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  • Anglo American delivers stable Q1 production while advancing copper-led strategy

    Anglo American delivers stable Q1 production while advancing copper-led strategy

    Anglo American (LSE:AAL) reported a steady operational performance in the first quarter, with copper production edging up 1% to 170,400 tonnes. Output of premium iron ore slipped by 2%, while manganese production more than doubled as operations recovered from earlier weather-related disruptions. Rough diamond production increased by 17%, despite softer pricing, whereas volumes of steelmaking coal and nickel declined. The group reaffirmed its 2026 production and unit cost guidance for continuing operations.

    Portfolio reshaping and Teck merger progress remain in focus

    The company continues to streamline its asset base, with management highlighting the return to normal production at Moranbah North and progress in the sale process for its steelmaking coal business. Plans to exit De Beers are also ongoing, reflecting continued weakness in diamond markets.

    Anglo American’s proposed merger with Teck remains on track, subject to final regulatory approval from Chinese authorities. The deal is expected to transform the group into a more copper-focused producer, increasing its exposure to metals critical for electrification and the global energy transition.

    Mixed outlook as operational strength meets financial and technical pressures

    While operational performance has been resilient, the broader outlook is weighed down by declining revenues and consecutive net losses. Market indicators also point to a weaker technical picture, with the shares trading below key moving averages and momentum signals remaining negative.

    Balancing these challenges, the company continues to generate solid cash flow and has outlined a more optimistic medium-term outlook, supported by cost-saving initiatives, deleveraging efforts and ongoing portfolio restructuring. However, guidance includes higher unit costs, and regulatory uncertainties—particularly around the Teck transaction—remain key considerations.

    More about Anglo American

    Anglo American is a globally diversified mining company with major operations spanning copper, premium iron ore, manganese, diamonds, steelmaking coal and nickel. The group is actively repositioning its portfolio toward future-facing commodities, with a particular emphasis on copper, while divesting assets such as diamonds and steelmaking coal to align with long-term demand for critical minerals.

  • Powerhouse Energy secures £260k battery contract as diversification gathers pace

    Powerhouse Energy secures £260k battery contract as diversification gathers pace

    Powerhouse Energy Group (LSE:PHE) has won a £260,000 contract with a battery developer in Wales to provide thermal processing expertise. The project will involve modifying test kilns to aid the development of advanced anode materials over an eight-month period. Notably, this is the company’s first revenue-generating engagement outside of its Engsolve division, signalling early commercial traction for its core technology offering.

    Ballymena project progresses toward permitting stage

    The company continues to advance its flagship waste-to-energy facility in Ballymena, with ongoing work across planning, environmental approvals and permitting. At the same time, waste feedstock from a preferred Northern Ireland supplier is being tested at its Bridgend site, helping to validate inputs and move the project closer to full approval and eventual revenue generation.

    International partnerships expand project pipeline

    Powerhouse is also growing its global footprint through partnerships and joint ventures. Its collaboration with Green Gecko is opening opportunities across the Middle East and Europe, including engagement with a Bahrain-based partner. In Australia, project developer NW2E is working toward securing grant funding in Western Australia, supported by Powerhouse’s technology and expertise.

    These initiatives are designed to transition early-stage prospects into fully financed developments, with lender due diligence playing a key role in progressing projects.

    Marketing efforts drive new opportunities in key regions

    Across Europe and the Caribbean, the company has entered into marketing agreements with HUI and a performance-based sales firm, helping generate new leads. Interest is particularly strong in regions reliant on diesel power, where waste-to-energy solutions can offer economic advantages. Early-stage feedstock testing in the Caribbean is already underway, providing technical validation for potential deployments.

    Structured pipeline supports long-term growth ambitions

    Powerhouse is currently managing around ten active enquiries, each moving through a structured evaluation process that includes non-disclosure agreements, technical analysis, site visits, waste testing and techno-economic studies. Management highlights a disciplined, long-term approach supported by ongoing business-to-business marketing, which continues to generate a steady pipeline of opportunities and strengthen the company’s positioning in the sector.

