecasts, with revenue projected at between US$205 million and US$208 million and adjusted EBITDA of US$65 million to US$67 million. Both figures are broadly in line with the previous year. The company attributed the weaker-than-expected performance to delays in eligible 340B drug-related activity and the postponement of several large enterprise contracts into the 2027 financial year, despite maintaining strong customer retention, healthy demand and robust cash generation.

    According to management, trading in the final months of the year was affected by slower conversion of identified 340B opportunities into recognised revenue after pharmaceutical manufacturers introduced and implemented tighter restrictions on the supply of certain medicines under the 340B programme. The board said the issue reflects timing rather than a deterioration in underlying demand, highlighting continued growth in demand for its technology-enabled operational transformation services. Craneware believes its increasing focus on helping healthcare providers realise, rather than simply identify, financial opportunities will strengthen its long-term strategic position in the evolving US healthcare sector.

    Craneware’s outlook continues to be supported by strong financial fundamentals, including high gross margins and low leverage. However, weaker technical indicators, with the shares trading below major moving averages, create some near-term uncertainty. Valuation remains moderately supportive, with the stock trading on a price-to-earnings ratio of around 22.6 and offering a dividend yield of approximately 2.43%.

    More about Craneware

    Craneware is a healthcare technology company providing financial and operational performance solutions to hospitals and health systems, primarily across the United States. Its Trisus cloud platform combines data, revenue intelligence, margin intelligence and advanced analytics to help healthcare providers improve financial performance, operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

    The company combines healthcare expertise with AI-enabled workflows and a strategic partnership with Microsoft to develop advanced solutions, including the Trisus Chargemaster platform. By integrating technology with operational insight, Craneware aims to help healthcare organisations navigate increasingly complex financial and regulatory environments while improving long-term outcomes.

  • Amaroq plans move from AIM to the London Stock Exchange Main Market (AMRQ)

    Amaroq plans move from AIM to the London Stock Exchange Main Market (AMRQ)

    Amaroq Ltd. (LSE:AMRQ) has announced plans to transfer its listing from London’s AIM market to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange, with its shares expected to join the Financial Conduct Authority’s Equity Shares (Commercial Companies) segment, subject to regulatory approval. The company does not intend to issue new shares or raise additional capital as part of the transition, instead moving its existing AIM-listed shares to the Main Market. Once the transfer is completed, trading in the shares on AIM will cease, a move that could increase Amaroq’s visibility and broaden its appeal to institutional investors.

    The listing change is expected to become effective no earlier than 31 July 2026 and will coincide with the cancellation of the company’s AIM admission. The transition does not require shareholder approval under the applicable regulations. Management said the decision reflects the progress the company has made operationally and supports its long-term growth strategy, with a Main Market listing expected to provide a stronger platform for future expansion. Shareholders have been encouraged to seek professional advice on how the change may affect their holdings and trading arrangements.

    More about Amaroq Ltd.

    Amaroq Ltd. is a mineral exploration and development company focused on gold and strategic metals in southern Greenland. Its flagship asset is the wholly owned Nalunaq Gold Mine, complemented by an extensive exploration portfolio spanning Greenland’s two recognised gold belts. The company is also advancing projects such as Stendalen and the Sava Copper Belt, targeting commodities including copper, nickel, rare earth elements and other critical minerals.

  • MedPal AI raises £5 million to expand care-home platform and support oral Wegovy launch (MPAL)

    MedPal AI raises £5 million to expand care-home platform and support oral Wegovy launch (MPAL)

    MedPal AI (LSE:MPAL) has raised approximately £5.0 million through a discounted share placing priced at 3.5 pence per share. The fundraising also includes the issue of additional shares to settle certain fees, increasing the company’s total issued share capital to almost 770 million shares. Backed by existing institutional investors and new participants, the proceeds are expected to strengthen working capital while supporting record NHS dispensing volumes handled through the group’s low-cost robotic pharmacy distribution hub.

