FTSE 100 Sets New Record as AI Drives Tech Rally in Europe
July 31, 2026, 5:17 AM EDT. European markets moved higher with the Stoxx 600 up, lifted by fresh bets on artificial intelligence AI stocks. The FTSE 100 pushed to a record, with UK blue chips gaining ground as investors chased AI winners. The latest gains come as optimism over AI trends and solid earnings support tech shares. Some traders are looking for the next AI catalyst and how it could move broader markets.
European shares advance, FTSE 100 hits fre…
Beetaloo Energy (BTL) seeks ASX quote for more shares
July 31, 2026, 5:02 AM EDT. Beetaloo Energy Australia Limited (BTL) is looking to have additional shares quoted on the ASX after an update from Empire Energy Group Limited about Beetaloo’s share capital. The proposed listing aims to help Beetaloo grow its shareholder base and improve liquidity. Investors are watching as energy stocks draw more attention on the ASX. Details on the share issue and listing schedule are still to come. Beetaloo calls this part of its capital raising plans as it looks to boost its presence in the Australian energy market.
Beetaloo Energy Seeks ASX Quotation for Ad…
Lloyds H1 profit hits £4.3bn, launches £1bn buyback and reworks prefs
July 31, 2026, 4:31 AM EDT. Lloyds Banking Group LSE:LLOY posted a statutory pre-tax profit of £4.3bn for H1 2026. Net income came in at £9.7bn, up 9%, with net interest income also up 9% at £7.3bn, giving a NIM of 3.19%. Other income climbed 11% to £3.3bn; costs were flat. Lloyds lifted its dividend by 30% and started a £1bn buyback to run through January 27, 2027, using Goldman Sachs. The bank also reclassified its Existing Preference Shares to Tier 2 capital, ranking them above AT1 securities in a wind-up, changing capital structure and regulatory capital ranking.
Key facts: LSE:LLOY £4.3bn H1 profit; £1bn…
ASX Gains as Miners, Banks Lead Early Trade
July 31, 2026, 4:19 AM EDT. The Australian Securities Exchange ASX traded higher with miners and banks out in front. Buyers stepped in after new economic data and earnings landed. Traders kept an eye on global trade news and central bank moves for signs on direction. Some uncertainty remains but the tone stayed mostly positive. Mining stocks and financials helped lift the main index.
What's driving the ASX higher?
Taylor Wimpey (TW) slides on dividend cut as UK housing outlook dims
July 31, 2026, 4:18 AM EDT. Taylor Wimpey shares dropped 5% after the company cut its dividend and gave cautious guidance, pointing to a tough UK housing market. The builder reported first-half revenue up 1.7% at £1.68 billion but adjusted operating profit down 19.4% to £129.7 million as margins shrank. Home completions fell to 4,986 and the full-year target is now 10,600-10,800 units, pointing to weaker sales and affordability issues. Average selling price was up 6.7% at £334,000, but the order book dropped to £2.0 billion from £2.19 billion. Year-on-year, cash almost halved to £168.6 million with ongoing cladding costs still hitting liquidity. The board cut the dividend to 4% of net assets, aiming to keep the balance sheet solid as market pressures build. Buyers are still watching prices closely, and trading stays cautious.
Taylor Wimpey shares fall after dividend c…
Live Stock Market Updates for July 31, 2026
July 31, 2026, 4:17 AM EDT. Catch live market coverage for July 31, 2026. Updates roll in from 4:00 AM EDT, bringing early moves, trends, and market action. Track what unfolds today in stocks, indices, and the wider financial markets.
Stock Market Today: Live Updates 31.07.202…
ASX Earnings Season Starts with High Valuations, Mixed Outlooks
July 31, 2026, 4:16 AM EDT. ASX companies kicked off earnings with volatile market conditions as investors face weak consumer confidence, elections in play, and geopolitical risks. The index is trading at a 21x earnings multiple, well above the 16x long-run average. Dividend yield comes in at 3.33%, lower than usual. Market consensus expects 13% profit growth for 2025-26 but analysts warn of unprecedented volatility. Electronics and health stand out in consumer stocks, helping JB HiFi and Sigma Healthcare, but furniture and alcohol sales are falling behind. Coles remains a pick over its retail peers. Traders expect a patchy profit season with sector moves shaped by various catalysts and risks, and uncertainty still weighing on the outlook.
Criterion: Hold on tight for a rocky profi…
BP puts North Sea business up for sale under new CEO Meg O'Neill
July 31, 2026, 4:15 AM EDT. BP PLC is selling its North Sea operations, moving to simplify its portfolio under new CEO Meg O’Neill. The company is offering the North Sea assets, a key part of its business, as it scrambles to manage the global energy transition and cut exposure to mature fields. BP hasn’t named buyers or set a timeline. The sale follows the strategy to focus on core businesses and rework capital spending as market conditions shift.
BP puts North Sea business up for sale
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