    Financial and technical headwinds persist

    Despite strategic and operational progress, the company’s outlook remains constrained by financial challenges, including ongoing losses, negative cash flow and declining revenues. Technical indicators also point to a weak trend, suggesting continued pressure on the share price. While recent developments demonstrate momentum, they have yet to fully offset these underlying risks.

    More about Powerhouse Energy

    Powerhouse Energy Group is a UK-based clean technology company focused on converting non-recyclable waste—such as plastics and end-of-life tyres—into syngas. This output can be used to produce hydrogen, electricity, heat and chemical feedstocks through a compact, low-residue process suited to distributed applications.

    The group also owns Engsolve Ltd, an engineering consultancy that provides services across multiple sectors, particularly in clean energy and emerging technologies. This combination allows Powerhouse to operate both as a technology innovator and a provider of engineering expertise within the waste-to-energy and low-carbon markets.

  • Premier African Minerals secures £1m funding as Zulu plant commissioning approaches

    Premier African Minerals secures £1m funding as Zulu plant commissioning approaches

    Premier African Minerals (LSE:PREM) has raised approximately £1 million before expenses through a direct subscription of new ordinary shares on AIM, with admission expected around 1 May 2026. The proceeds will be used to support the commissioning of the Xinhai flotation plant, meet operating costs and key creditor obligations at the Zulu Lithium project, and provide additional working capital.

    Zulu project advances toward second-quarter production milestone

    At the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project in Zimbabwe, development of the spodumene flotation plant and related upgrades is progressing steadily. Key infrastructure elements, including electrical switchgear and most cabling, have been installed, while piping and air systems are nearing completion.

    Commissioning and optimisation work across the crushing and milling circuits is already underway and remains on schedule for completion in the second quarter. This progress is expected to position Zulu to achieve stable production of high-quality spodumene concentrate.

    Financial and technical pressures continue to weigh on outlook

    Despite operational progress, the company’s outlook remains constrained by ongoing financial challenges, including persistent losses, negative gross margins and continued cash outflows. Market indicators also reflect a weak technical position, with the share price trading below major moving averages and momentum signals remaining negative.

    Valuation offers limited support, given the company’s negative P/E ratio and the absence of any dividend yield.

    More about Premier African Minerals

    Premier African Minerals is a multi-commodity mining and natural resources company focused on Southern Africa. Its portfolio includes key assets such as the RHA Tungsten and Zulu Lithium projects in Zimbabwe, alongside interests in lithium and gold projects in Mozambique. The group’s holdings span a range of commodities—including tungsten, rare earth elements, lithium and tantalum—covering assets from early-stage exploration through to near-term production.

  • Eleco boosts recurring income and refines strategy with Pemac and Kivue acquisitions

    Eleco boosts recurring income and refines strategy with Pemac and Kivue acquisitions

    Eleco (LSE:ELCO) delivered a strong performance in 2025, with total revenue climbing 20% to £38.8m and annualised recurring revenue increasing 29% to £34.3m. This growth underpinned a 32% rise in adjusted EBITDA and a 35% improvement in adjusted profit before tax. Although a non-cash impairment linked to the discontinued Veeuze visualisation business weighed on statutory profit, the group achieved record levels of recurring and software revenue. Free cash flow rose 30%, the dividend was increased by 20%, and the company closed the year debt-free with £16.3m in cash.

    Portfolio reshaped around higher-growth software segments

    During the year, Eleco strengthened its strategic focus through targeted acquisitions, including Irish CMMS provider Pemac and, shortly after the year-end, UK-based PPM specialist Kivue. At the same time, the disposal of the non-core Veeuze unit marked a clear step toward concentrating on higher-growth building lifecycle software solutions.

    Innovation remains a key priority. Asta Powerproject once again received leading industry awards, while new offerings such as Asta Vision Plus and Asta Estimate were introduced to expand AI-driven capabilities in planning, cost management and carbon tracking. These developments enhance Eleco’s position in complex and regulated construction and asset management markets, supporting management’s positive outlook for 2026.

