US Stock Market Today: Live Updates 04.07.2026

Beaumaris House Fails to Sell at $1.85 Million Vendor Bid as Melbourne Slows

July 5, 2026, 3:58 AM EDT. A Beaumaris four-bedroom home passed in at auction on a $1.85 million vendor bid-$50,000 short of the agent’s $1.9 million guide bottom. Auctioneer Kevin Chokshi said buyer finance was slow, with caution rising as Melbourne home prices slipped 1% in June. The house had high-end features but drew just one bidder on the day. Agents switched to private talks with three interested families. Domain Group put Melbourne’s auction clearance rate at a preliminary 54% last week, showing the market is cooling as borrowing gets tougher.

Luxury Beaumaris family home passes in on …

A £99 Monthly Investment Can Grow Into £54,990 in Yearly Income, If Compounding Works

July 5, 2026, 3:57 AM EDT. Putting away £99 each month using a long-term strategy and compounding returns could push a portfolio close to £550,000 in 40 years, based on a 10% annual return. That kind of growth could mean a second income of about £54,990 a year from dividends. Drop the annual gain to 8%, and the projected value falls hard to £319,000. The article shows how compounding-especially reinvesting dividends-can speed up portfolio growth, and says picking strong shares is key for those hoping to reach big returns over decades. Building up this kind of passive income takes time and discipline but shows how regular small investments stack up over the years.

Here’s how investing £99 a month could hel…

S&P 500 Flat as AI Swings, Soft Jobs; Buffett Playbook in Focus

July 5, 2026, 3:56 AM EDT. The S&P 500 is holding just under its all-time high of 7,620, trading sideways after swings in the AI sector and a US jobs number that missed forecasts. Non-farm payrolls rose by 57,000 in June, well below the 113,000 economists expected. Those softer numbers take some pressure off for more interest rate hikes, helping stocks hold steady. Warren Buffett has told investors to look for chances when uncertainty is high, and UnitedHealth Group is getting attention for its healthcare earnings, which don’t track economic growth as closely. UnitedHealth beat in Q1, raised its outlook, and got its price target bumped up by Bank of America, pointing to value for investors sticking with the Buffett approach.

As the AI trade and weak jobs data hits th…

BP Drops 20% with Oil Prices Sliding as Strait Reopens

July 5, 2026, 3:41 AM EDT.BP shares sank 20% after new Iran talks led to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil from $124 down to about $71. The slide comes as traders eye US tariffs and global conflict pressures. Still, some analysts say UK names like BP could present value. The Carlyle Group’s Jeff Currie says oil could be in for a decade-long supercycle, backed by years of underinvestment and rising demand from AI infrastructure, which could lift prices ahead. New CEO Meg O’Neill is expected to keep capital discipline tight. BP’s price-to-book is 1.8, near its average, and its dividend yield at 5.4% remains one of the FTSE 100’s best, which some see as a draw for long-term holders while markets swing.

Oil’s crashed from $124 to $71 — so is it …

SpaceX Slips to $160 After IPO, Investors Eye Growth vs. Risks

July 5, 2026, 3:40 AM EDT. SpaceX shares have pulled back to around $160 after the IPO, down 28% from a $225 peak. Last year, the company posted a 33% rise in revenue to $18.7 billion but booked a $5 billion net loss. Now at a $2.1 trillion valuation, SpaceX tops Meta’s market cap even though Meta runs with bigger revenue and profits. Analysts see nearly 95% revenue growth this year, and some put numbers at $102 billion by 2028. Musk says $1 trillion in revenue by 2030 is the target, but skeptics remain. Musk’s style has sped up launches and product cycles, and SpaceX is putting focus on satellite internet, reusable rockets, AI in orbit, and missions beyond Earth. Buyers are weighing that growth story against risk tied to Musk’s bets.

