FTSE 100 jumps 1.7% as weak US jobs numbers dampen Fed hike fears
July 2, 2026, 1:01 PM EDT. European shares climbed on Thursday, with the FTSE 100 up 1.7% at 10,652.87 after US jobs growth missed forecasts. The US added 57,000 non-farm payrolls in June, well under the 110,000 expected. The softer jobs read eased bets on a near-term Federal Reserve rate hike, sending UK and European equity markets higher and lifting the pound. US unemployment ticked down to 4.2%. Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey kept the focus on inflation still above the 2% target. The FTSE 250 was up 0.4%. In the US, the Dow rose 0.7% while the Nasdaq slipped 0.8%. Treasury yields were steady as markets stayed wary on policy direction.
FTSE 100 rises as US jobs data eases Fed r…
GSK up 4.2% as £2bn buyback wraps, eyes on Nuvalent deadline
July 2, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT. GSK plc shares picked up 4.2% to about 2,012p after it finished a £2 billion buyback program, buying back 123.9 million shares at just under 1,614p each on average. Shares outstanding dropped and treasury stock now holds 6.7% of the voting rights. The stock beat the FTSE 100. Investors are now looking past the buyback, turning to earnings and R&D news. Next up: Nuvalent’s tender offer expires July 14, and GSK delivers Q2 results July 28. The buyback’s average price was around 25% below Thursday’s close, putting a floor under GSK stock for now.
GSK (LON:GSK) bounces, market looks at buy…
IAG Up 2% as Brent Drops, Fuel Worries Ease Heading Into Q2 Earnings
July 2, 2026, 12:59 PM EDT. International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) shares climbed 2.18% after London closed on July 2, outpacing the FTSE 100’s 1.67% gain. Brent crude slid almost 2%, hitting a four-month low at $70.66 a barrel as progress in U.S.-Iran talks out of Doha cut into fuel cost fears that pressured IAG back in May. IAG has said it expects 2026 fuel costs near 9 billion euros, with about 70% of that hedged. Flights from Gulf airlines have returned, closing off the Asia-Europe detour that helped IAG earlier in the year. Investors are now waiting for IAG’s second-quarter report on July 31 after these market moves.
IAG shares rise as oil drop shifts focus t…
UK Car Loan Probe Delay Triggers Questions Over Bank Capital Buffers
July 2, 2026, 12:44 PM EDT. The FCA has put off key parts of its £9.1 billion motor finance redress scheme until late 2026 or early 2027, as it waits for Upper Tribunal hearings. The pause affects redress tied to car loans from 2007 to 2024, covering about 12.1 million agreements. Lenders such as Close Brothers Group, Lloyds, and Barclays are on the hook to keep enough capital in place during the wait. Close Brothers faces a hit equal to around 52% of its market cap and saw shares fall 1.9%. Lloyds and Barclays shares were up, despite uncertainty. The FCA flagged loan rate hikes from undisclosed commissions as the cause. The long legal timeline means ongoing questions about payouts and whether lenders have the capital they need. Consumer Voice and several auto finance arms are challenging the process in court.
£9.1 billion UK motor finance redress bill…
Newbury Racecourse (AQSE:NYR) Trades at Two-Thirds Below Book Value, Sees Light Volume
July 2, 2026, 12:14 PM EDT. Shares of Newbury Racecourse PLC (AQSE:NYR) changed hands at a 66% discount to 2025 book value on July 2, putting its market cap at £16.41 million while net assets topped £47.75 million. Only 101 shares traded for the session. Revenue for 2025 was up 6% to £23.38 million. Pre-tax profit rose just 1% to £1.11 million. Attendance on race days jumped 24%. Costs were up 8% on inflation and higher operational bills. The company ended 2025 with no debt and £8.8 million in cash. Newbury’s Coral Challow Hurdle is set for ITV’s Christmas lineup, bringing added visibility to the track.
Newbury Racecourse (NYR) discount to book …
Velocity Composites (LON:VEL) Gains 7.69% on Thin Trading; EBITDA Slides
July 2, 2026, 12:13 PM EDT. Velocity Composites (LON:VEL) shares jumped 7.69% to 14p on July 2, even after reporting a 19.2% revenue drop to £8.44 million and a sharp 68.2% fall in adjusted EBITDA to £82,000 for H1 2026. The company, listed on AIM, posted a £1.03 million pre-tax loss and cut its full-year EBITDA forecast to about £0.5 million, missing market hopes. The board said lower margins were due to a tough product mix. Just 5,560 shares traded, about 5% of average daily volume, pushing up volatility. CEO Jon Bridges pointed to positive cash flow, ongoing site consolidation, and steady aerospace platform demand, though production delays and customer phasing continued to weigh.
Velocity Composites edges higher on light …
Anglo American (LON:AAL) Trails Recent Highs as Teck Merger Talks and July Updates Loom
July 2, 2026, 12:01 PM EDT. Anglo American shares added 0.4% to 3,737p on July 2, 2026, still about 12% under the 4,239p peak from June 2. Teck Resources has started shareholder elections for its merger, which would give 1.3301 Anglo shares per Teck share. The plan targets a top copper group with over 70% copper in the mix. Traders are focused on Anglo’s Q2 production out July 23 and half-year numbers on July 30. Q1 brought some copper growth, but premium iron ore and rough diamond markets weighed. Ongoing questions over De Beers and coal deal cash timing keep pressure on the stock before July’s production release.
Anglo American (LON:AAL) share price gap p…
Bay Capital (LON:BAY) jumps to 52-week high, now trading above its cash pile
July 2, 2026, 11:59 AM EDT. Bay Capital Plc shares climbed 9.09% to 9.00p, hitting a 52-week high in light trading on the London Stock Exchange. The company’s market cap now sits around £6.3 million, topping its reported cash of £4.34 million as of Dec. 31, 2025. Only 5,100 shares traded, so the jump is big on a percentage basis but not on volume. Bay Capital is still a cash shell acquisition vehicle with no debt, looking for possible deals in the UK or abroad. Latest accounts for 2025 showed a smaller loss and less cash going out from operations, with enough working capital for the coming year if there are no acquisitions. The bid-offer spread stayed wide, showing liquidity is thin and investors are still cautious.
Bay Capital shares hit 52-week high as cas…
Prudential (PRU) Slides After Buyback Pause, But Analysts Hold Price Target High
July 2, 2026, 11:57 AM EDT.Prudential plc shares slipped 0.38% to 1,036p in London Thursday, pulling back after a 3.69% jump a day earlier. The insurer’s recent Hong Kong filing showed nearly 800,000 shares cancelled and another 398,569 bought for cancellation at about £10 apiece. Shares now trade 5.6% under the average repurchase price in the ongoing 2026 buyback, with £471.5 million completed out of the £889 million planned. Analyst 12-month median target stays at 1,403p, still well ahead of the market. The buyback price and pace keep drawing investor focus as Prudential pushes on with the programme in a volatile market.
Prudential shares fall, investors notice a…
Court Tells FCA to Pause Part of £9.1bn UK Car Finance Payout Plan
July 2, 2026, 11:42 AM EDT. A court ordered the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority to halt part of its £9.1bn car finance compensation plan, putting off payments meant for millions of drivers hit by unfair loan commissions. The scheme, which had planned average payouts of £830 each this year, is under legal fire from big lenders like Volkswagen Financial Services. The FCA said if the court overturns the plan completely, claims could fall back to a slower one-by-one process, possibly adding £6bn more in costs for lenders and pushing resolution out by three years. The move throws up a major roadblock in tackling the mis-sold car loan issue the FCA has called the biggest UK consumer finance scandal since PPI.
FCA ordered to partly suspend car finance …
Level 2 Order Book: Market Makers' Buy, Sell Activity
July 2, 2026, 11:41 AM EDT. The Level 2 Order Book shows prices market makers are bidding and offering, laying out where they’re set to buy or sell. The data shows the mix of buy and sell orders and can help traders watch for next price movements. This view is key for those tracking market depth and moves in stock prices.
