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  • ADVFN Appoints Jason Paltrowitz as Non-Executive Director

    ADVFN Appoints Jason Paltrowitz as Non-Executive Director

    Former OTC Executive Brings Capital Markets Expertise to Support Global Growth


    LONDON – July 1, 2026 — ADVFN Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Paltrowitz as a Non-Executive Director. Jason brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across global capital markets, investor relations, exchange services, and corporate advisory. He served as Executive Vice President at OTC Markets Group, where he played a key role in expanding one of the world’s leading marketplaces for companies accessing U.S. investors. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at JPMorgan Chase and BNY Mellon. Most recently, Jason founded Crossbridge Advisors, an independent strategic capital markets advisory firm.

    Jason’s appointment supports ADVFN’s strategy to expand its global investor network, deepen relationships with listed companies and accelerate growth across its The Market Link platform. His relationships across exchanges, public companies, brokers, investment banks, investor relations firms and institutional investors are expected to support new commercial partnerships.

    ADVFN CEO Amit Tauman said, “Jason brings a rare combination of capital markets expertise, strategic insight and deep industry relationships. His experience and industry knowledge will be instrumental as we execute the next phase of our strategy. We are delighted to welcome him to the Board.”

    Jason Paltrowitz said, “I am delighted to be joining the Board of ADVFN at such an exciting time in the Company’s evolution. ADVFN has built a highly respected global brand and cultivated an exceptionally loyal user base over many years. I believe there is a significant opportunity to build on that foundation by strengthening the Company’s strategic positioning, broadening its reach, and creating additional value for shareholders. I look forward to working alongside the Board and management team to help shape the next phase of the Company’s growth.”

    About ADVFN:

    ADVFN is a leading global social financial platform providing real-time market data, news, analysis, discussion forums, portfolio management tools, and investment research across international markets. Through its expanding “The Market Link” network which includes InvestorsHub, Stockhouse, HotCopper and ADVFN, ADVFN connects millions of investors worldwide with trusted financial information, listed companies, and investment opportunities.

    For more information, contact [email protected]

  • Wall Street Futures Slip as Investors Pause Following Record Market Rally: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq

    Wall Street Futures Slip as Investors Pause Following Record Market Rally: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq

    Traders lock in gains after Monday’s strong advance

    U.S. stock futures pointed to a modestly lower open on Tuesday as investors appeared ready to take profits after the previous session’s broad rally.

    The cautious tone follows Monday’s powerful advance, which carried the Dow Jones Industrial Average to another record closing high and encouraged some traders to reduce exposure after recent gains.

    Higher oil prices also weighed on sentiment, with U.S. crude futures rising 0.6% after jumping 2.2% during Monday’s session.

    The latest gains in crude have been driven by uncertainty over possible diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump said negotiations were scheduled to take place in Qatar on Tuesday, while a spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry reportedly denied that any meeting had been arranged.

    Investors await key U.S. economic reports

    Despite the weaker outlook for the market open, investors are expected to remain cautious ahead of several important U.S. economic releases due later this week, including the closely watched monthly employment report.

    Those figures are likely to shape expectations for the U.S. economy and the Federal Reserve’s next policy decisions.

    Technology stocks led Monday’s market rebound

    Wall Street ended Monday’s session firmly higher after overcoming early volatility, with all three major U.S. indices posting strong gains.

    The Nasdaq climbed 522.53 points, or 2.1%, to finish at 25,820.14, while the S&P 500 gained 86.41 points, or 1.2%, to close at 7,440.43. The Dow added 306.63 points, or 0.6%, ending the day at a record 52,182.74 after giving back part of its intraday advance.

    Technology companies were the primary driver of the rally, helping the Nasdaq recover following last week’s 4.6% decline.

    Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) rose 4.8% after the Google parent company joined the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

    Semiconductor stocks outperform broader market

    Chipmakers were among the session’s strongest performers, lifting the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index by 3.8%.

    Networking and computer hardware shares also posted solid gains, with the NYSE Arca Networking Index advancing 3.7% and the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index adding 2.4%.

    Elsewhere, brokerage stocks weakened, dragging the NYSE Arca Broker/Dealer Index down 2.2%. Steelmakers, airlines and gold miners also declined, partially offsetting the technology-led rally.

    Markets also remained focused on geopolitical developments after reports suggested the United States and Iran had agreed to temporarily suspend hostilities following weekend military exchanges.

    President Donald Trump later stated on Truth Social that Iran had requested a meeting in Doha, Qatar.