Should I load up on SpaceX at $160 inside …

Primary Health Properties (LSE: PHP) Flags 30-Year Dividend Streak, Yields 7.4%

July 5, 2026, 3:39 AM EDT. Primary Health Properties (LSE: PHP) is marking 30 years of raising its dividend, something no other UK REIT has done. The FTSE 250 healthcare REIT carries a 7.4% yield, as it lets out modern medical sites mostly to UK and Irish governments. About 900 primary care buildings make up the portfolio, with long leases and hardly any vacancies. PHP gives back almost all adjusted earnings to shareholders each year, which REITs usually do for tax reasons. Organic rent growth was 3.4%, and after a merger, PHP looks for cost synergies. The dividend cover is thin, so any profit drop could squeeze payments. Investors weighing PHP have to factor in these risks, especially with unclear market and economic outlooks.

After 30 straight years of rising dividend…

WiseTech Global Ltd ASX:WTC 2026 share price drop and fundamentals

July 5, 2026, 3:23 AM EDT.WiseTech Global Ltd ASX:WTC shares are down 51.92% so far in 2026. WiseTech, which started in 1994, makes cloud logistics software and Cargowise is used by 24 of the world’s top 25 freight forwarders. The company posted annual revenue of $1.042 billion and a 3-year revenue CAGR of 27.1%. Gross margin is 84%. Profit jumped from $108 million to $263 million over three years, putting the profit CAGR at 34.5%. The balance sheet shows net negative debt of -$19 million and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.7%. That means low leverage for now. Investors have to balance these numbers against the steep share price fall this year.

Are WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX:WTC) shares g…

Northern Star Resources ASX:NST Jumps 7.6% After CEO Pick, Elliott Push

July 5, 2026, 3:09 AM EDT. Northern Star Resources ASX:NST shares climbed 7.6% after the company named Suresh Vadnagra, from Glencore, as its next CEO, starting October 5, 2026. The appointment comes as Elliott Investment Management keeps up pressure for board change and a strategy review. Investors are eyeing big projects like the KCGM mill upgrade and the integration of De Grey Mining. Cost controls and execution stay in focus before the FY26 numbers land. Elliott’s push is driving more attention to how Northern Star handles spending and capital. Revenue is forecast to hit A$12.4 billion by 2029, but there are still margin and regulatory risks. Analysts put fair value at A$25.74 a share, or about 16% above where the stock is trading now.

Why Northern Star Resources (ASX:NST) Is U…

SIPP Eyes Cash-Rich Stocks Like Safestore for 2026 After Beating S&P 500

July 5, 2026, 3:08 AM EDT. SIPP’s 2025 plan delivered a 25.9% total return, ahead of the S&P 500’s 16.4%. The 2026 strategy keeps the focus on high cash flow businesses, looking for firms able to keep dividend growth going even with higher inflation and interest rates. Safestore Holdings (LSE:SAFE) stands out-the UK storage operator has posted 16 years of steady revenue and dividend rises. Its move into new European markets saw a 25.7% jump in Expansion Markets revenue, showing room to keep growing. With tough conditions expected, the strategy leans on cash-rich, resilient firms that can scoop up rivals and grab share.

After a 25.9% gain in 2025, here’s how I’m…

Coles Group Ltd ASX:COL edges up, Brambles Ltd ASX:BXB near highs in early 2025

July 5, 2026, 2:56 AM EDT. Coles Group Ltd ASX:COL is up 9.1% since the start of 2025. The retailer controls about 28% of Australia’s grocery market and runs supermarkets and finance operations. Its dividend yield is 2.92%, below the five-year average, though payouts have risen. Brambles Ltd ASX:BXB is trading 21.9% off its 52-week low. The company, behind the CHEP pallet hire platform, offers a 2.58% dividend yield, in line with historic levels. Both stocks have stayed steady on income. Analysts point to dividend yields and discounted cash flow as tools to value shares.

I’m keeping an eye on COL shares in 2026

Energean (LSE:ENOG) Dividend Yield Near 11% Draws Scrutiny

July 5, 2026, 2:55 AM EDT. Energean (LSE:ENOG) is drawing investor attention with its 10.9% dividend yield, one of the highest on the FTSE 250. The oil and gas group mainly works in the Mediterranean and Middle East, with the Karish gas field in Israel among its key projects. The business is covered by $20 billion in long-term contracts, giving some cash flow certainty. But after Israel’s security tensions triggered a 40-day halt to production and a 29% fall in quarterly revenue, Energean cut its dividend to $0.10 from $0.30 per share. The cut and revenue hit show how exposed the company is to instability in the region. While those contracts help, ongoing conflict keeps this a high-yield, high-risk stock in the UK market.