    Strong fundamentals tempered by technical caution

    While Eleco’s financial performance and strategic progress are robust, technical indicators point to a more cautious near-term view, suggesting potential downside pressure. The company’s solid revenue growth, profitability and disciplined execution reinforce its competitive standing, but its relatively high valuation may limit upside in the short term.

    More about Eleco

    Eleco plc is an AIM-listed international provider of software and services for the built environment. Operating through brands such as Elecosoft, BestOutcome, Pemac, Kivue and Eleco Technologies, the group delivers solutions across the entire building lifecycle—from design and planning to construction, fit-out and ongoing asset and facilities management. Its offerings include project management tools, estimation software, BIM solutions and property management systems used by customers worldwide.

  • Travis Perkins posts Q1 revenue decline amid subdued construction activity

    Travis Perkins posts Q1 revenue decline amid subdued construction activity

    Travis Perkins (LSE:TPK) reported a 1.7% drop in like-for-like revenue for the first quarter of 2026, as weak construction demand continued to weigh on trading. Merchanting sales fell 2.3%, while Toolstation Benelux recorded a sharper 7.1% decline. This was partially offset by a 2.6% like-for-like increase at Toolstation UK, offering some resilience within the group’s overall performance.

    Cost control and pricing actions aimed at protecting margins

    In response to the challenging environment, management is implementing measures to safeguard profitability and maintain market share. These include passing on supplier price increases to customers, improving procurement efficiency and focusing on margin enhancement initiatives. The group is also tightening overheads and reducing capital expenditure to strengthen its financial position during a period of softer demand.

    Profitability pressures and weak technical signals cloud outlook

    The company’s outlook remains constrained by ongoing profitability challenges, having reported net losses in both 2024 and 2025. Market indicators also point to a negative trend, with the shares trading below key moving averages and technical metrics such as MACD and RSI/Stochastic signalling weakness.

    That said, relatively solid operating and free cash flow, along with moderate leverage, provide some support. Valuation remains mixed, reflecting a negative P/E ratio, although a dividend yield of დაახლოებით 2.28% offers a degree of income appeal.

    More about Travis Perkins

    Travis Perkins is the UK’s leading distributor of building materials, supplying professional tradespeople and the wider construction sector. Its operations include a large Merchanting division and the Toolstation retail network, covering both general and specialist building supplies. The company continues to prioritise operational efficiency and disciplined capital allocation as it navigates softer construction market conditions.

  • Headlam board pushes back against activist attempt to reshape leadership

    Headlam board pushes back against activist attempt to reshape leadership

    Headlam Group (LSE:HEAD), the UK’s largest distributor of floorcoverings, operates a portfolio of businesses and trade brands across the UK, France and the Netherlands. Through a centralised distribution network, the company connects suppliers with market access while offering customers a broad product range, supported by strong service, logistics and marketing capabilities.

    Directors reject shareholder proposal as “disruptive”

    The board has issued an open letter firmly opposing a proposal from shareholder First Seagull AS to remove three existing directors and install two new appointees, including the investor’s managing director. Headlam described the request as excessive and potentially destabilising at a critical stage for the business.

    Management pointed to recent changes at the leadership level, the rollout of a transformation strategy and refinancing efforts, as well as support from its two largest shareholders. The board maintains that continuity is essential for executing its turnaround plan and rebuilding long-term shareholder value, rather than engaging in a contested governance battle.

    Weak financials and bearish technicals weigh on outlook

    Headlam’s near-term outlook remains under pressure due to declining revenues, continued losses and ongoing cash outflows, alongside a balance sheet that has weakened. Market indicators also reflect a cautious stance, with the stock trading below key moving averages, although oversold conditions may limit further downside.

    Valuation offers little immediate support, given the company’s negative earnings profile and the absence of a dividend yield.

    More about Headlam

    Headlam Group is a leading distributor of flooring products, with more than three decades of operations across the UK and parts of Continental Europe, including France and the Netherlands. The company partners with international suppliers to deliver a wide selection of products and supports trade customers through ecommerce platforms, marketing services and an extensive delivery network.

