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Oil prices gained in Asian trading on Wednesday as tensions in the Middle East escalated following Israel’s strike on Hamas positions in Qatar, raising concerns about possible supply disruptions.

Prices were further supported by the likelihood of additional U.S. sanctions on Russian oil, after reports indicated that President Donald Trump urged further restrictions on Russian energy buyers.

Brent crude for October delivery increased 0.7% to $66.92 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures also rose 0.7% to $62.72 a barrel by 21:41 ET (01:41 GMT). Both benchmarks were on track for a fourth consecutive day of gains, bolstered by OPEC+’s smaller-than-expected output hike over the weekend.

Israel Targets Hamas in Qatar

Late Tuesday, Israel announced an attack on Hamas leadership in Doha, drawing criticism from both Qatari and U.S. officials, who warned that the strike could jeopardize ongoing peace negotiations.

Oil had surged nearly 2% on Tuesday after the strike but pared some gains after U.S. authorities stated that a similar attack would not occur again. Trump told reporters he was “very unhappy” about the strike and promised a full statement on Wednesday.

Qatar, a U.S. security partner hosting the al-Udeid Air Base—the largest American military facility in the Middle East—along with Egypt, has served as a mediator in talks between Israel and Hamas.

Hamas claimed that Israel failed in its attempt to assassinate its negotiating team, though the group confirmed five casualties from the strike. The attack casts uncertainty over future peace talks, leaving the door open for continued military operations by Israel, mostly concentrated in the Gaza Strip, heightening market concerns about Middle East stability.

U.S.-Russia Sanctions and Trade Measures in Focus

The possibility of further U.S. sanctions against Russia also helped push oil prices higher. Reuters reported that Trump has urged the European Union to impose steep tariffs on India and China over their purchases of Russian energy.

Trump has already enacted 50% tariffs on India and reportedly called for 100% tariffs on both New Delhi and Beijing. “Such a move could cut off some sources of revenue for Russia and pressure Moscow into ending its long-running war with Ukraine,” analysts noted.

Additional restrictions on Russian oil could tighten global supply, especially if major buyers such as India and China comply with Western pressure. However, both countries have so far indicated little intention to reduce their purchases.

Beyond geopolitical concerns, traders were also paying attention to U.S. inventory figures. The American Petroleum Institute reported that U.S. crude stocks increased by 1.25 million barrels in the week ending September 5.

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.

U.S. stock futures showed mixed signals as investors prepared for new inflation data. Economists forecast that the annualized producer price index (PPI) for final demand in August will match July’s pace, underlining persistent inflation pressures ahead of the Federal Reserve’s critical interest rate decision next week. Meanwhile, Oracle (NYSE:ORCL) projected a blockbuster booked revenue forecast, sending shares sharply higher in pre-market trading, and Novo Nordisk unveiled plans for significant workforce reductions.

Futures Mixed

On Wednesday, U.S. stock futures oscillated near the flatline as traders digested Oracle’s earnings and awaited key inflation figures. By 03:38 ET, S&P 500 futures had risen 21 points (0.3%), Nasdaq 100 futures added 70 points (0.3%), and Dow futures remained largely unchanged.

The main U.S. indexes gained in the previous session, supported by speculation that the Federal Reserve may cut rates next week. A downward revision to U.S. employment figures for the year ending March hinted at a potential labor market cooling even before President Donald Trump imposed sweeping import tariffs in April. Following the data, bets on a Fed rate reduction of at least 25 basis points at its September 16-17 meeting remained largely unchanged, while Treasury yields, which move inversely to prices, increased.

“The [Bureau of Labor Statistics] revision strengthened the case for Fed easing, but Powell already has plenty of labor justification to cut […] and the actual number […] didn’t deviate from the rough consensus range,” analysts at Vital Knowledge said in a note.