    A significant portion of the new funding will be used to acquire Solid State Technologies, a profitable provider of electronic medicines administration record (eMAR) software. The acquisition is intended to complete MedPal AI’s integrated care-home medication platform, covering the full process from prescribing through to medicines reconciliation. The company also plans to invest up to approximately £3.0 million to secure product inventory and attract patients ahead of the UK launch of oral Wegovy, while expanding its senior marketing team to accelerate growth in its private weight-loss business. The strategy is centred on three core growth areas: NHS pharmacy services, care-home technology and GLP-1 weight management.

    More about MedPal AI Plc

    MedPal AI Plc is a UK-based digital healthcare and artificial intelligence company specialising in pharmacy services, medication management for care homes and subscription-based weight-loss clinics. The group operates an integrated platform that combines robotic NHS prescription dispensing, electronic medicines administration record software and private GLP-1 obesity treatment services for patients in the UK and international markets.

  • Strategic Minerals wins approval for major Redmoor drilling programme in Cornwall (SML)

    Strategic Minerals wins approval for major Redmoor drilling programme in Cornwall (SML)

    Strategic Minerals (LSE:SML) has received planning approval from Cornwall Council to substantially expand drilling activities at its Redmoor tungsten, tin and copper project. The approval allows the company to deploy additional drill rigs and continue exploration for up to three years, with operations currently scheduled to run through the second quarter of 2027. The planned 22,500-metre programme will comprise at least 44 drill holes and is described by the company as the largest continuous diamond drilling campaign undertaken in Cornwall and across Great Britain this century.

    The expanded exploration programme is intended to upgrade existing mineral resources, evaluate additional exploration targets and generate data for geotechnical, metallurgical and hydrogeological studies. The work is expected to accelerate both pre-feasibility and feasibility studies while reducing the need for future drilling campaigns. Ongoing drilling has already intersected the full extent of the Redmoor Sheeted Vein System and mineralised granite zones, with additional daughter holes and extensive sample analysis planned to support metallurgical testing and future resource modelling. The company believes the programme could shorten the project’s development timeline and strengthen Redmoor’s position within Europe’s critical minerals supply chain.

    Strategic Minerals’ outlook reflects a combination of financial strengths and operational challenges. A strong balance sheet with relatively low debt provides stability, although profitability and free cash flow have remained inconsistent. Technical indicators suggest some near-term caution, with the shares trading below key short-term moving averages and a negative MACD reading. Valuation appears balanced, supported by a moderate price-to-earnings ratio, although the absence of a dividend limits additional investor appeal.

    More about Strategic Minerals plc

    Strategic Minerals plc is an international mining and exploration company focused on advancing the Redmoor tungsten, tin and copper project in Cornwall through its wholly owned subsidiary, Cornwall Resources Limited. The company is working to increase the project’s resource base and progress it through feasibility studies, with the aim of establishing Redmoor as a significant future source of tungsten and other critical minerals for the European market.

  • Alien Metals highlights expanded Pilbara drilling as GreenTech advances key projects (UFO)

    Alien Metals highlights expanded Pilbara drilling as GreenTech advances key projects (UFO)

    Alien Metals (LSE:UFO) has outlined new exploration activity planned by GreenTech Metals at the Munni Munni PGE-Cu-Ni and Whundo Cu-Zn-Au projects in Western Australia, where it holds a 30% joint venture interest alongside an equity stake of approximately 10% in GreenTech. The upcoming work is aimed at expanding resource knowledge and improving metallurgical understanding at the two projects, while complementing Alien’s primary focus on advancing its Hancock Iron Ore Project.

    GreenTech is preparing to begin drilling in late July after securing drilling contractors, with the programme supported by a government-funded Fixed-Loop Electromagnetic survey and a heritage survey scheduled for August to unlock additional drill targets along the Munni Munni basal contact. The campaign will include around 4,750 metres of reverse circulation drilling and 3,560 metres of diamond drilling, alongside updated resource modelling and copper-focused metallurgical studies. The work is expected to improve drill targeting, support a revised mineral resource estimate and contribute to early-stage development studies, potentially increasing Alien’s exposure to the copper and platinum group element markets.