  • Ferrexpo flags potential share suspension as $100m funding effort faces uncertainty

    Ferrexpo flags potential share suspension as $100m funding effort faces uncertainty

    Ferrexpo (LSE:FXPO) has outlined plans to raise at least $100 million in fresh equity to reinforce its working capital and maintain scaled-back operations over the next 18 months. However, the company cautioned that there is no guarantee the funding will be completed. Although its largest shareholder, Fevamotinico, has committed to supporting the raise on a pro rata basis up to $100 million, discussions with other institutional investors have stalled due to terms that cannot be agreed within the required timeframe, leaving short-term liquidity under strain.

    Delay to results publication puts listing at risk

    The proposed capital raise is critical for Ferrexpo to prepare its 2025 accounts on a going-concern basis. Without it, the company will be unable to meet the 30 April 2026 deadline for publishing audited results. Consequently, Ferrexpo expects its shares on the London Stock Exchange to be suspended from 1 May 2026 until a suitable financing solution is secured and its 2025 annual report is completed. This development introduces considerable uncertainty around when trading might resume.

    Financial pressures weigh despite operational resilience

    Ferrexpo continues to face a difficult financial backdrop, marked by falling revenues and reduced profitability. While technical indicators suggest positive share price momentum, the underlying valuation remains challenged due to ongoing losses. Recent corporate developments underline both the operational headwinds the business faces and its efforts to navigate them while maintaining responsible business practices.

    More about Ferrexpo

    Ferrexpo is a Switzerland-based iron ore producer with primary operations in Ukraine and a listing in London under the ticker FXPO. The company supplies high-grade iron ore products to major steel manufacturers worldwide, supporting efforts to improve efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. Ferrexpo has been a longstanding participant in the global steel supply chain for over five decades.

  • Eden Research meets expectations as regulatory progress and partnerships drive expansion

    Eden Research meets expectations as regulatory progress and partnerships drive expansion

    Eden Research (LSE:EDEN) delivered unaudited revenue of roughly £4.9m and a pre-tax loss of £2.9m for the 15 months ending 31 March 2026, broadly matching market forecasts. The company also bolstered its cash position to £9.0m following a recent equity raise. Having adjusted its financial year-end to better reflect agricultural cycles, Eden continues to prioritise scaling its sustainable crop protection platform, despite a wider EBITDA loss linked to cost allocations.

    Regulatory progress and commercial partnerships support growth

    During the period, Eden secured several important regulatory achievements for its Mevalone fungicide, including approval in California and a significant label extension in France. It also obtained a third temporary authorisation in Italy for Ecovelex, strengthening its foothold in environmentally friendly crop protection solutions.

    On the commercial side, the company expanded its distribution footprint through a new ornamentals-focused agreement with Syngenta, alongside a partnership in Kenya. These moves enhance Eden’s geographic reach and bring it closer to growers, supporting its strategy for multi-region expansion.

    New revenue streams and fundraising back product pipeline

    Eden generated additional income by leveraging its regulatory data, including a £0.4m data access agreement with associate TerpeneTech and other similar transactions. This highlights the growing value of its dossier assets as a supplementary revenue stream.

    A £10.9m fundraising completed in early 2026 is set to support the development and registration of new fungicides targeting late blight and Septoria, as well as an insecticide aimed at key agricultural pests. This investment underpins a pipeline expected to contribute to future revenue growth and strengthen Eden’s position in global crop protection markets.

    Mixed outlook as financial pressures offset technical strength

    The company’s outlook remains constrained by ongoing financial challenges, including continued losses and negative operating and free cash flow, despite top-line growth and a relatively stable balance sheet. While share price momentum appears strong, trading above key moving averages, extremely overbought indicators suggest a potential near-term pullback.

    Valuation remains cautious, with a negative P/E ratio reflecting the lack of profitability and no available dividend yield data to support investor returns.

    More about Eden Research

    Eden Research is a UK-listed company specialising in sustainable biopesticides and biocontrol technologies. Its portfolio focuses on terpene-based crop protection products, including fungicides and seed treatments. The group primarily serves markets such as viticulture, high-value horticulture and ornamentals, and continues to expand internationally across Europe, North America, East Africa and other regulated agricultural markets.