PPI Ahead

Markets are turning their attention to the August PPI release, the first major inflation gauge for the final month of Q3. A separate consumer price index is expected on Thursday. Economists predict the PPI will show a 3.3% annualized rise, matching July’s figure.

Persistent price increases could heighten concerns that, as employment conditions soften, the Fed faces a delicate balancing act: controlling inflation while promoting maximum employment. Still, analysts at ING said the data should pose “no barrier” to a Fed rate cut, noting that policymakers have signaled a potential reduction to support the labor market, despite inflation risks.

Fears of Trump potentially encroaching on the Fed’s independence eased temporarily after a federal judge ruled that the president cannot fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook.

Oracle Shares Soar as Backlog Expands

Oracle shares jumped in after-hours trading after the company revealed a stellar booked revenue forecast for its AI-enhanced cloud unit. The stock rose more than 30% in Frankfurt trading.

Oracle now expects its Cloud Infrastructure division to surpass $500 billion in booked revenue, a sign of strong demand for its AI-driven offerings. CEO Safra Catz said the company has made popular AI reasoning models—including OpenAI’s ChatGPT and xAI’s Grok—available to customers.

Remaining performance obligations (RPO), Oracle’s key booked revenue metric, surged 359% year-over-year to $455 billion for the quarter ending August 31. Catz predicted that “several additional multi-billion-dollar” clients will be signed in the coming months.

“RPO stole the show […], reinforcing confidence in Oracle’s acceleration narrative,” analysts at Jefferies said in a note.

However, Oracle’s overall fiscal Q1 performance was mixed, with adjusted EPS of $1.47 and revenue of $14.93 billion, slightly below FactSet estimates of $1.48 per share and $15.04 billion.

Novo Nordisk to Cut 11% of Workforce

Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) announced plans to cut 9,000 jobs globally as it aims to reduce costs and streamline operations for its Wegovy weight-loss and Ozempic diabetes treatments. The reductions represent roughly 11.5% of its 78,400-strong workforce, with around 5,000 positions in Denmark. Copenhagen-listed shares rose in early trading.

The company expects the restructuring to deliver annual savings of 8 billion Danish crowns ($1.27 billion) by 2026, though it anticipates one-off charges of 9 billion crowns in Q3. About 1 billion crowns in savings are projected for Q4. The savings will be reinvested into growth opportunities in diabetes and obesity, Novo said.

CEO Mike Doustdar, who assumed leadership last month, said the changes will simplify the organization and sharpen focus on diabetes and obesity, the company’s largest business segments.

Oil Prices Rise

Oil prices climbed amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and concerns that further restrictions on Russian crude could tighten global supply. As of 03:39 ET, Brent futures rose 0.7% to $66.86 a barrel, while WTI futures increased 0.8% to $63.10 a barrel.

Markets reacted to reports that Israel targeted Hamas leadership in Doha, raising regional tensions, as well as Trump’s push for steep EU tariffs on India and China over Russian energy imports. These tariffs, if implemented, could constrain supply if major buyers acquiesce, though both countries have indicated little intent to halt Russian purchases.

Additionally, Poland reported shooting down Russian drones during a widespread attack in western Ukraine, calling the incident an “act of aggression.”

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.

Vistry Group PLC (LSE:VTY) reported H1 2025 results in line with expectations, navigating a challenging market environment. The company is strategically set to benefit from the UK’s £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme, designed to increase affordable housing supply over the next decade. Vistry has strengthened its balance sheet by reducing net debt and extending refinancing facilities through 2028. Looking ahead, the company anticipates a strong second half, supported by a healthy pipeline of developments and a long-term joint venture with Homes England.

The company’s outlook is underpinned by solid revenue growth and a strong equity position, though profit margins and leverage present challenges. Technical indicators suggest neutral to bearish momentum, and the stock’s valuation appears elevated, which may limit its investment appeal.

