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Last week, metal prices fell, while oil prices regained some ground after Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s crushed hopes of a cease-fire with Hamas. The FTSE 100 fell by 0.3%.
It is also a key week for UK data, with unemployment, inflation and economic growth readings.
In corporate news, Anglo American signed a memorandum of understanding with Finnish Minerals Group to explore opportunities in Finland's battery value-chain, enhancing its commitment to the region and its Sakatti project.
GSK's bepirovirsen received fast track designation from the US FDA for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B, indicating the drug's potential to address an unmet medical need.
Frasers Group announced a new share buyback program for up to GBP 80 million, with a maximum of 10.0 million shares to be repurchased.
Unilever's CEO Hein Schumacher is pursuing a strategic shift with the support of board member Nelson Peltz, focusing on a systematic marketing strategy for top brands and considering streamlining the workforce.
NatWest Group is reportedly finalizing proposals to pay out approximately GBP 350 million in staff bonuses ahead of its annual results.
Meanwhile, BP Plc forecasts a $700 million windfall due to a proposed reduction in the UK's pension surplus tax charge.
Things to read this week:
- The most secretive society in European finance (Financial Times).
- If you think World War III is unimaginable, read this (Bloomberg).
- Jeremy Hunt may launch ‘British Isa’ investing in UK company shares (The Guardian)