  • Futures Indicate Muted Start for Wall Street: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq

    Futures Indicate Muted Start for Wall Street: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq

    U.S. equity futures suggest a subdued opening on Monday, with markets expected to tread water after the strong rebound seen at the end of last week.

    Investor sentiment remains cautious, as uncertainty lingers in the Middle East following the breakdown of U.S.-Iran negotiations over the weekend.

    With talks between Washington and Tehran entering a more uncertain phase, reports indicate that Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the conflict, while postponing discussions over its nuclear programme.

    Attention is likely to shift toward corporate earnings in the days ahead, with five members of the “Magnificent Seven” set to release quarterly results this week.

    Markets are also closely watching the Federal Reserve’s policy decision due on Wednesday. While rates are widely expected to remain unchanged, the Fed’s accompanying statement may offer insight into the future direction of monetary policy.

    After a weaker showing on Thursday, stocks rebounded on Friday, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 both recovering losses and finishing at record closing highs.

    The Nasdaq led the gains, rising 398.09 points, or 1.6%, to 24,836.60, while the S&P 500 added 56.68 points, or 0.8%, to 7,165.08.

    The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, moved lower, slipping 79.61 points, or 0.2%, to 49,230.71, dragged down by declines in Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK) and Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ).

    On a weekly basis, the Nasdaq gained 1.5% and the S&P 500 rose 0.6%, while the Dow posted a 0.4% loss.

    The broader market recovery was helped by a sharp rally in Intel Corporation (INTEL:INTC), which surged more than 23% to a record closing high.

    Intel’s jump came after the chipmaker reported first-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations and issued second-quarter revenue guidance above analyst forecasts.

    Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) also advanced notably after delivering stronger-than-expected fiscal third-quarter results.

    Investor sentiment was further supported by a pullback in oil prices, which had surged in recent sessions.

    U.S. crude futures dropped more than 1% following a Reuters report that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was set to travel to Pakistan for talks with the United States.

    Araqchi stated on X that the visit would focus on bilateral issues and regional developments, without providing additional details.

    According to CNN, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to represent the United States, with Vice President JD Vance stepping in if needed.

    Meanwhile, Donald Trump’s decision to extend the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon by three weeks also contributed to easing pressure on oil prices.

    Semiconductor stocks rallied alongside Intel, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index climbing 4.3% to a record close.

    Gold-related shares also moved higher as bullion prices increased, pushing the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index up 2.3%.

    Software stocks rebounded after Thursday’s decline, with the Dow Jones U.S. Software Index rising 2.1%.

    Oil services and computer hardware sectors also posted gains, while telecom, pharmaceutical and banking stocks came under pressure.

  • European Stocks Edge Higher After Wall Street’s Record Finish: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Stocks Edge Higher After Wall Street’s Record Finish: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities traded mostly in positive territory on Monday, taking cues from Wall Street, where major indices closed the previous week at record highs.

    Markets are navigating renewed uncertainty surrounding U.S.-Iran relations, with media reports indicating that Iran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the conflict, while deferring discussions on its nuclear programme.

    Investors are also focusing on upcoming interest rate decisions from leading central banks, including the Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank, the Bank of Japan and the Bank of England.

    On the economic front, German consumer confidence is expected to weaken significantly in May, as rising inflation linked to the Iran conflict weighs on income expectations. Data from the NIM Consumer Climate survey powered by GfK showed the forward-looking index falling to -33.3 from -28.1 in April, marking its lowest level since February 2023.

    Among major indices, the DAX was up 0.8%, while France’s CAC 40 gained 0.4%. The UK’s FTSE 100 hovered just below flat.

    At the stock level, Santhera Pharma (LSE:0QN1) advanced after the Swiss specialty pharmaceutical group announced a positive CHMP opinion supporting an expanded use of AGAMREE.

    AstraZeneca plc (LSE:AZN) also moved higher in London following news that its Saphnelo treatment secured FDA approval as a once-weekly autoinjector for adults with systemic lupus erythematosus.

    Meanwhile, German wind turbine maker Nordex SE (TG:NDX1) surged after reporting first-quarter results that exceeded analyst expectations.