  • European Stocks Advance as Technology Shares Lead Market Higher: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Stocks Advance as Technology Shares Lead Market Higher: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    AI optimism lifts European equity markets

    European markets traded higher on Tuesday, supported by a strong recovery in technology stocks as investor confidence in artificial intelligence-related companies improved.

    With oil prices retreating to levels seen before the recent Middle East conflict, investors continue to expect that the European Central Bank (ECB) will be able to keep interest rates unchanged in the near term.

    Speaking in Sintra, Portugal, ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane said the secondary effects of higher energy prices are likely to take time to emerge and indicated policymakers are not prepared to commit to a specific interest-rate path.

    Falling oil prices support market sentiment

    Crude oil prices extended their decline and remained on course for a second consecutive monthly loss, despite conflicting comments over whether the United States and Iran would hold talks in Qatar on Tuesday.

    Among the major European indices, Germany’s DAX rose 1.3%, the UK’s FTSE 100 gained 0.8%, and France’s CAC 40 advanced 0.2%.

    Sterling gave back earlier gains against the U.S. dollar after revised figures from the Office for National Statistics confirmed the UK economy expanded as initially estimated during the first quarter, driven largely by the services sector.

    The economy grew 0.6% quarter-on-quarter in the first three months of the year, following revised growth of 0.1% in the fourth quarter.

    Technology sector outperforms

    Technology shares were among the strongest performers, with Infineon (TG:IFX), STMicroelectronics (BIT:STMMI) and ASML Holding (EU:ASML) posting solid gains.

    Elsewhere, French pharmaceutical company Sanofi (EU:SAN) traded little changed after reporting that Nexviazyme achieved all primary and secondary endpoints in a Phase III trial involving the infantile form of Pompe disease.

    British travel and insurance group Saga (LSE:SAGA) declined after stating that trading remained “in line with expectations” during the first four months of the year.

    Meanwhile, supermarket operator J Sainsbury (LSE:SBRY) advanced after reaffirming its full-year profit guidance.

    International Workplace Group (LSE:IWG) also moved sharply higher after announcing a $50 million increase to its 2026 share buyback programme.

  • Kering shares slide as Barclays warns annual targets may be difficult to achieve

    Kering shares slide as Barclays warns annual targets may be difficult to achieve

    Shares in Kering SA (EU:KER) fell more than 5% on Tuesday after the luxury goods group held a pre-results call with analysts ahead of its late-July earnings release. Investors reacted negatively to management’s cautious tone, reinforcing concerns about the company’s short-term trading outlook.

    Following the briefing, Barclays said Kering’s full-year guidance now appears “increasingly unattainable,” sending the stock to its lowest level in three weeks.

    Gucci recovery remains slower than expected

    Barclays expects Gucci to report a 5% organic revenue decline in the second quarter, an improvement from the 8% fall recorded in the first quarter but still highlighting weak momentum at the group’s largest profit contributor.

    The bank forecasts Gucci will generate €1.35 billion in second-quarter revenue, with Asia-Pacific sales expected to decline 11% and Europe down 10%. North America is projected to provide some support with estimated growth of 8%.

    “We believe that 1H results are unlikely to demonstrate a clear path to turnaround, but slight sequential improvement in performance. We expect Gucci at -3% for FY-26,” Barclays analysts wrote in a note dated Tuesday.

    Citi trims growth expectations

    Citi also revised its outlook following the company’s pre-close call, lowering its forecast for Gucci’s full-year constant-currency revenue growth by 90 basis points to -1.2%.

    The bank attributed the downgrade to a difficult macroeconomic backdrop and softer sales trends in the Middle East, which contributes around 5% of Kering’s total revenue. Citi also reduced its price target on Kering to €266 from €268, based on approximately 24 times estimated FY27 earnings.

    “Given the still-gradual Gucci turnaround, a challenging macro and geopolitical backdrop and lower FX headwinds, we reduce FY26E cFX growth assumptions by 40bp and 90bp to +2.5% and -1.2% for Kering and Gucci, respectively,” Citi analysts wrote.

    Cost controls support margins despite weaker sales

    Although revenue expectations remain subdued, both Barclays and Citi noted that cost-cutting measures are helping to protect profitability.

    Barclays forecasts Gucci’s EBIT margin will improve by 30 basis points year-on-year to 16.3% during the first half of 2026, while the group’s overall EBIT margin is expected to ease to 12%, down 36 basis points from a year earlier.

    The modest margin improvement prompted Barclays to raise its FY26-FY28 earnings-per-share forecasts by between 2% and 3%, despite maintaining a cautious revenue outlook.

    Investors await July earnings update

    During the pre-results call, Kering reiterated its gradual recovery strategy, including plans to close more than 100 stores on a net basis and keep operating expenses flat at constant currency.

