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  • Bitcoin Steadies Above $70,000 as Markets Regain Balance After Sharp Swings

    Bitcoin Steadies Above $70,000 as Markets Regain Balance After Sharp Swings

    Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) remained above the $70,000 level on Monday, holding onto gains after a strong rebound late last week from lows near $60,000. The stabilisation comes as investors reassess risk following heavy liquidation-driven volatility and turn their attention to a busy slate of U.S. economic data later in the week.

    The world’s largest cryptocurrency was trading about 1.5% higher at $70,402.5 by 01:25 ET (06:25 GMT), continuing to distance itself from a roughly 16-month low around $60,187 reached earlier in the week.

    After plunging sharply, Bitcoin surged back above $70,000 on Friday, posting a single-day gain of more than 12%. The recovery coincided with rallies in U.S. technology stocks and precious metals, which helped lift broader risk assets. Opportunistic buying after the deep sell-off and a general calming of global markets also supported the move.

    The prior week’s decline reflected a wider bout of risk aversion. Weakness in U.S. tech shares—particularly those linked to artificial intelligence—combined with forced unwinds in crypto derivatives markets to amplify selling pressure. Continued outflows from spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds and a reduction in leveraged positions added to the turbulence.

    Japan election supports risk tone

    Risk sentiment improved further after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a decisive election victory on Sunday, strengthening her mandate to pursue fiscal stimulus and tax relief. The result lifted regional equity markets and was associated with a renewed willingness to take risk across some global asset classes.

    Although the yen initially softened ahead of the vote, its subsequent stabilisation alongside rising equity markets helped reinforce the shift in sentiment.

    Looking ahead, investors are focused on several key U.S. data releases due later this week, including delayed labour market figures on Wednesday and the consumer price index on Friday. These reports could shape expectations for Federal Reserve policy, with markets weighing the possibility of rate cuts later in 2026 if inflation cools and labour market momentum eases.

    Altcoins trade sideways

    Most major alternative cryptocurrencies traded in narrow ranges on Monday following their recent rebound.

    Ethereum was little changed at $2,076.41, while XRP rose 1.1% to $1.43. Solana edged slightly lower, and both Cardano and Polygon were broadly flat. Among meme-related tokens, Dogecoin slipped about 2%.

  • European Markets Open Higher in Earnings-Heavy Week, UniCredit in the Spotlight: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European Markets Open Higher in Earnings-Heavy Week, UniCredit in the Spotlight: DAX, CAC, FTSE100

    European equities moved modestly higher on Monday, kicking off a packed week that features a fresh round of corporate earnings alongside a series of high-impact economic data releases.

    By 08:05 GMT, Germany’s DAX was up 0.5%, France’s CAC 40 had added 0.1%, and the UK’s FTSE 100 was trading 0.2% higher.

    UniCredit sets the tone for bank earnings

    The European earnings season is gaining momentum, with several large-cap names and major banks due to report in the days ahead. The pan-European Stoxx 600 index is hovering close to record levels, having logged seven positive weeks out of the past eight, as quarterly results have generally been well received.

    UniCredit (BIT:UCG) was a standout, after reporting record net profit of €10.6 billion for 2025, representing a 14% increase year on year. Italy’s second-largest lender also outlined ambitious medium-term goals, targeting €13 billion in net profit by 2028 and committing to €30 billion of shareholder returns over the next three years.

    The bank has deployed several billion euros from its surplus capital to build significant stakes in Germany’s Commerzbank and Greece’s Alpha Bank, stopping short of full acquisitions but positioning itself as a key shareholder in both institutions.

    This week also brings results from Commerzbank (TG:CBK), alongside UK peers Barclays (LSE:BARC) and NatWest Group (LSE:NWG).

    Beyond the banking sector, earnings updates are due from a wide range of blue-chip companies, including Koninklijke Philips (EU:PHIA), AstraZeneca (LSE:AZN), TotalEnergies (EU:TTE), Heineken (EU:HEIA), Mercedes-Benz Group (TG:MBG), Siemens (TG:SIE) and L’Oreal (EU:OR).