Share Prices, Stock Quotes, Charts, Trade …
Aberdeen Equity Income Trust plc details Q2 portfolio as of June 30, 2026
July 2, 2026, 11:32 AM EDT.Aberdeen Equity Income Trust plc has released its second-quarter portfolio statement for June 30, 2026, following UK Listing Rule 11.7.8. abrdn Fund Managers Limited issued the update, listing investments in other UK investment companies, including investment trusts. The filing comes under regulatory obligations and went out via the London Stock Exchange’s Regulatory News Service (RNS), which is FCA-approved for primary market disclosures. The trust publishes this data to give investors a look at portfolio exposure under UK regulations.
JPMorgan Asset Management Shows 1.25% Holding in Prologis Inc, Lists SEGRO plc Exposure
July 2, 2026, 11:30 AM EDT. JPMorgan Asset Management reported a 1.25% stake in Prologis Inc, with 11.7 million shares as of July 1, 2026, a Form 8.3 filing under the UK Takeover Code showed. The filing also put JPMorgan with short positions equal to 30% of the shares through cash-settled derivatives. The asset manager listed interests in SEGRO plc as well, pointing to trading across several real estate names. JPMorgan is also a financial adviser to Prologis. These details meet disclosure rules on big stakes in listed firms connected to possible deals or corporate moves.
REG – JPMorgan Asset Mngt Prologis, Inc. –…
Glazer Capital Cuts JTC Stake to 4.79% After Selling 100,000 Shares
July 2, 2026, 11:28 AM EDT.Glazer Capital, LLC has trimmed its stake in JTC plc to 8,362,791 ordinary shares, or 4.79% of the company, after selling 100,000 ordinary shares at £13.25 each on July 1, 2026. The move was reported in a UK Takeover Code Form 8.3. Glazer Capital said it holds no derivatives or subscription rights in JTC plc. The disclosure shows Glazer adjusting its investment in the fund, corporate, and private client services provider.
REG – Glazer Capital, LLC JTC PLC – Form 8…
HSBC to Redeem $3 Billion in 2027 Senior Unsecured Notes
July 2, 2026, 11:26 AM EDT. HSBC Holdings PLC will redeem $3 billion in senior unsecured notes due 2027. The notes-$2.3 billion at a 5.887% fixed/floating rate and $700 million floating rate-will be redeemed at par on August 14, 2026, with interest paid from February 14, 2026, up to the redemption date. HSBC said the move fits its debt management strategy. The redemption affects holders on the New York Stock Exchange and follows conditions in the Base and Twenty-Ninth Supplemental Indentures.
Devon AI Data Centre Proposal Draws Criticism on Water Use, Rural Risks
July 2, 2026, 11:11 AM EDT. Britain’s biggest planned AI data centre set for Devon is getting pushback from farmers worried about excessive water consumption and effects on the local environment. The facility would house advanced AI supercomputers that need a lot of water for cooling, leading locals to fear it could strain local water supplies. Some critics also say the project could alter the rural landscape and harm local farming and the wider community. The fight shows friction between tech growth and resource limits in the region.
Giant Devon data centre plan sparks fears …
Diageo shares bounce after drop, still trail pre-update by close to £1bn
July 2, 2026, 11:10 AM EDT. Diageo shares added 2.76% to 1,524.5p on July 2, clawing back some ground after sharp losses but still trading nearly £1 billion below where they stood before Monday. The slide came after the July 1 voting-rights notice cut the voting base to 2.2266 billion, erasing around £1.85 billion in market value since then. Investors eye the full-year numbers and strategy plan out August 6, especially U.S. spirits and China, plus the $300 million cost-cutting target. The stock is about 29% below its 52-week high at 2,142p even after Tuesday’s gain. CEO Sir Dave Lewis said North America and Asia Pacific remain tough, with organic sales still falling this year.
Diageo stock comes back but shares still s…
S4 Capital (LON:SFOR) Jumps 6.82% as Investors Home In on Debt Moves
July 2, 2026, 10:57 AM EDT. S4 Capital shares shot up 6.82% to 35.25p on July 2, trading 10.63 million shares, more than four times normal volume. S4 outperformed bigger ad groups WPP and Publicis. No fresh news, but investors zeroed in on S4’s push to bring net debt down-standing at £111.8 million in Q1, with the year-end aim between £60 million and £90 million. CEO Sir Martin Sorrell flagged small top-line gains and continued margin issues as S4 pivots on AI. Q1 revenue dropped 8.9% from a year ago, hit hardest in EMEA. Market cap sat at £236.19 million as the market bet on the debt plan rather than short-term revenue improvement.
S4 Capital (LON:SFOR) rallies on strong vo…
Tesco Up 2.85% as Buyback Drives Gains, Sales Hold Steady
July 2, 2026, 10:56 AM EDT. Tesco PLC shares gained 2.85% to 472.40p on July 2, leading the FTSE 100 after the retailer said it has finished 68.3% of its £750 million buyback with 112.1 million shares repurchased since April. Buyback average price was 456.6p, below the market price. Sentiment got a lift even as like-for-like sales in the first quarter rose just 1.0%. UK sales were up 1.8%, while Booker dropped 3.2%. Tesco kept full-year adjusted operating profit guidance at £3.0 billion to £3.3 billion. Analyst Matt Britzman called it a short-term pause. CEO Ken Murphy said Tesco is on track.
Tesco PLC shares rise as £750m buyback rea…
SSE stock up as talk builds around £12bn grid push
July 2, 2026, 10:55 AM EDT. SSE PLC jumped 1.97% to 2,433p with markets eyeing more than £12 billion of potential grid work flagged from its SSEN Transmission arm. That would be about 41% of SSE’s £29.44 billion market cap. SSE owns 75% of SSEN, which still needs to clear public consultations, win designation as a delivery body, and get sign-off from regulators. The investment number is much bigger than SSE’s planned FY2026 adjusted capex of £3.586 billion. Network charges are roughly 25% of a typical UK power bill. These projects could get held up by approval and funding risks, as well as local pushback.
SSE (LON:SSE) shares up as £12bn grid plan…
Fresnillo (FRES) shares edge higher as silver jumps, 2026 guidance cut
July 2, 2026, 10:54 AM EDT. Fresnillo plc shares were up 2.79% at 2,872p, while silver surged 4.7% to $61.86 an ounce. Silver is still down nearly 15% this month. Fresnillo said first-quarter silver production was at the midpoint of its trimmed 2026 output forecast of 42.0-46.5 million ounces. Gold output was close to the high end of its 500,000-550,000 ounce range. The miner cut its 2026 silver target by 7.8% and gold guidance by 2.8%. A softer U.S. jobs report helped ease Fed rate hike fears, boosting precious metals. Fresnillo outpaced the FTSE 100 but still lagged the jump in silver prices. CEO Octavio Alvídrez said production stayed on track and metal prices held up as project work continued.
Fresnillo gains as silver edges higher and…
JPMorgan Global Growth & Income PLC lifts 2027 dividend by 7.8%
July 2, 2026, 10:26 AM EDT. JPMorgan Global Growth & Income PLC said it plans to pay out 24.80p a share in dividends for the year to June 30, 2027, up 7.8% from the year before. The move sticks with the fund’s policy to pay at least 4% of NAV as of June 30, 2026. Dividends are set to go out every quarter, starting October 9, 2026, with the stock going ex-dividend August 27. Chairman James Macpherson said dividends are up 675% since 2016, but noted there’s no progressive dividend policy. The board points to distributable reserves of nearly £2.3 billion as backing for this payout. Shareholders may join the DRIP via Computershare Investor Services.
Victrex PLC seeks block listing for 310,000 shares on LSE
July 2, 2026, 10:25 AM EDT. Victrex PLC said it has asked the London Stock Exchange to approve a block listing of 310,000 ordinary shares of 1 penny each. The company plans to use 300,000 shares under its 2019 Long Term Incentive Plan and 10,000 for its Share Incentive Plan. Shares will rank pari passu with existing stock when issued. Listing is expected to be effective at 8:00 a.m. on July 6, 2026. Victrex said this is for future employee awards and acquisitions.