With a 10.9% yield, is this dividend stock…

Primary Health Properties (LSE:PHP) Dividend Track Record Questioned on NHS Budget Fears

July 5, 2026, 2:54 AM EDT. Primary Health Properties (LSE:PHP) has delivered reliable and rising dividends since the 1990s, with a portfolio focused on UK medical properties and mostly backed by government funds. Demand for healthcare supports the story. But investors are worried after a US-UK trade agreement suggested £45 billion of NHS funding could shift to pay for higher drug costs by 2036, raising the risk that healthcare rents may come under pressure. The REIT’s strong track record and market demand are still there, but funding risks tied to NHS budgets are getting harder to ignore.

I bought more of this REIT in June. Have I…

PageGroup (LSE:PAGE) Dividend Yield Near 8% as Shares Sink on Profit Slide

July 5, 2026, 2:53 AM EDT. PageGroup (LSE:PAGE) is paying a 7.99% dividend yield with shares at 107p. A £5,000 buy gets you 4,672 shares, or about £400 in yearly passive income. Revenue fell 8.2% to £1.60bn over 12 months and pre-tax profit dropped 67%. Q1 numbers point to slower revenue decline and areas of growth in the Americas and Asia Pacific. But the stock has lost almost 60% of its value since mid-2023 on profit warnings and slashed dividends. Payouts have been halved. Investors are left weighing growth outside Europe against global uncertainty.

£5,000 buys 4,672 shares in this 7.99%-yie…

NatWest Group jumps 235% in five years as yield nears 6%—is the FTSE 100 bank a buy?

July 5, 2026, 2:52 AM EDT. NatWest Group Plc (LSE: NWG) has climbed 235% over five years and leads FTSE 100 banks on yield, with payouts forecast at 5.29% in 2023 and up to 5.95% by 2027. The stock trades at a forward P/E of 9.5. Analysts expect dividend growth ahead, especially with a 51% increase in 2025. Pre-tax profit is strong at £7.7 billion and RoTE is 19.2%. NatWest is returning £4.1 billion to shareholders through dividends and a £750 million buyback. It’s also acquiring Evelyn Partners for £2.7 billion. Risks are there, including the UK’s economy, lower loan demand, higher credit losses, and volatility from both markets and tech.

Up 235% with a 5.3% yield and P/E of just …

FTSE 100: Croda International, Aviva named as top value picks for July

July 5, 2026, 2:37 AM EDT. Croda International and Aviva are getting attention as value buys in the FTSE 100 this month. Croda, in speciality chemicals, saw earnings slide from £653.3m in 2022 to £64.7m in 2025-mainly on inventory shifts-but analysts at Goldman Sachs and Jefferies still see a 16% upside, sticking with a 3,500p 12-month target. Recovery depends on restocking timing. Aviva, the UK insurance giant, boosted operating profit 25% to £2.2bn in 2025, increased its dividend 10% and set up a £350m buyback. Berenberg kept a Buy call with an 800p price target, 24% above where shares are now. Both stocks stand out for value investors willing to look past headline trades.

I’m looking for the FTSE 100’s best value …

3 ASX Penny Stocks Stand Out for Revenues and Solid Balance Sheets

July 5, 2026, 2:24 AM EDT. The Financially Fit Penny Stocks tool picks out three Australian penny stocks showing strong financial health. The screen looks at revenue generation and balance sheet strength as inflation and economic worries drag on. DroneShield ASX:DRO, a defence tech company with a A$2.2 billion market cap, tops the screen. It reported A$216.8 million in sales, supplying military and security groups worldwide. DroneShield’s recent profitability and deals with groups like NATO and the US have caught some attention, though funding and weaker return on equity (ROE) remain issues. The article says investors should check analyst forecasts and watch for execution risks when looking at these penny stocks.