About Vistry Group

Vistry Group PLC operates in the construction sector, specializing in social and affordable housing development. The company leverages strategic partnerships to deliver housing projects and aims to capitalize on government initiatives to expand affordable housing.

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.

Warpaint London PLC (LSE:W7L) reported an 8% increase in group sales to £49.3 million for H1 2025, driven by the acquisition of Brand Architekts and successful new product launches. Despite improved gross margins, profit before tax fell 41%, largely due to non-cash foreign exchange losses and exceptional acquisition-related costs. The company expects a stronger second half supported by store expansions and price adjustments, though it has moderated full-year expectations given challenging market conditions and the administration of a key customer.

The company maintains a positive financial outlook, supported by strong growth and a solid balance sheet. Technical indicators, however, reflect bearish sentiment, and valuation metrics suggest the stock is fairly priced. Strategic initiatives and positive corporate developments may help offset short-term market weaknesses.

About Warpaint London

Warpaint London PLC is a specialist color cosmetics supplier, marketing brands such as W7, Technic, Skin & Tan, Super Facialist, Dirty Works, and Fish Soho. The company sells primarily in the UK through major retailers and internationally via distributors and retail chains. Warpaint focuses on the gifting sector, catering to high street and supermarket retailers, while targeting diverse demographics through its portfolio of brands.

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.

Central Asia Metals PLC (LSE:CAML) released its interim results for the first half of 2025, showing a stable financial position despite a slight decline in revenue and EBITDA compared to the prior year. The company recorded zero lost-time injuries, completed major capital projects at the Sasa mine, and maintained profitable operations at Kounrad. A share buy-back program and a revised dividend policy were introduced to better align with free cash flow distribution objectives. The company remains focused on growth, exploring new investment opportunities and addressing orebody variability challenges at Sasa with the guidance of external consultants.

The company’s outlook is shaped by solid financial performance and attractive valuation metrics, tempered by mixed technical indicators and recent strategic adjustments. Strong profitability and a high dividend yield are key strengths, while the withdrawal from a recent acquisition bid introduces some uncertainty for investors.

About Central Asia Metals

Central Asia Metals PLC is a UK-based AIM-listed mining company headquartered in London. Its operations include the Kounrad SX-EW copper project in Kazakhstan and the Sasa zinc-lead mine in North Macedonia. The company also holds an 80% stake in CAML Exploration for early-stage projects in Kazakhstan and a 28.4% interest in Aberdeen Minerals Ltd, focusing on exploration in the UK.

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.

Serica Energy (LSE:SQZ) has announced a temporary reduction in production at the Triton FPSO due to scheduled maintenance and subsea intervention activities. The company has revised its 2025 production forecast from 33,000–35,000 boepd to 29,000–32,000 boepd. Maintenance work includes resolving vibration issues in the compression trains, with normal operations expected to resume by the end of September. Additionally, subsea operations at the Bittern field in November will temporarily pause production from the Evelyn and Gannet fields, reducing output by over 20,000 boepd. These measures are critical for stakeholders as they influence production targets and operational efficiency.

Serica Energy’s outlook benefits from a strong financial position and positive technical indicators, with a solid balance sheet and bullish momentum as key strengths. However, challenges remain in profit margins, revenue consistency, and valuation, with a negative P/E ratio weighing on performance. While the earnings call projects a positive trajectory, operational and regulatory hurdles persist.

About Serica Energy

Serica Energy is a UK-based independent oil and gas exploration and production company with a portfolio of assets on the UK Continental Shelf. The company contributes roughly 5% of the UK’s natural gas production and plays a role in the country’s energy transition. Operations focus on the Bruce, Keith, and Rhum fields in the Northern North Sea, along with assets connected to the Triton FPSO. Serica also holds interests in the Columbus and Orlando fields in the North Sea and the Erskine field in the Central North Sea.

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.