Symphony Environmental Jumps 9% on Light Volume After Mixed FY25 Numbers
July 2, 2026, 10:24 AM EDT. Symphony Environmental (LON:SYM) jumped 9.09% to 9.00p Thursday after releasing FY25 results, but trading volume stayed very light at just 87 shares versus a typical 97,290. The firm reported a 13% drop in revenue to £5.73 million, while gross margin improved to 51%. Operating loss widened to £2.12 million and net loss was deeper at £2.50 million. Symphony extended a £1.5 million convertible loan through January 2027, so there’s dilution risk given how thin the stock trades. The bid-offer spread sat at 18%, still wide, showing low liquidity and investor wariness even with the price rise.
Symphony Environmental (LON:SYM) up 9% on …
Yen Jumps to 160.78 After Soft U.S. Jobs; Tokyo Keeps Markets Guessing on Intervention
July 2, 2026, 10:23 AM EDT. The Japanese yen climbed to 160.78 per dollar as weaker U.S. payrolls data pulled the greenback back from a 40-year high at 162.66. Tokyo has dropped pre-warnings, mixing in stealth interventions aimed at yen short sellers to stir up market uncertainty. Government spent 11.7 trillion yen ($72 billion) in intervention since April, but the dollar bounced back fast. Some options traders now give a 37% chance of dollar/yen hitting 165 by July. Friday’s U.S. nonfarm payrolls rose just 57,000, well short of forecasts, which knocked the dollar and took some heat off the yen for now. Japan’s $1.1 trillion in reserves remains a buffer, but market swings keep pressure on officials.
Japan yen watch intensifies as weak U.S. p…
Ryanair flags EU airport congestion risk on fingerprint checks ahead of summer
July 2, 2026, 10:11 AM EDT. Ryanair said EU airports could see long queues and travel issues this summer with the new fingerprint-based entry and exit system (EES) coming in. Non-EU travelers have to register fingerprints and facial scans when crossing EU borders. The airline called the move ‘half-baked’ and asked the European Commission to halt it for the peak months, saying seven airports are already getting backed up. Airline and airport groups also want a delay, raising worries about staff abuse, missed departures, and pressure on travel systems. The European Commission is set to meet next week to discuss ongoing readiness questions and the rollout. While the EES is pitched as a border security upgrade, critics say it’s off to a rocky start with summer traffic around the corner.
Ryanair warns of summer ‘queue chaos’ at E…
CVC Income & Growth (CVCG) moves 250,000 Sterling shares out of treasury
July 2, 2026, 10:10 AM EDT.CVC Income & Growth Limited shifted 250,000 Sterling shares from treasury on July 2, 2026, selling at £1.1709 each to meet demand. The move brings total issued share capital to 196,055,993 ordinary Sterling shares and 83,990,791 ordinary Euro shares, both with voting rights. Sterling shares come with 1.17 votes, Euro shares with 1 vote. Total voting rights now at 313,376,302. Treasury still holds 175,953,766 Sterling shares and 58,109,884 Euro shares, both non-voting. Shareholders should use the posted voting rights number when considering FCA regulatory thresholds. The company says it is managing equity for liquidity and shareholder engagement.
REG – CVC Income & Growth CVC Inc& Grwth-C…
Intertek (LON:ITRK) trades near 5,810p, leaving £300m gap to EQT offer after dividend
July 2, 2026, 10:09 AM EDT. Intertek Group (LON:ITRK) traded near 5,810p on July 2, a touch under EQT AB’s £60 (6,000p) a share cash bid after the 107.7p final dividend payout. That dividend reset has left a 3.3% spread, or roughly £292-300 million, versus the deal terms for the 153.9 million shares on the table. Traders are factoring in the chances of the deal clearing shareholder votes, court approval, and regulatory signoff, with EQT’s takeover scheme eyed for late 2026 or early 2027. Market cap holds near £8.9 billion, with big trading volumes, passive holders in the mix, and short interest active. The spread is pure merger arb, as investors size up how certain the EQT bid really is.
EQT spread on Intertek post-dividend leave…
Experian (EXPN) Up After Buybacks Outpace Staff Share Awards Ahead of Q1 Update
July 2, 2026, 10:08 AM EDT. Experian shares ticked up 0.37% to 2,588.51p as big buybacks helped balance dilution from new shares for staff plans. The company bought back 946,171 shares in two days, well above the 65,000 shares it issued July 3 for employee awards. Investors are watching Experian’s next update on July 16 as analysts debate growth prospects. The firm, with a £22.92 billion valuation, is pressing ahead with its $1 billion repurchase program, planning to cut its share count by up to 6.7% over the next 12 months.
Experian stock gains as buybacks offset st…
James Latham Jumps 8% on Results; Shares Still Below Book Value
July 2, 2026, 10:07 AM EDT. James Latham (LON:LTHM) shares gained 8.04% to 1,102p after annual results showed revenue up 7.2% to £393 million and pretax profit up 3.3% at £25.1 million. EPS increased 2.7% to 92.5p. But shares still trade at 0.96x net assets, with a £222.16 million market cap versus £232.3 million in net assets. Gross margin slipped, as the company saw more sales in low-margin timber packs and higher competition. Operating cash flow reached £19.3 million, while capex nearly doubled to £26.3 million, turning post-investment cash flow negative. The National Distribution Centre project is on track for full operation by end-2027. Cash dropped to £51.2 million, about 23% of the company’s market cap, and shows continued investment with headwinds present.
James Latham (LON:LTHM) climbs, still trad…
FTSE 100 Rises as Healthcare, Beverages Stocks Lead Before US Jobs Data
July 2, 2026, 9:06 AM EDT. The FTSE 100 traded higher, with healthcare and beverage shares doing most of the work. Investors held back ahead of U.S. payrolls numbers, seen as a guide to future Fed moves on rates. Markets showed some optimism but stayed wary as traders watched for signals on U.S. policy shifts under ongoing economic uncertainty.
London's FTSE 100 rises on healthcare, bev…
Lloyds gains as FCA halts part of motor-finance redress plan
July 2, 2026, 9:05 AM EDT.Lloyds Banking Group shares picked up 0.67% to 112.90p after the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) partially suspended the UK motor-finance redress plan in response to legal challenges. The pause stops compensation payouts for now, which could now drag into 2027 or later. Lloyds still sits on a £1.95 billion provision, around 26% of the FCA’s £7.5 billion total industry estimate, set aside ahead of its July 30 earnings report. The FCA plan covers unfair motor-finance practices from 2007 through 2024, and the conduct risk remains in place for Lloyds. The move has investors watching for when capital could return, with regulatory risk unresolved.
Lloyds shares up as motor-finance hit now …
RC365 up 17% on low volume as traders eye RC3.0 revenue sharing
July 2, 2026, 8:51 AM EDT. RC365 Holding PLC shares rose 17.39% to 2.70p in London on July 2, 2026. Only 358,989 shares traded, about 13% of normal daily volume. The bid-offer spread was wide at 2.20p to 2.70p, or 20% of the midpoint, pointing to thin liquidity. Focus was on the interim report showing Hatcher Group Limited will get 50% of RC3.0 app revenue for the first 15 years after launch. The shares have been volatile since RC3.0 soft-launched June 8. Traders have also watched the Merchant POS deal with StarCruises, which started June 1 and covers crypto payments. No new regulatory filings were posted Thursday.