    U.S. data in focus

    Away from company results, investors will also be digesting fresh growth figures from both the eurozone and the UK. The main attention, however, is on the United States, where several key economic indicators are due after being delayed by a brief government shutdown.

    January’s nonfarm payrolls report and consumer price index data are scheduled for later in the week, and will be closely watched for insight into the resilience of the U.S. economy. The releases follow the nomination of Kevin Warsh as the next chair of the Federal Reserve, adding further significance to the data.

    Oil prices ease on diplomatic signals

    Oil prices edged lower on Monday after the U.S. and Iran agreed to continue negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme, easing concerns about potential supply disruptions in the Middle East.

    Brent crude futures slipped 0.9% to $67.46 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell by the same margin to $62.98 a barrel. Both benchmarks declined by more than 2% last week, marking their first weekly drop in seven weeks, as geopolitical tensions showed signs of cooling.

    Officials from both countries said indirect talks held in Oman on Friday would continue, reducing fears of a military escalation in a region that plays a critical role in global oil supply.

  • Markets Look to Earnings and Data This Week as Japan PM’s Election Bet Pays Off: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

    Markets Look to Earnings and Data This Week as Japan PM’s Election Bet Pays Off: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

    U.S. equity futures were modestly higher at the start of the week, as investors prepared for a heavy run of corporate earnings and closely watched economic releases that had been delayed. Semiconductor group Onsemi is among the first major names due to report on Monday, while Japanese equities climbed after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a decisive election victory.

    Futures edge higher

    Wall Street futures pointed slightly upward early Monday ahead of a week packed with earnings updates and key macro data. By 03:43 ET, Dow futures were up 87 points, or 0.2%, S&P 500 futures had added 6 points, or 0.1%, and Nasdaq 100 futures were ahead by 13 points, also 0.1%.

    The move followed a strong finish to last week, when U.S. stocks rebounded from earlier losses driven by concerns that artificial intelligence could disrupt parts of the software sector. On Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above the 50,000 mark for the first time, while the S&P 500 gained nearly 2% and the Nasdaq Composite advanced around 2.2%.

    Not all mega-cap stocks participated in the rally. Shares of Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) fell 5.6% as investors reacted cautiously to signals that the company plans to significantly ramp up spending on AI. Other large technology groups, including Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG), have also outlined aggressive investment plans to remain competitive in AI, though questions persist over how quickly these investments will deliver sustainable returns.

    ON Semi to report

    Earnings attention on Monday turns to ON Semiconductor (NASDAQ:ON), which is set to release quarterly results after the closing bell. The chipmaker previously issued fourth-quarter revenue and profit guidance broadly in line with market expectations.

    Demand for ON Semi’s power management solutions used in AI data centres has helped offset softer conditions in the automotive sector, where weaker electric vehicle demand in North America and Europe has reduced spending on silicon carbide components.

    Consensus estimates compiled by Bloomberg suggest adjusted earnings per share of $0.63 on revenue of $1.53 billion.

    Later in the week, investors will also hear from a number of other technology-focused companies, including Datadog (NASDAQ:DDOG), Spotify (NYSE:SPOT), Cisco (NASDAQ:CSCO) and Applied Materials (NASDAQ:AMAT).

    Japan PM scores big win

    Outside the U.S., Asian markets advanced after Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi secured a major victory in a snap election held over the weekend. The vote came just 110 days after Takaichi became Japan’s first female prime minister, making the gamble a high-stakes one.

    According to reports, her Liberal Democratic Party won such strong support that it achieved a rare supermajority in the lower house of parliament. The outcome appears to clear the way for Takaichi to pursue plans for increased government spending and tax cuts, supported by what observers see as a stable political environment.