    Alien Metals’ outlook remains constrained by its pre-revenue status, ongoing losses and persistent negative free cash flow. Technical indicators also point to generally weak market momentum, while valuation remains difficult to assess because of negative earnings and the absence of a dividend.

    More about Alien Metals Ltd

    Alien Metals Ltd is an AIM-listed mining exploration and development company focused on iron ore, precious metals and base metals projects in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. Its flagship Hancock Iron Ore Project hosts a JORC-compliant resource and is being advanced towards a potential 2Mtpa mining operation. The company also holds joint venture interests in the Munni Munni platinum group metals system and the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project, providing both direct project exposure and strategic equity interests in development partners.

  • Helix Exploration to acquire Keyes helium facility alongside £17.6m fundraising (HEX)

    Helix Exploration to acquire Keyes helium facility alongside £17.6m fundraising (HEX)

    Helix Exploration PLC (LSE:HEX) has agreed a conditional US$11 million acquisition of the Keyes Helium Complex in Oklahoma, one of only six operating helium liquefaction plants in the United States that is independent of the major industrial gas companies. The acquisition will enable Helix to liquefy helium produced from its Rudyard field, broaden access to international customers and generate additional revenue through third-party tolling services. The company said the asset has been acquired at an estimated 65% discount to replacement cost and already benefits from an established income stream.

    To finance the transaction and accelerate development at the Rudyard project, Helix has launched an institutional placing to raise up to £16 million at 22 pence per share, alongside a retail offer targeting up to £1.6 million. The proceeds will fund the acquisition of the Keyes facility and the drilling of four additional production wells at Rudyard. Major shareholder Drachs Investments has indicated its intention to invest around £7 million and will receive board representation, highlighting continued investor backing as helium prices strengthen and supply remains constrained across key US production regions.

    Helix Exploration’s outlook continues to be weighed down by its pre-revenue status, ongoing losses and increasing cash burn, although the company maintains a debt-free balance sheet. Strong technical momentum and an established upward share price trend provide some support, while valuation remains difficult to assess because of continued losses and the absence of a dividend.

    More about Helix Exploration Plc

    Helix Exploration PLC is a US-focused helium producer listed on AIM and the OTCQB market, currently producing raw helium from its Rudyard field. The company supplies helium to critical industries including medical imaging, semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace and other cryogenic applications, while positioning itself as an independent producer and liquefaction operator with integrated infrastructure.

    Through the acquisition and operation of strategically located liquefaction facilities, Helix aims to expand its access to global helium markets while capturing higher-value pricing opportunities across North America and Asia. Its business model also includes providing tolling services for third-party producers and aggregating helium from multiple fields to benefit from tightening global supply and declining legacy US production.

  • Quantum Blockchain secures court victory in Sipiem asset recovery case (QBT)

    Quantum Blockchain secures court victory in Sipiem asset recovery case (QBT)

    Quantum Blockchain Technologies’ (LSE:QBT) subsidiary, Clear Leisure 2017 Limited, has won a significant ruling from the Court of Biella after the court rejected a defendant’s appeal against enforcement proceedings involving a third property linked to the Sipiem case. The judgment confirms that enforcement action can continue, clearing the way for the judicial sale of the asset, which is valued at approximately €272,600 and has a minimum auction price of €204,450 ahead of its scheduled auction on 21 October 2026. The court also ordered the defendants to pay €5,800 towards legal costs.

    The decision removes another legal hurdle in CL2017’s efforts to recover a portion of the more than €6 million in damages previously awarded by the Venice Court of Appeal. The company is continuing enforcement proceedings against this property and two additional assets as part of a court-supervised liquidation process, marking further progress in converting legal awards into cash that could strengthen its financial position and support its blockchain research and development activities.