    However, investors remain unconvinced. When Kering released its first-quarter 2026 results on 14 April, revenue of US$4.21 billion exceeded market expectations by 1.45%, yet the shares still fell 4.7% as uncertainty surrounding Gucci’s recovery continued to overshadow the earnings beat.

    Attention now turns to Kering’s first-half 2026 results, due after the market closes on 28 July, when investors will closely examine Gucci’s organic sales trend, group margins and any revised guidance on the timing of a broader recovery across the company’s brands.

  • Oil slips as possible U.S.-Iran negotiations ease immediate supply concerns

    Oil slips as possible U.S.-Iran negotiations ease immediate supply concerns

    Oil prices traded slightly lower on Tuesday as markets weighed the prospect of renewed diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran against continuing uncertainty over crude supplies from the Middle East.

    At 04:56 ET (08:56 GMT), Brent crude futures declined 0.6% to US$72.69 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell 0.5% to US$70.41 per barrel.

    Markets continue to monitor the Strait of Hormuz

    Traders remained focused on developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz after reports that the United States and Iran had contained a renewed escalation that threatened the interim peace agreement reached earlier this month.

    Following the announcement of the memorandum of understanding, crude prices have retreated sharply and are now trading close to levels seen before the conflict.

    President Donald Trump said fresh peace talks between Washington and Tehran are expected to take place in Doha later on Tuesday. However, Iranian officials have not confirmed that negotiations will resume this week, leaving uncertainty over both the diplomatic process and the security situation in the strategic waterway.

    Shipping concerns remain despite easing tensions

    White House officials have said tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries roughly 20% of global oil supplies, is flowing normally again.

    Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, however, said Tehran intends to continue pursuing a joint system to oversee shipping through the strait, even if neighbouring Oman ultimately chooses not to participate.

    According to ANZ analysts, greater Iranian involvement in supervising maritime traffic could slow the recovery of crude exports from the Persian Gulf, while continued shipping risks remain a source of uncertainty for global oil supplies.

    Fuel markets remain relatively tight

    ANZ also noted that although crude oil has surrendered most of the gains generated during the recent conflict, refined fuel markets continue to show tighter supply conditions.

    The bank said the gap between softer crude prices and firmer refined fuel prices suggests refinery margins should remain healthy even if benchmark oil prices stay relatively subdued.

  • Gold on course for worst quarter since 2013 as higher rate expectations curb demand

    Gold on course for worst quarter since 2013 as higher rate expectations curb demand

    Gold prices remained under pressure on Tuesday and were set to post their largest quarterly decline in more than a decade, as investors continued to price in persistent inflation and the possibility of additional U.S. interest rate increases.

    Spot gold rose 0.1% to US$4,197.54 an ounce at 05:48 ET (09:48 GMT), while gold futures slipped 0.2% to US$4,033.05 an ounce. Bullion has fallen more than 11% during June, putting it on track for a fourth consecutive monthly decline.

    Market watches for signs of a price floor

    “The question for traders to ask now is whether the low is in for gold, given the five-month selloff from the all-time highs hit at the end of January, or has gold got further to fall?” said David Morrison, Senior Market Analyst at Trade Nation, in a note.

    Inflation concerns support expectations of further tightening

    Investors have become increasingly concerned that elevated energy costs and disruption linked to artificial intelligence investment could keep inflation higher for longer, reinforcing expectations that the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates again before the end of the year.

    Such an environment typically reduces the appeal of assets that do not generate income, including gold.

    Although oil prices have eased back to levels seen before the recent conflict following the interim agreement between the United States and Iran, geopolitical uncertainty remains. Pakistan said technical discussions between U.S. and Iranian representatives are expected to take place in Qatar later this week after renewed tensions over the weekend.

    Dollar strength weighs on precious metals

    A stronger U.S. dollar has added to the pressure on bullion as markets increasingly anticipate at least one more Federal Reserve rate increase in 2026.

    Several Fed officials adopted a hawkish stance during the June policy meeting, suggesting that additional tightening could still be appropriate.

    OCBC cuts gold and silver forecasts

    OCBC analysts lowered their outlook for precious metals on Tuesday, citing higher interest rates and a less favourable macroeconomic environment.

    The bank reduced its end-2026 gold forecast to US$4,360 per ounce from US$5,100, while lowering its silver forecast to US$67 per ounce from US$89.50.

    Despite the revisions, analysts stressed that the changes reflect weaker short-term macroeconomic conditions rather than a deterioration in the longer-term outlook for precious metals.