    “Calm may be on the way for Japan’s markets now the election is out of the way,” said Thomas Mathews, Head of Asia Pacific Markets at Capital Economics. He added that a recent sell-off in Japanese government bonds, which had unsettled global markets, is unlikely to persist, while the yen is expected to strengthen.

    Gold rises

    Gold prices moved higher in European trading, with silver also advancing, following sharp swings in precious metals markets last week. Those moves were driven by a mix of subdued safe-haven demand, profit-taking and uncertainty around the outlook for U.S. monetary policy.

    Investors are now focused on several key U.S. economic indicators due this week, notably nonfarm payrolls and consumer price index inflation data. Both releases are closely watched by the Federal Reserve when assessing the path for interest rates.

    Some haven demand eased after signs of progress in talks between the U.S. and Iran over the weekend, with both sides indicating a willingness to continue discussions on Tehran’s nuclear programme.

    Oil slips

    Oil prices declined as easing geopolitical tensions weighed on sentiment. Comments from Washington and Tehran suggesting that indirect nuclear negotiations will continue helped reduce fears of an imminent escalation in the Middle East.

    A firm U.S. dollar ahead of major economic data releases also pressured crude prices, which had already fallen about 2% last week. Investors are also awaiting fresh economic data from China, the world’s largest oil importer.

    Brent futures were last down 1.1% at $67.32 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate crude slipped 1.0% to $62.92 a barrel.

    The U.S. and Iran said over the weekend that talks held in Oman on Friday were constructive and would continue, helping to temper concerns of military conflict after earlier U.S. naval deployments to the region.

  • FTSE 100 Opens Higher as UK and European Shares Advance, Sterling Edges Lower; Plus500 Spotlight

    FTSE 100 Opens Higher as UK and European Shares Advance, Sterling Edges Lower; Plus500 Spotlight

    UK equities moved higher at the start of the week, tracking gains across European markets, while sterling eased slightly against the U.S. dollar in early trading.

    By 08:12 GMT, the FTSE 100 was up 0.4%, while the pound slipped 0.07% versus the dollar to 1.3603. European markets also posted solid gains, with Germany’s DAX rising 0.8% and France’s CAC 40 adding 0.4%.

    UK market round-up

    Plus500 Ltd (LSE:PLUS) was in focus after the trading platform said it expects its 2026 performance to come in ahead of market expectations, following stronger-than-anticipated results for 2025. Growth was supported by institutional partnerships linked to U.S. prediction markets and increasing exposure to higher-value customers. The group reported full-year revenue of $792.4 million, up 3% year on year, while net profit also increased 3% to $281.3 million. Basic earnings per share rose 10% to $3.93 from $3.56.

    In the banking sector, NatWest Group PLC (LSE:NWG) announced an agreement to acquire wealth manager Evelyn Partners for £2.7 billion. The deal will merge Evelyn’s £69 billion of assets under management with NatWest’s existing £59 billion, creating a combined £127 billion in assets under management and administration. NatWest also unveiled a £750 million share buyback alongside the transaction.

    Elsewhere, Phoenix Global Mining Ltd (LSE:PXC) confirmed the immediate suspension of Executive Chairman Marcus Edwards-Jones and Chief Financial Officer Richard Wilkins. The board is investigating allegations relating to their recent conduct and historic payments made to Lloyd Edwards-Jones S.A.S., the company’s former corporate finance adviser.

    In the advertising sector, WPP is reportedly preparing to combine its three main creative agencies under a single brand, according to the Financial Times, as part of a wider effort to simplify its operating structure.

    On the regulatory front, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority said it plans to publish more comprehensive trading data for London-listed shares in a bid to address what it sees as significant under-reporting of market liquidity. The regulator is considering collecting data from all trading venues, including exchanges, dark pools and off-exchange platforms, to present a fuller picture of UK market activity. Simon Walls, the FCA’s interim director of markets, told the Financial Times that current liquidity measures can be misleading because they rely heavily on London Stock Exchange order book data while excluding a substantial volume of trading activity elsewhere.