RC365 Holding up 17% on low volume with RC…
BAE Systems (LON:BA.) Jumps 3% After UK Defence Budget Plan, Market Cap Up £2.8 Billion
July 2, 2026, 8:50 AM EDT. BAE Systems (LON:BA.) shares climbed 3% to 1,938p in London, with around £2.8 billion added to its market cap after the UK government detailed a new defence spending plan. The latest move puts £8.6 billion into the Global Combat Air Programme, allocates £63 billion toward nuclear and submarine projects like Dreadnought and SSN-AUKUS, £11 billion for munitions, and £5 billion for drones and autonomous systems over four years. The new spending far outweighs BAE’s current £500 million share buyback tranche. BAE CEO Charles Woodburn said the investments help protect key industry skills. The expanded budget sets a target of £79 billion in annual defence spending by 2029, pointing to a pipeline of orders for BAE in multiple areas.
BAE Systems (LON:BA.) rises after UK defen…
Barratt Redrow Shares Fall as UK Builders Face £4.5bn Legal Threat
July 2, 2026, 8:49 AM EDT. Barratt Redrow (LON:BTRW) shares slipped 1.68% to 275p, lagging the FTSE 100, which rose 0.4%. A class action lawsuit is seeking between £2.2 billion and £4.5 billion in damages from top UK housebuilders, with Barratt Redrow among those named. The claim, which still needs approval from the Competition Appeal Tribunal, alleges anti-competitive conduct affecting more than 700,000 new homebuyers since 2015. The potential payout at the top end is larger than Barratt Redrow’s £3.86 billion market cap, adding sizeable legal worries for the group. Eyes are now on the FY26 trading update due July 15, especially as the company raised its net cash target range to £550 million-£650 million from £400 million-£500 million earlier this year to help buffer any shocks.
Barratt Redrow (LON:BTRW) trades lower as …
£5,000 in SpaceX (NASDAQ:SPACEX) IPO would be up 16% after three weeks
July 2, 2026, 8:34 AM EDT. SpaceX (Space Exploration Technologies) shares have swung since the Nasdaq debut June 12, now up about 16% from the $135 IPO price. A £5,000 buy at the IPO is worth around £5,800. Shares began at $150, touched $176 before ending close to $161 on day one. Buyers at $160 could be down a bit. Some analysts see long-term potential with projects like Starlink mobile, which targets the $1.6 trillion U.S. communications market. The stock is volatile and analysts say investors should weigh that and SpaceX’s push into space infrastructure.
£5,000 invested in SpaceX at the IPO share…
Downing LLP Lifts Springfield Properties Stake to 4%
July 2, 2026, 8:20 AM EDT.Downing LLP bumped its holding in Springfield Properties PLC above 4%, hitting the disclosure line on June 30, 2026. The firm, which manages client funds out of London, now controls 4,780,139 voting rights, up from 3.02%. Downing reported the move on July 2, 2026. The voting rights are direct, with no financial instruments in the mix. Springfield Properties, a UK-listed residential developer, is in focus for its projects. Downing’s bigger position gives it a larger say in the shareholder base and could weigh on future corporate decisions.
RELX Slides as Buyback Starts Below 52-Week High
July 2, 2026, 8:19 AM EDT. RELX PLC shares slipped 1.61% to 2,322p on July 2, trailing the FTSE 100 which was up 0.40%. The drop came as RELX kicked off a £100 million share buyback well below its 52-week high of 4,030p. At this level, the buyback could pull in about 4.31 million shares, up 74% from what the same spend would have bought at the peak, and puts RELX on track toward its £2.25 billion 2026 buyback goal. Since January 2, the company has upped its treasury shares by more than 69 million, showing a ramp-up in its repurchase plan. Caution lingers in the sector as investors watch for how AI will affect data analytics names, even after RELX reported a 7% revenue increase and a 10% jump in adjusted EPS for 2025. Investors are looking ahead to the half-year numbers due July 23.
RELX dips as new £100m buyback goes at dis…
Rio Tinto Drops in London After Revising Mongolia Copper Terms, Hit by Iron Ore
July 2, 2026, 8:18 AM EDT.Rio Tinto plc traded down about 1.5% in London. The miner agreed with Mongolia to rework loan rates and management fees on the $18 billion Oyu Tolgoi copper mine, cutting some political risk. Weak iron ore prices and worries about China’s import appetite weighed on the shares. Copper is still up about 19% over the past year, so Rio’s longer-term picture looks steadier. The FTSE 100 rose 0.5%, diverging from losses in BHP and Anglo American. Rio Tinto’s market cap was close to £110.9 billion on July 2. Pressure from ongoing iron ore issues and changes in Chinese procurement remains a drag on miners.
Rio Tinto falls in London after Mongolia c…
Beazley PLC: Societe Generale Cuts Voting Rights Below 8%
July 2, 2026, 8:03 AM EDT. Beazley PLC said Societe Generale dropped below a voting rights threshold as of June 30, 2026. The French lender now holds 7.94% in total, splitting between 5.61% in shares and 2.33% via instruments like Contracts for Difference and Equity Linked Swaps. Societe Generale previously held 8.31%. The company filed the update to comply with rules on reporting shareholding changes.
ASE Technology (ASX) Chief Administration Officer Sells 8,000 Shares Over Two Days
July 2, 2026, 7:51 AM EDT. Uang Du-Tsuen, Chief Administration Officer at ASE Technology Holding Co Ltd (ASX), sold 8,000 ordinary shares on June 30 and July 1, 2026. The shares went at prices between $66.48 and $70.97 each. After the trades, Uang held 59,000 shares. This was detailed in a Form 4 filing with the SEC, showing direct stock sales by a company insider.
ASE Technology executive sells 8,000 ordin…
ProService Investors to Vote July 17 on £60 Million Debt Deal, Massive Dilution Possible
July 2, 2026, 7:50 AM EDT. ProService Building Services Marketplace Plc (LON:PRO) is lining up a £60 million refinancing, combining convertible loan notes and an asset-backed lending facility. The notes can turn into 1.2 billion new shares, cutting current shareholders’ interest by about 60%. The new debt is valued at around 3.9 times ProService’s equity market value of £15.4 million, figured at a 1.93p share price. Investors with 65.91% of shares are backing the July 17 vote. If the deal doesn’t pass, the company could face administration because lenders may not extend current facilities past September 30. Ravensworth’s holding could go from 26.02% to over 70% after conversion, skipping a takeover bid due to a regulatory waiver. The plan is meant to clear £37.9 million of senior debt as ProService looks to stay afloat in tough market conditions.
ProService shareholders to vote on refinan…
Safestay's £5.1m Glasgow Asset Sale Lays Bare AIM Trading Woes
July 2, 2026, 7:49 AM EDT. Safestay Plc unloaded its Glasgow Charing Cross property for £5.1 million, a figure that’s 58% of the company’s £8.77 million market cap. Shares didn’t budge, stuck at 13.50p on near-zero volume-another sign of how thin trading is on AIM. This brings total UK hostel disposals to £13.6 million, or 1.5 times Safestay’s current valuation. Proceeds are earmarked for cutting gross debt of £14.1 million and shoring up working capital. But revenue for FY2025 is down 10% at £20.6 million and adjusted EBITDA fell 43% to £3.7 million, which helps explain the share’s lack of movement. Cash is up, now £2.7 million, but net asset value per share has just about halved-the cost of ongoing sales and a tough operational picture.
Safestay’s £5.1m Glasgow deal puts AIM’s l…
Vodafone (LON:VOD) slides under 100p after Vodacom ups Safaricom stake
July 2, 2026, 7:48 AM EDT. Vodafone shares dropped 6.4% after June 26, finishing Wednesday at 98.90 pence, 6.6 points behind the FTSE 100. The move comes as Vodacom closed its $2.1 billion deal to boost its Safaricom stake to about 55%, bringing the Kenyan telecom fully into Vodacom’s books. Safaricom is now set to account for around 46% of Vodacom’s projected FY26 EBITDA, with R29 billion, giving Vodafone’s African operations more heft. Still, Vodafone’s leverage remains in focus as it moves ahead with the £4.3 billion buyout of CK Hutchison’s 49% stake in VodafoneThree. Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub said the Safaricom deal would help cement market leadership and drive digital growth in Kenya and Ethiopia.