  • Wall Street futures climb ahead of quarter-end as investors watch Iran talks and key data: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq

    Wall Street futures climb ahead of quarter-end as investors watch Iran talks and key data: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq

    U.S. equity futures traded modestly higher on Tuesday as markets headed into the final trading session of both the second quarter and the first half of the year. Investors are monitoring reports of potential negotiations between the United States and Iran, while a busy economic calendar and Nike’s quarterly earnings are also in focus.

    Markets prepare for quarter-end trading

    At 03:10 ET (07:10 GMT), futures on the Dow Jones Industrial Average were up 39 points, or 0.1%. S&P 500 futures gained 7 points, or 0.1%, while Nasdaq 100 futures advanced 67 points, or 0.2%.

    Wall Street closed higher on Monday, led by a recovery in technology shares after concerns over artificial intelligence infrastructure spending weighed on the sector last week. Semiconductor stocks rebounded around 3.8%, recovering from their weakest weekly performance since April last year.

    The rally allowed the S&P 500 to end a five-session losing streak and left the index on course for its strongest quarterly gain since the post-pandemic recovery.

    Investor confidence also improved after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook could remain in office while legal proceedings continue regarding efforts by the Trump administration to remove her. The decision helped reduce concerns over the Fed’s political independence.

    Possible U.S.-Iran meeting remains in focus

    Attention has shifted to Qatar after President Donald Trump said U.S. representatives would meet Iranian officials there.

    CNN reported that special envoy Steve Witkoff is travelling to Qatar, although Iranian authorities insist that no formal negotiations have been scheduled in the coming days.

    According to Axios, Witkoff and Jared Kushner will meet Qatari officials, while technical delegations from both the United States and Iran are expected to hold separate discussions with mediators from Qatar and Pakistan. An Iranian expert delegation is also expected to arrive in Doha later this week.

    The diplomatic activity follows reports that Washington and Tehran have agreed to halt attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude was trading around US$73.38 a barrel after falling back to levels seen before the recent conflict.

    Economic releases take centre stage

    Investors are also awaiting a series of important U.S. economic reports.

    Tuesday’s focus will be the May JOLTS job openings report, with economists forecasting vacancies to decline to 7.28 million from 7.618 million in April.

    The Conference Board’s consumer confidence survey will also be released later in the session.

    These reports are expected to provide additional insight ahead of Friday’s closely watched non-farm payrolls report, which could influence the Federal Reserve’s interest rate outlook.

    Nike results expected after the close

    Nike (NYSE:NKE) is due to report quarterly earnings after the closing bell, with investors looking for further signs that Chief Executive Elliott Hill’s turnaround strategy is gaining momentum.

    In March, Nike warned that quarterly sales would decline by between 2% and 4%, reflecting weaker demand across China, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

    Earlier this month, the company appointed David Denton as Chief Financial Officer. Hill described him as a “proven public-company CFO who knows how to help great consumer brands operate with discipline and invest to win.”

    Chinese factory activity improves

    Official figures released on Tuesday showed that China’s manufacturing sector expanded slightly faster than expected in June.

    The official manufacturing PMI rose to 50.3 from 50.0 in May, exceeding forecasts of 50.2.

    Export demand remained the main driver of growth, although analysts believe the recent boost could fade as geopolitical tensions ease and oil markets stabilise.

  • Market Open: Sainsbury’s Sales Growth, Saga Trading Momentum

    Market Open: Sainsbury’s Sales Growth, Saga Trading Momentum

    FTSE 100 and European markets opened higher as Sainsbury’s and Saga updated investors while Brent crude eased and Bitcoin strengthened.

    Market Overview

    UK and European markets opened higher at the start of the new trading week. The FTSE 100 edged up to 10,484.31, the Euronext 100 gained 0.03 per cent to 1,901.55, and Germany’s DAX advanced 0.73 per cent to 24,815.22. Overnight, the Nasdaq closed higher at 25,820.15 and the S&P 500 finished at 7,440.43, as investors balanced stronger UK GDP data against ongoing uncertainty surrounding US-Iran negotiations, while attention also turned to central bank speeches and economic data due later this week.

    Commodity markets reflected easing geopolitical concerns. Brent crude slipped as renewed US-Iran talks reduced worries over supply disruption through the Strait of Hormuz, while copper and gold also traded lower. Natural gas edged lower, Bitcoin fell against sterling, and sterling was broadly firmer against the euro, Swiss franc, US dollar and Australian dollar, while weakening against the Japanese yen.

