Gold is 2025’s best performer. UBS sees more upside
Investing.com -- British stocks edged up slightly as investors grew hopeful after a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington ended on a positive note.
Unlike their earlier encounter that descended into heated exchanges, this round of talks struck a far more positive tone, with both sides expressing hope about the path ahead in resolving the war with Russia.
Trump pledged that the U.S. would back Ukraine’s security, though he stopped short of outlining what form that commitment might take.
European stocks in positive territory
As of 1209 GMT, the blue-chip index FTSE 100 rose 0.3% and the British GBP/USD gained 0.1% against the dollar to 1.35.
DAX index in Germany rose 0.3% after slipping earlier in the day and CAC 40 in France gained nearly 1%.
U.K.retail sales data release delayed by two weeks
Britain’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced it is postponing the release of July retail sales data by two weeks.
The retail figures, originally scheduled for publication on Friday, will now be released on September 5, according to the ONS.
The statistics agency said the delay would "allow for further quality assurance" of the data.
Weaker commodity prices drag BHP annual profit
BHP Group Ltd (LON:BHPB) said on Tuesday its underlying annual profit fell as weaker iron ore and coal prices outweighed record copper and iron ore production.
The world’s biggest listed miner flagged resilient margins and strong cash generation despite a softer price environment.
Underlying attributable profit dropped 26% to $10.2 billion for the year ended June 30, 2025. Revenue slipped 8% to $51.3 billion.
IWG shares plunge as company warns of lower profit outlook
International Workplace Group Plc (LON:IWG) shares fell sharply after the office rental company warned that its full-year operating profit would likely come in at the lower end of its guidance range.
The stock dropped nearly 14% in London trading as of 08:24 GMT, despite the company reporting record system-wide revenue for the first half of 2025.
IWG posted revenue of $2.2 billion for the six-month period, representing a 2% increase compared to the same period a year earlier.
Applied Nutrition shares jump as full-year results beat expectations
Applied Nutrition PLC (LON:APNA) shares rose over 8% after the sports nutrition and wellness company reported full-year 2025 results that exceeded market expectations.
The company’s revenue increased approximately 24% year-on-year, surpassing the consensus forecast of £100 million. The strong performance was driven by robust trading in the second half of the year.
Applied Nutrition also reported that its adjusted EBITDA grew about 19% compared to the prior year’s figure of £26 million.
Grocery inflation in Britain cools marginally to 5.0%
British grocery inflation decreased slightly to 5.0% over the four weeks to August 10, according to data released Tuesday by market researcher Worldpanel by Numerator.
The latest figure represents a small decline from the 5.2% reported in July, offering modest relief to UK consumers who have been facing rising food costs.
This data provides the most current snapshot of food inflation trends in the United Kingdom (TADAWUL:4280), showing a marginal improvement in price pressures at grocery stores across the country.
Assura chair Ed Smith steps down amid PHP takeover
Assura PLC (LON:AGRP) said that Ed Smith, CBE, has resigned from his position as Non-Executive Chair and director with immediate effect.
Smith joined the Assura Board in 2017 and became Chair in 2018. During his tenure, he provided oversight of the company’s strategy and governance, leveraging his health service, public sector, and business experience.
The board noted the offer for Assura by Primary Health Properties PLC (LON:PHP), which was declared wholly unconditional on August 12, 2025, and remains open for acceptance.
Shein reportedly considers moving headquarters to China for Hong Kong IPO approval
Fast-fashion retailer Shein Group is considering relocating its headquarters back to China to secure Beijing’s approval for its planned Hong Kong initial public offering, Bloomberg News reported.
The company has been trying to go public for years, initially targeting a New York listing before shifting focus to London.
According to sources cited in the Bloomberg report, the potential headquarters move represents Shein’s latest effort to advance its IPO plans in Hong Kong.