  • Jefferies Downgrades Greggs to “hold” as Weight-Loss Drugs Weigh on Volumes

    Jefferies Downgrades Greggs to “hold” as Weight-Loss Drugs Weigh on Volumes

    Jefferies has cut its rating on Greggs (LSE:GRG) to “hold” from “buy” and reduced its price target sharply to 1,610p from 2,500p, arguing that the growing use of weight-loss medications is creating a structural drag on demand. The downgrade comes after what the broker describes as around 18 months of declining sales volumes, with the shares falling more than 3% on Monday. Greggs is currently trading at around 1,675p.

    The analysts said they now view the rapid adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, as a “noticeable headwind” for the bakery chain. As a result, Jefferies has materially lowered its medium-term expectations, cutting like-for-like (LFL) sales growth assumptions from 4.5% to 2.5%, largely due to an expectation that volumes will remain under pressure.

    According to the broker, Greggs’ trading momentum has been weakening since mid-2024, with LFL sales gradually decelerating and volumes consistently turning negative. The company’s reported Q4 2025 LFL growth of 2.9% also missed management’s guidance of around 4%, despite more normalised weather conditions. With price increases contributing an estimated 5–6 percentage points to LFL growth, Jefferies infers that underlying volumes are still falling by roughly 2% to 3%.

    While management has pointed to softer consumer spending and adverse weather, including Storm Eowyn in January 2025 and the UK’s warmest summer on record, Jefferies said these factors do not fully explain either the scale or the persistence of the slowdown.

    The broker highlighted data from IQVIA indicating that the number of UK users of Mounjaro and Wegovy reached 2.5 million by July 2025, a near-70% increase in just four months and a fivefold rise year-on-year. Jefferies believes current usage may now be close to 4 million people, equivalent to about 7.5% of the UK adult population.

    Studies cited by the analysts suggest GLP-1 users typically cut daily calorie intake by 25% to 30%, or roughly 1,000 calories per day for higher-intake consumers. The largest reductions are seen in savoury, salty, high-fat and calorie-dense foods, categories that overlap heavily with Greggs’ core offer.

    Although Jefferies acknowledges that GLP-1 users tend to skew older, female and higher income than Greggs’ average customer, it argues that the overlap could be disproportionately harmful. The analysts said that “Where the two Venn diagrams intersect” sits a group of high-BMI consumers who are likely “some of Greggs’ best customers,” warning that these individuals could move “from being amongst Greggs’ most valued, to potentially never spending a penny with the business again.”

    The report also notes comments from Greggs chief executive Roisin Currie, who said in January 2026 there was “no doubt” that weight-loss drugs were having an impact on the business.

    Reflecting what it sees as a structural challenge, Jefferies now forecasts EBIT margins to decline by 50 basis points in FY26 and a further 30 basis points in FY27. Pre-tax profit for FY26 is projected at £171 million, broadly flat compared with an estimated £170 million in FY25.

  • Warpaint London Buys Barry M Brand in £1.4m Cash Deal

    Warpaint London Buys Barry M Brand in £1.4m Cash Deal

    Warpaint London PLC (LSE:W7L) has agreed to acquire the Barry M cosmetics brand for £1.4 million in cash, with completion subject to court approval that is expected on Monday.

    The transaction covers Barry M’s intellectual property, inventory and order book, but excludes manufacturing operations and any associated liabilities. The brand is being acquired out of administration and generated around £15 million in revenue in the year ended 28 February 2025.

    Barry M is a long-established value cosmetics brand with extensive retail reach, supported by one-metre-plus display stands in more than 1,300 stores. Its footprint includes approximately 650 Superdrug outlets, 420 Boots stores, 120 Sainsbury’s locations, 50 Tesco stores and around 90 Priceline stores in Australia.

    Alongside the acquisition announcement, Warpaint issued a trading update for the year ended 31 December 2025. The group expects revenue of roughly £105 million, compared with £102 million in 2024, alongside an improvement in gross margins. Included within this figure is a £12 million contribution from Brand Architekts, which was acquired in February 2025.