Vodafone (LON:VOD) holds just under 100p a…
EU Court Upholds €4.1bn Fine on Google Over Android Antitrust Case
July 2, 2026, 7:35 AM EDT. The EU’s highest court backed a €4.1bn fine on Google for abusing Android to shut out rivals, supporting the European Commission’s 2018 decision. The fine is the biggest the EU has given Google so far. Brussels said Google forced phone makers to pre-install its Search app and Chrome, paid for exclusivity, and stopped competing Android versions. Google pushed back on the ruling, saying it keeps Android open and follows rules. The decision comes after earlier EU fines: €2.4bn in 2024 for shopping search and €2.95bn in 2025 for ads. The case hits how Google handles its business and competition across Europe’s mobile markets.
Google must pay €4.1bn fine for using Andr…
Tesco Keeps 3.4% Dividend as Yield Play with Shares Near Decade-High Market Share
July 2, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT. Tesco Plc is sticking with a 3.4% dividend yield, quietly paying out its final dividend on June 26 even as markets face political and economic noise. The UK’s biggest grocer has pushed its market share to the highest level in ten years, winning from a big store network and more Clubcard users. That reach gives Tesco more leverage with suppliers and helps it stand up to discounters like Aldi. Margins in retail stay thin, and inflation remains an issue, but Tesco finds savings and growth in other parts of the business. Steady passive income seekers might still find the yield and scale on offer worth a look.
£10,000 in one of the FTSE 100’s most depe…
Short sellers ease off European airlines, Citi says
July 2, 2026, 7:33 AM EDT.Short-sellers have cut stakes in European airline stocks, according to Citi. Citi’s latest positioning data shows a clear drop in bearish bets over the last month. The move points to changing investor views or a rethink on risk as market conditions shift. That’s led to fewer negative positions in airlines, possibly linked to recent recovery hopes or shifts in how operators are performing.
Short-sellers retreat from European airlin…
Berlin Airport faces two-hour queues as new EU Entry-Exit System slows border checks
July 2, 2026, 7:19 AM EDT. Berlin Airport is seeing lines of up to two hours for non-EU nationals as the new Entry-Exit System (EES) slows checks at the border, officials say. The EES, which now logs travellers’ biometric data, has been running since April, but technical issues and mixed rollout across EU countries are leading to long waits, missed flights and more anxiety as the peak summer travel period nears. Airlines and airports are flagging the problem. The European Commission is promising support, but glitches keep hitting, such as at Dover, where tech fails mean the EES isn’t running at the UK-France border. Officials say ongoing problems make the crunch unsustainable during busy travel months, putting flyers and the industry on alert.
EU border delays 'not bearable' over summe…
Unilever (ULVR.L) Moves Up After Buyback Trims Voting Shares Ahead of Results
July 2, 2026, 7:18 AM EDT. Unilever PLC shares rose 0.8% in London after it bought back enough stock to cut its voting shares to 2.154 billion. The company completed the €1.5 billion buyback at an average price of €48.85, retiring about 1.4% of its shares. The move lowers the number of shares used for per-share measures before Unilever’s Q2 and half-year results on July 28. Unilever’s market value moved to £99.04 billion with shares at 4,598.50 pence. For Q1, Unilever reported a 3.8% underlying sales climb even as turnover fell 3.3% on currency moves. CEO Fernando Fernandez cited higher volumes and strong brands, sticking with the 2026 targets.
Unilever stock gains as buyback trims voti…
Silverstone Funding (No.1) posts annual results for year to March 2026
July 2, 2026, 7:10 AM EDT. Silverstone Funding (No.1) Limited has filed its Annual Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2026 with the UK Listing Authority. The filing will be available on the National Storage Mechanism at the FCA’s site. The company sent the update through the LSE’s RNS feed to meet disclosure rules. Investors can check the statements online once posted.
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Sets Timeline for Second €500 Million Buyback Tranche
July 2, 2026, 7:09 AM EDT. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners plc is going ahead with the final leg of its coordinated €1 billion share buyback programme. The first part, a €500 million tranche, wrapped up in April 2026. Now the company is starting the next tranche for up to €500 million, with up to €130 million allocated to London trading venues. Buybacks run from 6 July 2026 to 18 December 2026 but could end sooner. Goldman Sachs & Co. and Goldman Sachs International will handle the trades as riskless principals in line with deal terms. The programme follows shareholder return plans and uses mandates from CCEP’s 2026 AGM for buybacks both in the US and London.
REG – Coca-Cola EP PLC – CCEP announces up…
News Corp spends $342.5 million so far on $1 billion buyback
July 2, 2026, 7:08 AM EDT.News Corp said it has used about US$342.5 million of its US$1 billion share buy-back plan, snapping up Class A and B shares on Nasdaq. New filings showed daily ASX buyback notices for trades on July 1, 2026, including a purchase of more than 8.7 million Class A shares for US$220 million and almost 77,000 Class B shares for US$2 million. The buyback runs through 2025 and cuts the stock count, with News Corp saying it’s aimed at boosting shareholder value.
News Corp updates ASX daily notifications …
Zephyr Energy Up 7% on Utah Acreage Deal
July 2, 2026, 7:07 AM EDT.Zephyr Energy PLC rose 7.0% to 3.66p after it bought 2,294 more acres in Utah’s Paradox Basin, taking its total footprint to 72,294 acres. These new leases, won in a sealed-bid auction with a 16.67% royalty, are outside the White Sands Unit reserves area. That brings Zephyr’s land holding to nearly 3.6 times the White Sands Unit, which holds 35.3 million boe in 2P reserves. CEO Colin Harrington called it a strategic step to grow the Paradox project as farm-out talks continue. Zephyr’s shares beat the FTSE AIM All-Share, down 0.3%.
Zephyr Energy shares climb after new Utah …
Petra Diamonds pushes out shares as prices, liquidity bite
July 2, 2026, 7:06 AM EDT. Petra Diamonds (LON:PDL) shares were at 7.06p on July 2, 2026, barely up, still trading well below the 50p reference price set for a US$13 million coupon share issue. Petra is set to put out 19.22 million new shares to satisfy the June 2026 coupon, lifting total share count by 5.7% to 354.64 million. The market puts the value of those new shares at £1.36 million, much lower than the £9.61 million mark at the issue price, showing the strain on Petra’s cash. Sales numbers are under pressure as well-Cullinan mine realized prices slipped 26% to about $81 a carat, Finsch prices fell 16% to $47 a carat for April-May 2026. The CEO called the diamond market “unprecedentedly weak” and flagged ongoing business rescue talks for Finsch, with a possible new plan for September. Petra’s share issue comes as debt worries drag and rough diamond prices stay under pressure.
Petra Diamonds share price: coupon share i…
BP Shares Near 460p as Oil Drops, Trading Division Gets New Chief
July 2, 2026, 7:05 AM EDT. BP PLC traded up just under 1% at 460.10p on July 2, pulling back from lows but still lagging its June 11 level by 15.6% after oil’s premium faded. Brent crude slipped for a third session, last at $70.91, after U.S.-Iran discussions cooled supply fears. BP said Carol Howle, deputy CEO and head of trading, will leave in Q3, with Sam Skerry taking over trading and supply in August. Even with Thursday’s small move, BP is down 24.5% from its 2026 peak, underperforming Shell and TotalEnergies. UBS has cut Brent crude price forecasts for late 2026 and 2027 as global oil flows pick up. The trading desk, which lifted BP’s Q1 profit in volatile markets, remains in focus for investors.
BP PLC trades near 460p as oil risk premiu…
NatWest slips after £2.7bn Evelyn Partners takeover as investors worry on capital
July 2, 2026, 7:04 AM EDT. NatWest Group Plc shares fell about 1% to 673p after closing its £2.7bn purchase of Evelyn Partners, which pushes the bank’s private banking and wealth AUMA up to £127bn. The acquisition will knock about 130bps off NatWest’s CET1 ratio, squeezing its capacity for capital returns after Q1 capital generation of 65bps. NatWest sees fee income jumping about 20% before factoring in new revenue and has set a cost synergy goal of £100m. Updated guidance lands July 31 with the interim results. The market is watching for how the bank handles the deal’s capital hit and the operational risks on integration.