    Market Numbers

    FTSE 100: Up (+0.001%), 10,484.31

    Euronext 100: Up (+0.03%), 1,901.55

    DAX: Up (+0.73%), 24,815.22

    NASDAQ: Up, 25,820.15

    S&P 500: Up, 7,440.43

    In the Headlines

    Trading update – Sainsbury’s (LSE:SBRY)

    Sainsbury’s reported continued growth in grocery sales and market share while maintaining its full-year profit guidance. The update suggests resilient consumer demand and supports confidence in the supermarket group’s outlook despite a competitive retail environment.

    Positive momentum – Saga (LSE:SAGA)

    Saga said trading remains in line with expectations as growth in its travel business and progress with its long-term Ageas insurance partnership helped reduce debt and strengthen the balance sheet. The update reinforces management’s confidence in meeting full-year guidance.

    Currencies (vs GBP)

    USD: Down (-0.02%), $1.3253

    CHF: Down (-0.01%), Fr.1.0706

    EUR: Down (-0.06%), €1.1606

    JPY: Up (+0.06%), ¥214.599

    AUD: Down (-0.03%), $1.9259

    Bitcoin (BTC/GBP): Down, £44,891.13

    Commodities

    Copper: Down

    Gold: Down

    Brent Crude: Down

    Natural Gas: Down

  • STOXX 600 heads for strongest quarterly performance since 2020 as AI stocks lead gains

    STOXX 600 heads for strongest quarterly performance since 2020 as AI stocks lead gains

    European equities traded higher on Tuesday, putting the STOXX 600 on course for its best quarterly performance in more than five years as investor enthusiasm for artificial intelligence and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to support market sentiment.

    The pan-European STOXX 600 rose 0.6% to 639.77 points by 08:04 GMT. The benchmark index is set to record its third consecutive monthly advance and has gained 9.7% during the quarter, marking its strongest quarterly return since October 2020.

    Technology sector drives rally

    Technology shares climbed 1.7% and were on track to deliver their strongest quarterly performance since October 2001, reflecting sustained demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. The sector is also on course to outperform its US technology peers over both the month and the quarter.

    Among the leading gainers, semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML (EU:ASML) advanced 3.33%, while chipmakers STMicroelectronics (BIT:STMMI) and Infineon (TG:IFX) rose 3.0% and 2.7%, respectively.

    Siemens Energy extends gains

    Shares in Siemens Energy (TG:SIE) gained 5% after the company reaffirmed robust demand for AI-related equipment during its pre-close quarterly trading update on Monday.

    Investor sentiment has also been supported by signs of easing tensions in the Middle East, with oil prices retreating to levels seen before the conflict involving Iran, helping reduce energy cost concerns across Europe.

    Healthcare sector boosted by Abivax

    In the healthcare sector, Abivax (EU:ABVX) surged more than 20% after announcing positive topline results from its obefazimod clinical study.

    The broader European healthcare sector rose 0.9% during the session.

  • European stocks advance at quarter-end as investors await economic data and central bank updates: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European stocks advance at quarter-end as investors await economic data and central bank updates: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equity markets traded higher on Tuesday and remained on course to post strong gains for the quarter, with investors focusing on a busy calendar of economic releases and speeches from senior central bank officials scheduled later in the day.

    The pan-European STOXX 600 gained 0.4% in early trading, putting the benchmark on track for a quarterly rise of 9.7%.

    Germany’s DAX climbed 0.8%, while London’s FTSE 100 added 0.2% and France’s CAC 40 rose 0.3%. Italy’s FTSE MIB advanced 0.4%.

    Italian equities outperform regional peers

    Italian shares were set to deliver the strongest quarterly performance among Europe’s major markets, supported by significant gains in banking stocks following a wave of merger and acquisition activity over the past three months.

    By comparison, the UK’s FTSE 100 continued to lag other European indices as investors remained cautious over Britain’s widening fiscal deficit and the government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth.

    European markets have also underperformed their counterparts in the United States and Asia during the quarter, largely reflecting the region’s smaller exposure to large-cap technology companies.

    Strong valuations across technology and artificial intelligence stocks helped lift both US and Asian equity markets to record highs earlier this year, despite heightened geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Iran.

    Markets await Sintra speeches and key economic data

    Attention is now turning to the European Central Bank’s annual forum in Sintra, Portugal, where policymakers are expected to provide further guidance on the outlook for interest rates.

    Investors will closely monitor remarks from ECB Chief Economist Philip Lane, together with Executive Board members Isabel Schnabel and Frank Elderson, for fresh signals on the future direction of eurozone monetary policy.

    The conference will conclude with a closely watched panel discussion featuring newly appointed Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, making his first major international appearance since taking office, alongside Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey.

    Maersk gains after raising outlook

    Among individual stocks, shares in Maersk (TG:DP4A) rose around 3% after the shipping group upgraded its full-year earnings guidance.