    Adjusted EBITDA for 2025 is forecast at around £22 million, down from £25 million the prior year. Brand Architekts contributed approximately £0.8 million of positive adjusted EBITDA, compared with a loss of about £1 million in 2024. Revenue headwinds during the year included the closure of Bodycare, which reduced sales by around £3 million, a challenging consumer backdrop impacting revenue by approximately £4 million, and a further £2 million loss linked to uncertainty around U.S. tariffs.

    The group reported cash balances of £18 million as at 31 January 2026, double the £9 million held a year earlier.

    Sam Bazini, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Looking ahead to the new year, we expect to see a return to organic growth across the Group and also expect to be able to update the market on further significant new customer roll outs with our full year results in April.”

  • Wetherspoon Reaffirms Assistance Dog Policy Following Safety Debate

    Wetherspoon Reaffirms Assistance Dog Policy Following Safety Debate

    J D Wetherspoon (LSE:JDW) has reiterated its policy on dogs in its pubs after a BBC report questioned whether its approach could conflict with equality legislation. The company said it welcomes assistance dogs but requires owners to provide evidence of training from Assistance Dogs UK, arguing that the policy is designed to balance accessibility for disabled customers with its legal responsibility to safeguard staff and other patrons.

    The pub operator pointed to a rise in dog-related incidents both nationally and across its own estate, noting that reported staff dog bites increased from one case in 2020 to 15 in 2025. Chairman Tim Martin said that allowing dogs entry first and relying on staff to assess behaviour afterwards, as recommended by Assistance Dogs UK, increases the risk of incidents. He added that Wetherspoon’s requirement for documentation is consistent with other regulatory checks, such as proof-of-age requirements or blue-badge verification for parking.

    From a market perspective, Wetherspoon’s shares continue to be underpinned by supportive technical indicators and a valuation that investors view as reasonable. While trading performance has shown signs of recovery, elevated debt levels and a history of cash flow volatility remain areas of concern. Limited recent earnings call commentary and a lack of major corporate events restrict further insight into near-term strategy.

    More about J D Wetherspoon

    J D Wetherspoon is a UK-based pub group that owns and operates venues across the country, focusing on offering food and drink at accessible prices. The company emphasises individually designed pubs, consistent service standards, and maintaining its estate to appeal to a broad and diverse customer base.

  • Shield Therapeutics Secures Additional U.S. FDA Exclusivity for ACCRUFeR Pediatric Use

    Shield Therapeutics Secures Additional U.S. FDA Exclusivity for ACCRUFeR Pediatric Use

    Shield Therapeutics (LSE:STX) has been granted a further three years of U.S. FDA data exclusivity for its oral iron therapy ACCRUFeR, extending regulatory protection through to 19 December 2028, in addition to existing patent coverage that runs into the mid-2030s. The exclusivity extension follows a new clinical investigation that supported expanding ACCRUFeR’s approved use to include pediatric patients aged 10 years and above, strengthening the product’s competitive protection in the U.S. market.

    The broader pediatric indication is supported by positive Phase 3 FORTIS trial results, which demonstrated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of a new oral liquid formulation in children as young as one month with iron deficiency anaemia. According to the company, this regulatory milestone enhances the commercial potential of ACCRUFeR across both adult and pediatric populations, reinforcing its positioning within the growing iron deficiency treatment market and supporting international expansion plans.

    From a market perspective, Shield’s outlook benefits from strong technical momentum in the shares and a series of supportive corporate developments. These positives are balanced against ongoing financial challenges and valuation concerns, with financial stability remaining a key risk factor despite the strengthening regulatory and commercial profile of the product.

    More about Shield Therapeutics

    Shield Therapeutics is a commercial-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia. Its lead product, ferric maltol, is marketed as ACCRUFeR in the United States and as FeRACCRU in other regions. Through partnerships with Viatris and a network of international licensees, the company is targeting a large and growing global market for iron deficiency therapies.