NatWest stock falls as £2.7bn Evelyn deal …
Beazley Adds 70,632 Shares to LSE; Total Rises to 601.5 Million
July 2, 2026, 7:03 AM EDT.Beazley plc said it admitted 70,632 new ordinary shares to trade on the London Stock Exchange Main Market between 1 and 30 June 2026. The new shares, issued under existing block admissions, push the total to 601.5 million. Beazley manages Lloyd’s syndicates around the world and posted $6.1 billion in gross premiums in 2025. The company said its insurance units still hold strong credit ratings from A.M. Best and Fitch. Beazley said these shares cover allocations from employee share plans. The insurer writes specialist lines like Cyber, Financial Lines, and Political Risks.
Jefferies Sees Earnings Beat for Computacenter, Plus500
July 2, 2026, 7:02 AM EDT. Jefferies is calling out Computacenter PLC (LSE:CCC) and Plus500 Ltd (LSE:PLUS) ahead of the earnings season, saying both stocks could top estimates. The broker expects the two London-listed names to deliver results above what the market is looking for. Computacenter runs IT services, while Plus500 does online trading. Both could see more attention and some movement in share prices with earnings on the way.
Computacenter and Plus500 tipped to beat e…
Smith & Nephew Applies for Block Admission of 150,000 Shares on LSE
July 2, 2026, 6:47 AM EDT. Smith & Nephew plc said it has asked the London Stock Exchange for block admission of 150,000 ordinary shares, each at 20 US cents, with trading expected to start July 6, 2026. The shares will support the company’s employee share plans, and once issued, will rank pari passu with existing ordinary shares. Smith & Nephew is moving to handle share awards to employees ahead of their market debut, aiming for greater liquidity and simpler administration.
Smith & Nephew plans 150,000-share block a…
Hutchmed Up on China Cancer Drug Nod; AIM Stocks Trade Mixed
July 2, 2026, 6:46 AM EDT.Hutchmed China jumped 11.7% after getting conditional approval for ORPATHYS (savolitinib) in advanced gastric cancer with MET amplification. James Cropper rose 8.57% as it reworked debt, and Zephyr Energy climbed 8.19% on more Utah acreage. James Latham advanced 7.84% after better pre-tax profit and a dividend hike. Sintana Energy gained 5.56% with progress on six drill prospects. Huddled Group was up 5.26% following an oversubscribed retail offer. But Mercantile Ports & Logistics slid 12.9% after a tribunal delay. ActiveOps fell 9.52% even with revenue rising, and Ultimate Products also lost ground. Traders saw spotty moves across the board on the latest operational and legal news.
AIM movers: Hutchmed granted new drug appl…
Oxy Capital Cuts Property Franchise Group Stake to Just Under 5%
July 2, 2026, 6:32 AM EDT. Oxy Capital, via Oxy Capital – SGOIC, S.A., has trimmed its voting rights in The Property Franchise Group PLC to 4.94% as of July 1, 2026, down from 5.09%. A notification dated July 2 shows the move came through a typical acquisition or disposal of voting rights. The UK-listed firm now sees Oxy Capital holding just below the 5% regulatory reporting threshold, marking a smaller, but still relevant, position in the company.
Deutsche Bank Sticks With Bullish Mining View After Sell-Off
July 2, 2026, 6:17 AM EDT. Deutsche Bank told clients it is still backing mining stocks after a sharp drop in the sector. Analyst Liam said key mining names remain resilient and that demand drivers are in place. The bank pointed to steady commodity needs for industry and tech as reasons to keep holding. The call comes as miners trade through more market swings.
Leading bank keeps faith with miners despi…
ASX Ends Year Up, Lags Behind Global Peers
July 2, 2026, 6:16 AM EDT. The ASX finished the financial year in positive territory but stayed behind global indexes. Miners fell short, pulling on returns. Sectors had a mixed run, with some clear winners and losers as investors responded to economic worries. Slower ASX gains versus overseas markets point to doubts around commodity prices and local growth.
ASX winners and losers revealed as Aussie …
Barclays Shares Edge Up After Bank Buys 999-Year HQ Lease for £750 Million
July 2, 2026, 6:02 AM EDT.Barclays PLC shares added 0.53% to 517.75p after the bank said it will spend £750 million to secure a 999-year lease on its Canary Wharf headquarters, topping its latest £500 million share buyback. The investment is equal to about 1.1% of Barclays’ current market value and comes in at 1.5 times the size of its most recent buyback. Barclays said the deal will not affect its capital ratio or earnings per share. The £750 per square foot price tag is above recent values for nearby Canary Wharf offices and covers roughly 12.5 to 19 years of what Barclays paid in prior rent. CEO Venkatakrishnan called the deal a move for long-term certainty and flexibility. Several analysts said Barclays’ investment points to confidence in the London office market as the bank ramps up capital use.
Barclays (LON:BARC) trades higher as £750 …
Home REIT (HOME) surges 12% as cash stack offsets legal clouds
July 2, 2026, 6:01 AM EDT. Home REIT shares jumped 12.04% to 10.70p on light trading, giving the company a market cap of £84.59 million. The move tracked investor focus on £133.6 million in unrestricted cash, short-term securities and Patron Capital receivables, which include a bank-guaranteed payout due April 2027 equal to 16.9p per share. Estimated property sales would push this value to about 17.4p. Even so, the shares are still at a 37% discount to the cash and receivables. Legal expenses and claims tied to ongoing litigation seem to weigh on sentiment. Home REIT said property auctions this year brought in £15.33 million, which is 5.7% less than previous valuations. Non-exec Chair Michael O’Donnell said auction progress has been made but called delays in distributions frustrating.
Home REIT shares: £133.6m cash and receiva…
Housing Finance Holding Corp. names three new non-executive directors, reshuffles board roles
July 2, 2026, 6:00 AM EDT. Housing Finance Holding Corp. said Michele Faull, John Kelting, and Susan Shehata will join the board as Non-Executive Directors starting July 1, 2026. Shirley Smith is stepping down from her seats as Non-Executive Director and Senior Independent Director. David Montague has been named the new Senior Independent Director, with Kelting set to chair the New Business Committee. The moves come as part of the company’s board refresh and succession effort.
REG – Housing Finance Hld. Housing Finance…
Cindrigo (LON:CINH) trades at half equity deal price, volume thin
July 2, 2026, 5:46 AM EDT. Cindrigo Holdings (LON:CINH) changed hands in a 4.00p to 5.50p range on July 2, staying more than 50% under the 12p equity deal price from April’s £6.7 million strategic agreement. Volume stayed low-only 12,000 shares traded. The bid-ask spread was 31.6% of the midpoint, showing how wide prices are in the thin market. The company has landed over £11 million through investments and guarantees and says it plans pellet production in 2026. Cindrigo said its Fuelwood joint venture banking work has wrapped up and it’s waiting on funds to finish the share issue. Market cap is around £15.77 million. The gap between the recent deal price and the stock’s level points to swings and the focus on funding for this small-cap name.
Cindrigo trades below 12p placing price as…
Marechale Capital (LON:MAC) jumps after June acquisitions, more shares
July 2, 2026, 5:45 AM EDT. Marechale Capital (LON:MAC) traded up to 6.75p, well above the June issue price of 1.75p. That move put the company’s valuation around £17.4 million, up from £4.5 million. The stock move came after Marechale closed deals for Stanford Capital Partners, Blubird Global Inc, and NJC Capital last month, sending the share count to 257.3 million. The sellers took 75.2 million shares under a 12-month lock-up. CEO Patrick Booth-Clibborn called it a “momentous occasion” for Marechale, saying the group expects growth in corporate finance, capital markets, tokenisation, and asset management. Traders linked the share price move to the bigger cap table, since there wasn’t any new trading update.