3 Australian Penny Stocks Backed By Revenu…

How Buffett's approach could turn £250 a month into six figures

July 5, 2026, 2:23 AM EDT. Warren Buffett has earned a 19.9% annual return since the 1960s, topping the stock market average. Someone who put in £250 a month for 20 years could see that grow to about £765,805 at Buffett’s rate, versus £147,255 for a typical 8% index fund return. Buffett likes companies with strong moats-advantages like brand power or a wide distribution network. One example has been Coca-Cola, a long-time Berkshire Hathaway pick known for steady dividends and growth. In 2026 Q1, Coca-Cola reported 12% revenue growth and an 18% jump in EPS, led by higher volumes and strong prices. Results like these show how moat-heavy stocks can help build wealth over time.

With no money in the bank, investors can u…

How Much SIPP Savings for £3,000 a Month?

July 5, 2026, 2:22 AM EDT. Putting money into a Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP) gives tax-efficient growth and tax relief on what you pay in. To reach a £3,000 monthly income using dividend shares with a 6% yield, you’d want around £600,000 in your portfolio. This calculation relies on a spread of higher-yield stocks for regular dividends, aiming for income without selling shares. There’s a trade-off between capital growth and income here, and dividends aren’t guaranteed. It’s a long-term plan, and with markets and tax rules changing, advice is a good idea.

How much do you need in a SIPP for a £3,00…

Investing £450 a month in UK shares can outperform State Pension

July 5, 2026, 2:21 AM EDT. Putting £450 each month into UK stocks could build up enough for a second income above the State Pension. A simple index fund giving an 8% historical return grows to £427,962 in 25 years, which can pay out £17,119 a year on top of a £12,547 pension. Diploma Plc LSE:DPLM is one stock that’s delivered-23.65% annualized returns over 15 years would have turned those monthly investments into £743,181. For 2026, revenue climbed 17% to £851.1m, operating profit rose 33% to £208.9m, and EPS gained 36%, helped by strong performance in Controls, Seals, and Life Sciences. That shows it’s possible for UK share investors to target stronger retirement income.

How to invest £450 a month in UK shares fo…

L&G (LSE: LGEM) Dividend Yield Stands Out, Stock Moves Stay Modest

July 5, 2026, 2:20 AM EDT. Legal & General (LSE: LGEM) is holding a 7.5% dividend yield that’s keeping buyers interested, even as shares have risen only 16.5% in the past year and 27.4% in three years. The group is still restructuring its business and looking for new sources of income in a shaky market. By comparison, other FTSE 100 financials like Lloyds Banking Group and M&G have seen bigger total returns when dividends are reinvested, showing compounding at work. Uncertainty from US tariffs and global conflicts hasn’t really changed the undervaluation in UK dividend stocks, leaving some chance for long-term investors willing to take the risk.

Why ultra-high-yielding Legal & General sh…

Appalachia London N1 Opens With Appalachian Classics and Strong Pork Dishes

July 5, 2026, 2:04 AM EDT. New spot Appalachia, close to Old Street, brings authentic Appalachian fare-grits, pork rinds, collard greens, chow-chow relish-onto the London scene. Chef Ali Borer, ex-Smoking Goat, leans into old Scots-Irish mountain cooking, focusing on smoke, pickles, and preserved foods. The place mixes a salvaged saloon bar up top with a whiskey and cocktail den downstairs called Lowcountry. Unusual drinks like a banana pudding sazerac and bacon fat bourbon land alongside a meat-forward menu mostly built on pork, which won’t work for everyone. Appalachia aims to carve out a new spot for Appalachian food in London with a heavy, history-driven menu.