Anpario plc (LSE:ANP) delivered impressive results for the first half of 2025, with sales rising 34% to £22.7 million and profit before tax up 62% to £3.4 million. Growth was driven by the company’s focus on high-value products and the successful integration of Bio-Vet Inc, which boosted margins and profitability. Continued expansion and product innovation, particularly in the U.S. market, position Anpario well for future growth. The company also strengthened its financial position and increased its interim dividend by 11%.

Anpario’s solid financial results and positive corporate developments are the main contributors to its favorable stock profile. While technical analysis shows mixed signals, the company’s fair valuation and strategic initiatives support an optimistic outlook.

About Anpario

Anpario plc is an independent manufacturer specializing in natural, sustainable animal feed additives designed to improve animal health, nutrition, and biosecurity. The company provides high-value products across global markets, including the Americas, Asia, and Europe, with a notable presence in the U.S. swine 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.

Associated British Foods (LSE:ABF) has released a mixed trading update for the second half of its financial year, with strong performance from its Primark stores in the U.S. offset by weaker results in Europe amid challenging consumer conditions. The company is implementing strategic changes, including the closure of its Vivergo bioethanol plant and the restructuring of its Spanish sugar operations, which are expected to affect short-term financial results. Despite these headwinds, ABF remains optimistic about the long-term benefits of recent actions and ongoing investments, particularly in expanding its store network and digital initiatives.

The company’s outlook is supported by solid financial performance, proactive corporate strategies, and a reasonable valuation. Technical indicators point to bullish momentum, although potential overbought conditions warrant some caution. Strategic measures such as share buybacks and targeted acquisitions further enhance growth prospects and shareholder value.

About Associated British Foods

Associated British Foods is a global diversified group operating across food, ingredients, and retail sectors. Its operations span grocery, sugar, agriculture, and ingredients, with a particular emphasis on the Primark retail chain. The company is recognized for offering a wide array of products and services to 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.

Seeing Machines (LSE:SEE) has introduced an advanced feature to its Driver Monitoring System (DMS) that can now detect alcohol-related impairment in drivers, representing a major step forward in road safety technology. This capability complies with European NCAP standards and targets drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10% or higher, aiming to reduce alcohol-impaired driving incidents. The technology is already deployed on U.S. roads and is part of a phased strategy to integrate enhanced alcohol detection into vehicles, potentially setting benchmarks for global safety regulations.

The company’s outlook reflects a balance between financial volatility and positive corporate developments. Strategic partnerships suggest growth opportunities, although financial constraints and valuation concerns present challenges.

About Seeing Machines

Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Australia, Seeing Machines is a global leader in vision-based monitoring technology. The company develops AI algorithms, embedded processing solutions, and optical systems to provide real-time insights into driver behavior. Its Driver Monitoring Systems are deployed across automotive, commercial fleet, off-road, and aviation sectors to enhance safety by monitoring attention and cognitive state.

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.

Finseta plc (LSE:FIN) recorded a 16% rise in revenue for the first half of 2025, fueled by growth in active customers and strategic investments in new business initiatives. The company broadened its international presence with new offices in Dubai and Canada, launched a corporate card program, and gained regulatory approval in the UAE, driving notable revenue gains in the region. Despite macroeconomic headwinds impacting USD-related operations, Finseta remains confident in its medium-term growth outlook, supported by strategic initiatives and improved cost management. The company projects full-year revenue growth of approximately 11%, focusing on boosting sales and profitability.

The stock’s outlook is underpinned by solid financial performance and favorable corporate developments. However, bearish technical signals and moderate valuation metrics temper the overall investment appeal, and the lack of a dividend yield may limit attractiveness for income-focused investors.

About Finseta

Finseta plc is a foreign exchange and payments provider offering multi-currency accounts and payment solutions for businesses and individuals. Headquartered in London, the company leverages proprietary technology to facilitate transactions across 165+ countries and 150 currencies. Finseta is regulated by several financial authorities, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, and has more than 15 years of experience in managing complex cross-border payments.

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.