Marechale Capital (LON:MAC) shares move af…
FTSE 100 Climbs Past 10,500 as UK Stocks Buck Global Slump
July 2, 2026, 5:44 AM EDT. The FTSE 100 shook off weak trading in Asia and on Wall Street, ending up 0.45% and pushing above 10,500. Healthcare and utility names like AstraZeneca and Compass Group led gains. BAE Systems and Babcock both rose more than 2% after the UK updated its defence spending. AI-linked tech stocks such as RELX lagged, tracking US tech weakness. Traders are now looking to the US jobs report, which was moved to Thursday, with the Fed’s next steps on rates in focus after Jerome Powell took over as chair. Analysts see the jobs print as key for bond yields and the dollar outlook, depending on how long the Fed sticks with higher rates.
FTSE 100 shakes off weakness on Wall Stree…
Shell flat after $3 bln asset disposals equal paused buybacks
July 2, 2026, 5:30 AM EDT. Shell Plc shares were steady at 2,872.5 pence in London, following a 2.1% slide a day earlier. The company locked in $3 billion from two U.S. asset sales, the same amount as the $3 billion buyback plan it put on hold ahead of its ARC Resources deal. Shell sold Jiffy Lube for $1.3 billion but kept key lubricant brands via a supply deal. It also agreed to offload its 50% interest in the Na Kika platform and Coulomb tieback to Talos Energy and Ridgewood Energy for $1.7 billion. That covers the gap from the buyback pause. Shell shares remain off 23.57% from their 52-week high with weaker Brent crude following U.S.-Iran talks and possible OPEC+ supply boosts.
Shell holds steady after $3 bln asset sale…
VietNam Holding Limited talks June news at QuotedData webinar
July 2, 2026, 5:29 AM EDT. VietNam Holding Limited is set to join QuotedData’s weekly investment company webinar on July 3, 2026, with Craig Martin making a guest appearance. Hosts James Carthew and Andrew McHattie will cover the main sector moves from June and take questions from investors live. QuotedData runs these weekly sessions with updates on London-listed investment trusts-including news, performance, and risk warnings. The team keeps risks like possible capital losses on the agenda. Anyone can watch live or catch past webinars on QuotedData’s site, or sign up for the next session for more listed fund coverage and analysis.
ASX 200 Ticks Up as Gold Stocks Rally; NAB Gets Lift from Upgrade, Wesfarmers Drops After Downgrade
July 2, 2026, 5:21 AM EDT. The ASX 200 was up, gold stocks leading after a rebound in the sector. National Australia Bank (NAB) jumped on an analyst upgrade. But Wesfarmers (WES) dropped after a downgrade and pulled on the broader market. Gold miners rose, making up for losses in other areas. The market shows some caution as sector moves drive the action.
Evening Wrap: ASX 200 sneaks a gain as gol…
KPMG names Michael Ebeid chair after Sheppard exit; leak probe and leadership questions remain
July 2, 2026, 5:20 AM EDT. KPMG tapped Michael Ebeid as chair after Martin Sheppard stepped down during an ongoing parliamentary inquiry into the firm’s ethics. Ebeid had called leak allegations “completely false” and said a senator’s disclosure was “inappropriate and unfair.” But once named chair, emails surfaced showing those comments, and Ebeid apologized, saying he didn’t know the full story at the time. Greens senator Barbara Pocock hit out at the decision, pointing to what she called deep-seated culture and leadership issues at KPMG. At the center is KPMG’s probe into whistleblower claims of leaked audit information, which the firm has now admitted fell short. KPMG also acknowledged that staff leaked details around clients Lendlease and Optus, drawing further attention to governance and ethics.
KPMG appoints chair who claimed leak alleg…
Smith & Nephew Moves for Block Admission of 150,000 Shares on LSE
July 2, 2026, 5:19 AM EDT. Smith & Nephew Plc said it has filed to the London Stock Exchange for block admission of 150,000 ordinary shares at a nominal value of US20¢ each. The shares are set to start trading 6 July 2026. The company will use the new shares for settling employee share scheme awards. They will rank pari passu with the current ordinary shares. The announcement came 2 July 2026 from Deputy Company Secretary Philip Horner. Block admission lets companies reserve shares for later use. Smith & Nephew is continuing regular employee pay practices with the move.
Capricorn Energy Jumps After Genel Pitches $360 Million Bid; Stock Lags on Dividend Uncertainty
July 2, 2026, 5:18 AM EDT. Capricorn Energy (LON:CNE) shares jumped 20.1% to trade at 342p/348p after Genel Energy (LON:GENL) made a $360 million offer valuing Capricorn at 357p per share. The deal includes a $0.99 special dividend, about 21% of the price. Shares are still trading around 3.4% under the bid, with some showing caution on the payout timing and currency moves. The dividend depends on the deal closing. It would pay out a big chunk of Capricorn’s $129 million in cash. The deal needs approval from shareholders and regulators like Egypt’s EGPC. Capricorn CEO Randy Neely called it a clear exit, while Genel boss Paul Weir said the plan would deliver more cash flow and investor returns.
Capricorn Energy (LON:CNE) jumps on Genel …
Nostrum Oil & Gas (LON:NOG) jumps as bondholders weigh debt terms
July 2, 2026, 5:17 AM EDT. Nostrum Oil & Gas Plc (LON:NOG) shares rose 14.3% to 4.00 pence early on July 2, 2026 in London, with just 100 shares traded. Market cap was £6.57 million. Investors are watching a key bondholder vote on proposed changes to $244.4 million in secured notes and $517.5 million in senior unsecured notes, with deadlines between July 10 and July 16. Directors have warned of default and possible insolvency if the company can’t get consent. The vote comes as a tax dispute in Kazakhstan is blocking collateral for the secured notes, which disrupted the planned March refinancing. Bondholder meetings kick off July 20 in London, keeping focus on Nostrum’s attempts to tackle debt as it deals with other problems.
Nostrum Oil & Gas edges up on light volume…
HSBC Shares Ease After Zing App Loss Tied to Cost Cuts
July 2, 2026, 5:16 AM EDT. Shares of HSBC Holdings Plc lost 0.92% in London trade after the bank took a $162.4 million loss from its Zing fintech payments app. Zing has now racked up over $160 million in impairments since it launched, with the hit coming as CEO Georges Elhedery pushes cost cuts outside of HSBC’s banking units. Zing’s losses amount to less than 2% of first-quarter pretax profit and below 1% of total revenue for HSBC. The bank raised its net interest income guidance to about $46 billion, as Q1 net interest income rose 8% and helped steady profit. Separately, a South African court set a full hearing date on forex-rigging charges for HSBC Bank Plc. The stock traded about 2% under its year high, while the FTSE 100 added 0.36%.
HSBC (LON:HSBA) stock trails after $162m Z…
National Australia Bank (ASX: NAB) Valuation: Looking at Financial Ratios
July 2, 2026, 5:15 AM EDT. National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) is trading near $38.41 as investors focus on financial ratios like net interest margin (NIM) and return on equity (ROE). NAB posted a NIM of 1.71%, just under the major bank average of 1.78%. Its ROE, though, is higher at 11.4% compared to the sector’s 9.35%. Employee satisfaction at NAB comes in at 3 out of 5, a bit below peers. These metrics help shape long-term calls in Australia’s bank sector.
2 tools to value the National Australia Ba…
Rolls-Royce Close to 52-Week High as Buyback Builds Before July Results
July 2, 2026, 5:14 AM EDT. Rolls-Royce was trading around 1,455p on July 2, sitting just under 5% off its 52-week peak of 1,532.60p. The company has bought back 74.6 million shares at an average price of 1,212.92p, putting 39% of its £2.3 billion share buyback program to work. Daily filings show around 4 million shares recently purchased at about 1,409p, roughly 3.3% below the market price. The buyback, which runs through 2028, is part of Rolls-Royce’s capital return efforts alongside new business, like its 40-engine order tied to SAS’s 20 A330neo planes. The market is looking for the half-year earnings set for July 30. Most analysts stick to a positive view, with a 1,415p median target keeping the shares near the middle of their range.