Appalachia, London N1: ‘The chicken is lik…

Lloyds Seen Gaining 8% By July 2027 As Profits and Buybacks Drive Rally

July 5, 2026, 1:48 AM EDT. Lloyds Banking Group stock is up 53% for the past year, well ahead of the FTSE 100’s 20% climb, helped by strong profits, robust dividends, and steady buybacks. Analysts put the shares at 121.4p by July 2027, an 8% gain from here. That puts a £10,000 ISA investment at about £10,799, or £11,182 when counting dividends. Higher net interest margins on the back of rising rates have lifted bank profits. Still, a weaker UK economy, possible loan defaults, and big penalties around mis-sold products could slow progress. Buyers should balance these risks with the potential returns.

By July 2027, £10,000 of Lloyds shares in …

Investing £99 Each Month Could Lead to £74,144 Passive Income, But It’s Not Automatic

July 5, 2026, 1:15 AM EDT. Putting £99 a month into tax-efficient vehicles like Stocks and Shares ISAs or SIPPs and assuming a 9% stock market return could see a portfolio top £900,000 over 45 years. SIPP tax relief can push contributions up by as much as 40%, speeding up compounding. At a 4% withdrawal rate, that’s about £36,728 a year in passive income. To reach £74,144 in yearly income, investors would need to up their contributions or aim for higher returns. Steady, tax-aware investing helps build long-term wealth, but the piece warns against risky bets and says advice from a tax professional or financial adviser could be smart.

How to invest £99 a month to aim for a pas…

Shine Justice (ASX:SHJ) draws interest as investors look for stability

July 5, 2026, 12:59 AM EDT. Shine Justice (ASX:SHJ) is getting a closer look on the ASX this week as demand for legal services puts the spotlight on defensives. The listed law firm, which specialises in plaintiff litigation and personal claims, pitches steady cash flow from long-running matters like personal injury and class actions. Investors see Shine’s approach as combining legal work with case portfolio management, sitting in a part of the market they rarely touch. Some of the renewed interest lines up with changes in regulation and shifts in litigation funding that affect both case numbers and settlement timing. As a public company, Shine has to manage legal obligations while also keeping the market informed, a balance that makes it stand out.

Shine Justice Gains Attention: Is Legal Se…

A2 Milk Company ASX:A2M Sheds 17% in 2025; Consumer Staples Lags Broader ASX

July 4, 2026, 11:58 PM EDT. A2 Milk Company Ltd ASX:A2M shares are down 17% since the start of 2025. The New Zealand-based firm sells dairy with the A2 protein, marketed as easier to digest than regular milk. A2M handles marketing and sales while using suppliers such as Synlait Milk for production. Shares have dropped, but A2M is still in the consumer staples group, a sector that tends to be steadier in tough economies. The S&P/ASX200 Consumer Staples Index has returned just 0.37% a year for five years. That’s under the wider ASX 200, which averaged 4.02%. Consumer staples can be known for dividends, but A2M’s 5-year average yield is only 0.28%. The price-to-sales ratio is 4.32x, higher than its 5-year mean, showing some investors are still betting on growth despite the recent slide.

A deep dive into A2M shares

Cochlear ASX:COH Drops 52% in 2024; 6 Numbers Investors Eye for 2025

July 4, 2026, 11:57 PM EDT. Cochlear Ltd ASX:COH shares are down more than 52% this year. Investors tracking the stock are watching annual revenue of $2.24 billion on a 3-year CAGR of 14.3%, a gross margin at 74.9%, and a profit of $357 million up at a 3.3% CAGR. Balance sheet shows net cash at $270 million-so negative net debt-and a debt/equity ratio of 13.2%, both flagging solid capital. Return on equity (ROE) sits at 19.9%, another sign of strong profit efficiency. While these metrics point toward positive momentum, investors are also keeping an eye on valuation metrics.

6 key numbers to value COH shares

Manchester Gains Ground as Influencer Hotspot During Economic Rebound

July 4, 2026, 11:28 PM EDT. Manchester is getting called an “influencer heaven” by TikTok creators like Ruwaydah, who points to the compact city and busy lifestyle. The city moved from manufacturing to more service jobs after local government pushes in the 1990s, which brought in businesses from the UK and overseas. This new spending sparked a wave of luxury apartments and more bars and cafes, drawing more content creators. Easy access and local amenities keep pulling in young people and ramping up digital activity.