    Quantum Blockchain Technologies’ outlook remains constrained by weak financial performance, characterised by limited revenue, ongoing losses, negative equity and sustained cash outflows over several years. Technical indicators also remain unfavourable, with the shares trading below key moving averages and a negative MACD reading. Valuation offers little support, as the company’s negative price-to-earnings ratio reflects continued unprofitability and there is no dividend yield.

    More about Quantum Blockchain Technologies plc

    Quantum Blockchain Technologies plc is an AIM-listed research, development and investment company focused on advancing blockchain technologies, including cryptocurrency mining and related applications. The company is developing proprietary Bitcoin mining tools and techniques designed to improve mining efficiency and performance, with the aim of delivering technological advantages for miners and participants across the wider blockchain ecosystem.

  • United Oil & Gas raises £500,000 to advance Jamaica farm-out strategy (UOG)

    United Oil & Gas raises £500,000 to advance Jamaica farm-out strategy (UOG)

    United Oil & Gas (LSE:UOG) has completed a £500,000 share placing through the issue of 250 million new ordinary shares at 0.20p each, representing a modest discount to the previous closing price. The fundraising was supported by two long-standing institutional investors and will provide additional working capital as the company progresses the farm-out process for its Walton-Morant exploration licence in Jamaica. Following the placing, the company’s issued share capital will increase to approximately 4.64 billion shares.

    The new shares are expected to be admitted to trading on AIM on or around 9 July 2026, after which the enlarged share capital will become the new basis for shareholder disclosure obligations under UK transparency rules. The fundraising also includes warrants issued to participating investors, exercisable at 0.28p for a period of six months. Management said the transaction strengthens the company’s financial position while demonstrating continued institutional support for its exploration strategy and future funding requirements.

    United Oil & Gas’s outlook remains constrained by weak financial performance, with no revenue, ongoing losses and renewed cash outflows during 2025. Technical indicators also remain negative, with the shares trading below key moving averages and exhibiting bearish momentum. Valuation offers little support given the company’s negative earnings and the absence of a dividend.

    More about United Oil & Gas Plc

    United Oil & Gas Plc is a London-listed oil and gas exploration and development company with a portfolio centred on a producing asset in the UK and the high-impact Walton-Morant exploration licence offshore Jamaica. Led by an experienced management team, the company aims to create value through portfolio optimisation, partnerships with established industry participants and selective acquisition opportunities.

  • Oracle Power raises £500,000 to accelerate gold and energy development plans (ORCP)

    Oracle Power raises £500,000 to accelerate gold and energy development plans (ORCP)

    Oracle Power PLC (LSE:ORCP) has secured £500,000 through a placing of 1.25 billion new ordinary shares at 0.04 pence each. The issue price represents a 20% discount to the previous closing share price but remains well above the level of the company’s last fundraising in August 2025. The proceeds will be used to advance its Australian gold assets, following the award of a mining lease for the Northern Zone Gold Project, while also supporting its energy projects in Pakistan and providing additional working capital. Admission of the new shares to AIM is expected on or around 9 July 2026.

    The fundraising provides additional financial support as Oracle advances towards potential gold production through its partnership with Riversgold Limited and its funding and production partner, while continuing to develop its energy portfolio in Pakistan. The enlarged share capital and updated voting rights also provide greater transparency for shareholders under UK disclosure requirements as the company works to move its gold operations closer to generating revenue.

    Oracle Power’s outlook remains constrained by weak financial performance, with the company continuing to report no revenue, ongoing losses and persistent cash outflows, although its relatively low debt position offers some balance sheet support. Technical indicators remain favourable, with the shares trading above major moving averages, but overbought momentum signals point to the possibility of increased short-term volatility. Valuation remains difficult to assess due to negative earnings and the absence of a dividend.

    More about Oracle Power PLC

    Oracle Power PLC is an AIM-listed international project developer with operations centred in Western Australia and Pakistan. The company is progressing a portfolio of energy projects in Pakistan, including plans for one of the region’s largest green hydrogen production facilities, while also advancing the Northern Zone Gold Project near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia as it seeks to expand its resource development activities.