Rolls-Royce trades close to highs as buyba…
Ramsdens Holdings (LON:RFX) Premium Subscribers Told to Take US Bid After Stock's 316% Jump
July 2, 2026, 4:41 AM EDT. Ramsdens Holdings (LON:RFX) shares have soared 316% in the last two years, and now US-based FirstCash Holdings has made a £206 million all-cash offer. The move gives investors a choice. Market experts are telling Premium Subscribers to take the cash deal and look to reinvest quickly. Ramsdens runs jewellery, gold, currency exchange and pawnbroking businesses. The deal gives holders a shot to lock in gains during choppy markets, with the usual trade-off between immediate cash and future growth.
Ramsdens Holdings: after a 316% two-year g…
LSE Lists New AIM Securities From BRCK, Caledonian, CleanTech Lithium
July 2, 2026, 4:27 AM EDT. The London Stock Exchange brought new stocks to AIM today, adding shares from BRCK Group Plc, Caledonian Holdings Plc, and CleanTech Lithium Plc. More than 82 million shares in total made their market debut, with key details like classes and nominal values laid out. AIM is the LSE’s market for smaller growth firms. Market Operations is available for more info. The new admissions add to AIM’s investment pool and could affect liquidity in these names.
ASX 200 claws back losses after early fall as Wall Street tech rout, trade deficit weigh
July 2, 2026, 4:26 AM EDT. The ASX 200 cut its early losses to trade flat at 8722 by 3:30 pm AEST on July 2, 2026, after dropping 66 points (-0.76%) to 8656.20 earlier, hitting a three-week low. Pressure came from a 6.27% slide in the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index overnight, which hit Asian shares and sent South Korea down nearly 7%. Australia’s trade balance swung to a A$3 billion deficit in May from a A$1.4 billion surplus in April, hurt by a 35% drop in gold exports and weaker iron ore. Imports climbed 2.6% on capital and consumption goods, showing firm demand. The ASX found buyers again on flows tied to the start of the financial year.
BAE Systems (LON:BA) Slides 20%, Now Below £19 After Market Jitters
July 2, 2026, 4:14 AM EDT. BAE Systems shares have dropped 20% from March, trading below £19 as investors react to worries around US/Iran talks. But with NATO looking at $2.7 trillion in annual defence spending by 2035, BAE could still see gains. The company’s forward price-to-earnings is 23.6, under the sector’s 31.7 average, and other valuation ratios look solid compared to competitors. Analysts flag possible margins pressure from delays and supply problems, but strong order books are keeping the outlook upbeat. Investors should weigh these points before making moves.
Down 20% to below £19! Is now the right ti…
NatWest (LSE: NWG) dividend play: £20,000 could mean £10,871 a year if forecasts hold
July 2, 2026, 4:13 AM EDT. NatWest (LSE: NWG) could appeal to income investors. The FTSE 100 lender’s dividend yield may jump from 4.8% now to 6.9% by 2028, ahead of the 3.1% FTSE 100 average. On the numbers, a £20,000 stake with dividends reinvested could reach £157,560 in 30 years and throw off £10,871 each year. Discounted cash flow models put NatWest at 48% undervalued, with fair value pegged at £13.04 against the current £6.78. The shares look under the radar for both yield and possible share price upside in a choppy market.
How much do I need in this overlooked FTSE…
Greggs (LSE: GRG) trades well below DCF fair value at £15.46
July 2, 2026, 4:12 AM EDT. Greggs Plc shares are changing hands at £15.46, which is about 56% below the £35.14 fair value based on a DCF model. The high street bakery group runs on steady long-term profits and strong sales. Greggs posts a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.9, falling short of the 15.5 average among hospitality peers. The price-to-sales ratio comes in at 0.7, while peers average 2.3. Against a backdrop of outside risks, the company’s UK expansion and rising customer numbers stand out. Long-term investors may see appeal in the current gap to fair value if shares close that distance over time.
Here’s why Greggs’ sub-£16 shares look che…
Henderson Far East Income (LSE: HFEL) yields 9.6%, adds to dividend but sees risks
July 2, 2026, 4:11 AM EDT. Henderson Far East Income (LSE: HFEL) is a FTSE 250 trust investing in Asia-Pacific that pays a 9.6% yield and has boosted its dividend every year. The portfolio holds semiconductor stocks like MediaTek, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing, and SK Hynix, all lifted by AI demand, and high-yield picks such as Swire Properties, which pays 5.7%. Shares have dropped 19% over five years but climbed 15% this year, ahead of the FTSE 250’s 9% rise. The trust comes with risks-big bets on chips and questions about keeping up its dividend. Investors looking for passive income need to keep that in mind.
This FTSE 250 stock yields 9.6% — and has …
ASX 200 Ends Flat, UK M&A Heats Up as Asset Sales Draw Buyers
July 2, 2026, 4:10 AM EDT. The ASX 200 finished unchanged at 8,724 on July 2, 2026. Gains from consumer services, healthcare and banks offset losses in retail, logistics and energy. A May trade deficit, with exports falling and imports up, hit sentiment and knocked back rate hike hopes as Middle East tensions eased. Northern Star Resources added 5.3%. Scentre Group sank 10.2% for 2025. In the UK, Citi UK CEO Tiina Lee said the M&A scene is active-28 overseas deals target UK firms with strong cash flow, even as IPOs lag. Large caps continue to sell assets as international buyers come in, hunting for bargains in a market priced below US peers.
UK & AU Stock Market Today: Live Updates 0…
ASX 200 Closes Flat; Trade Deficit, Export Drop Hit Sentiment
July 2, 2026, 4:02 AM EDT. The ASX 200 ended little changed at 8,724 on Thursday. Gains in consumer services, healthcare, and banks balanced falls in retail, logistics, and energy. May trade numbers showed a surprise deficit, as exports slipped and imports climbed. That hit sentiment and knocked back bets on more rate hikes, with traders citing lower inflation risks after Middle East tensions cooled and the Strait of Hormuz reopened. U.S. futures traded down after Wall Street slipped ahead of U.S. jobs data. Northern Star Resources jumped 5.3% after naming a new CEO and hitting gold sales targets. Big banks gained between 0.4% and 3.5%. Losers included SGH Ltd., Westfarmers Ltd., Reece Ltd., and Coles, down 1.8% to 4.6%.
Scentre Group (ASX:SCG) drops 10.2% for 2025, Coles (ASX:COL) trades off lows
July 2, 2026, 4:01 AM EDT. Scentre Group (ASX:SCG) shares are down 10.2% for 2025, with the Westfield operator’s 42 centres staying mostly full at over 99% occupancy and valued above $34 billion. Dividend yield stands at 4.47%, a bit short of the five-year average 4.78%, even though the payout grew last year. Coles Group Ltd (ASX:COL) is up 14.4% from a 52-week low, holding a 2.96% dividend yield-also lower than its five-year mark at 3.76%. Coles, which split from Wesfarmers in 2018, has about a 28% share of the grocery sector and a track record for regular dividends. Investors keep an eye on yields for signals on value since they shift with payouts and prices. Tools like DCF and DDM models can help break down valuations.
I’m keeping an eye on SCG shares in 2026
Citi UK boss Lee says UK M&A 'on fire' as large-caps shed assets
July 2, 2026, 4:00 AM EDT. M&A is hot in the U.K. right now, with large-cap firms simplifying and overseas buyers looking for strong cash-generative assets, Citi U.K. CEO Tiina Lee told CNBC. Lee pointed to deals like McCormick buying Unilever’s food business and Diageo offloading its Indian cricket team as examples. Foreign buyers have announced 28 deals for U.K. companies with healthy cash flow so far in 2024. IPOs in London remain sluggish, so M&A is leading the capital markets. The valuation gap between UK and U.S. equities is pulling international interest to established British names, Lee said.