  • Wynnstay Grows Profits and Dividend as Transformation Shapes New Five-Year Strategy

    Wynnstay Grows Profits and Dividend as Transformation Shapes New Five-Year Strategy

    Wynnstay (LSE:WYN) delivered a stronger underlying performance for the year ended 31 October 2025, with adjusted profit before tax rising 21.1% to £9.2m despite a 4.8% decline in revenue to £583.4m. Improved margins, tighter cost control and benefits from the group’s Project Genesis transformation helped offset weaker feed and grain volumes linked to challenging UK harvest conditions.

    Gross profit increased slightly to £80.5m, while the balance sheet remained solid with net cash of £25.7m at year end. The board also approved a higher dividend for the 22nd consecutive year, reinforcing Wynnstay’s long-standing commitment to shareholder returns. Operationally, profit growth was recorded across the Feed & Grain, Arable and Stores divisions.

    During the year, the group completed the design phase of Project Genesis and unveiled a new five-year growth roadmap, Wynnstay Strategy Genesis. The plan focuses on targeted capacity investment, enhanced customer propositions and improved returns, building on a leaner and more efficient operating platform.

    Governance changes are also planned, with Chairman Steve Ellwood set to step down at the March 2026 AGM. He will be succeeded by Senior Independent Director Steven Esom, ensuring continuity as the company moves into its next phase of development.

    Overall, Wynnstay’s outlook is supported by a stable financial position and strong cash generation, balanced against softer revenue trends and mixed profitability metrics. Technical indicators suggest a broadly neutral share price trend, while valuation is underpinned by an attractive dividend yield. Limited recent earnings call detail and corporate activity restrict additional near-term visibility.

    More about Wynnstay

    Wynnstay Group plc is a UK-based agricultural supplies and services company supporting livestock and arable farmers nationwide. The group operates across feed and grain trading, arable inputs such as fertiliser, and a network of rural retail stores, providing broad exposure to core UK farming markets and agricultural input supply chains.

  • Cloudbreak Enters Paterson Province with Majority Stake in Gold–Copper–Moly Project

    Cloudbreak Enters Paterson Province with Majority Stake in Gold–Copper–Moly Project

    Cloudbreak Discovery (LSE:CDL) has agreed to acquire a 90% interest in the Paterson Gold–Copper–Molybdenum Project in Western Australia. The 888 sq km landholding sits around 40 km from the Telfer gold-copper mine and surrounds Cameco’s Kintyre uranium deposit, placing it within a highly prospective and infrastructure-supported mineral province that already hosts several tier-one gold, copper and uranium operations.

    The project comprises three granted exploration licences and includes the historic Wanderer prospect, where drilling carried out in the late 1980s intersected shallow, high-grade copper, gold and molybdenum mineralisation. Despite the encouraging results, the area has seen no meaningful follow-up exploration for more than 30 years.

    Cloudbreak plans to apply modern exploration techniques, including Mobile MT geophysics and reverse circulation drilling, to refine targets associated with magnetic lows and gravity highs. Management believes this approach could help identify porphyry-style mineral systems and significantly strengthen the company’s exploration pipeline within a highly competitive district.

    From a market standpoint, the company’s outlook remains constrained by its early-stage financial profile, with no revenue, continued losses, ongoing cash burn and negative equity reported in 2025. Technical indicators provide an additional headwind, with the shares trading below key short- and medium-term moving averages and a negative MACD signal. Valuation remains difficult to support on traditional metrics given negative earnings and the absence of dividend yield.

    More about Cloudbreak Discovery PLC

    Cloudbreak Discovery Plc is a London-listed exploration and development company focused on assembling and advancing early-stage resource projects. Its portfolio targets gold, copper, molybdenum and uranium, with a strategic emphasis on highly prospective mining jurisdictions such as Western Australia’s Paterson Province.