Mancunian swagger: The city that became an…

Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC): PE Ratio and Dividend Discount Model Valuation Guide

July 4, 2026, 11:27 PM EDT. Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) shares trade near $35.69, making it a big name in the Australian banking sector, which makes up about a third of the ASX by market cap. WBC can be valued with two main tools: the price-earnings (PE) ratio and the Dividend Discount Model (DDM). The PE for WBC is 18.6x, a little above the sector average at 18x. The DDM, often used for banks with stable payouts, estimates value using expected dividends, a growth rate, and a risk rate. Both give investors a way to compare WBC to its sector and market expectations.

2 easy ways to value the WBC share price

ANZ (ASX: ANZ) Metrics: Shares Hold Near $35.26; NIM, ROE Lag Sector

July 4, 2026, 11:26 PM EDT. ANZ Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) shares hover around $35.26. Investors use workplace culture and financial figures to track ANZ’s health. Seek data puts ANZ’s employee rating at 3.3 out of 5, just above the banking sector’s 3.1. On the financial side, ANZ’s net interest margin is 1.57%, under the big bank average of 1.78%. Lending made up 78% of the group’s revenue last year. Return on equity sits at 9.3%, a shade lower than the sector’s 9.35%. These numbers are in focus as investors compare ANZ’s position against its rivals.

2 tools to value the ANZ Banking Group (AS…

ICICI Bank (IBN) to Sell $500 Million Bond, Cost Focus Ahead of Earnings

July 4, 2026, 11:12 PM EDT. ICICI Bank is launching its first dollar bond since 2017, looking to raise at least $500 million from a five-year issue. The bank is under pressure from funding costs on the RBI’s swap window, which prices dollar funding at 1.5% a year. Private banks, including HDFC Bank and Axis Bank, have raised more than $2 billion this way. The new bond is a small piece compared to ICICI’s $164 billion loan book, but the market is watching funding costs as ICICI heads into its July 18 earnings report. Last quarter, net interest margin came in at 4.32%, steady despite currency volatility and a 1% move lower in the rupee last week.

ICICI Bank bond plan puts spotlight on fun…

GE Vernova T&D India drops 8.7% as China move hits sector, still trades above target

July 4, 2026, 11:11 PM EDT. Shares of GE Vernova T&D India Limited (NSE:GVT&D) slumped 8.74% to ₹4,401.50 on July 5, landing just 2.58% over the average analyst target of ₹4,288. Around ₹10,800 crore in market cap was wiped out, cutting into about half its ₹21,460 crore order backlog from March. Power stocks got hit after India cleared four China-linked firms to bid on big projects for the next two years. Hitachi Energy India and CG Power fell too. GE Vernova’s Q4 orders jumped 188% to ₹8,610 crore and it remains debt free, but the stock’s rich P/E ratio of 88.1x points to investor caution after the rule change.

GE Vernova T&D India (NSE:GVT&D) stays abo…

JB Hi-Fi ASX:JBH and Aristocrat Leisure ASX:ALL slip from highs, show mixed FY24 signals

July 4, 2026, 10:57 PM EDT. Shares in JB Hi-Fi Ltd ASX:JBH are down 19.6% in 2025. The retailer runs three divisions and is known for its cost-leadership pricing. JBH’s revenue increased 2.5% per year since 2021, hitting AUD 9.59 billion in FY24, but net profit dropped to 439 million from 506 million and ROE sits at 29.5%. Aristocrat Leisure Ltd ASX:ALL is trading 16.2% off its 52-week high. The gambling machine maker brings in almost half its income from online games now. ALL posted 11.7% average annual revenue growth over three years, reaching AUD 6.6 billion in FY24, with net profit up from 820 million to 1.3 billion and a 20.0% ROE. These numbers show early signals for growth and profits at both companies.

JBH and ALL shares: 2 ASX shares to watch

Challenger (ASX:CGF) Jumps as Valuation Questions Linger After Strong Run

July 4, 2026, 10:56 PM EDT. Challenger (ASX:CGF) is up on a bullish breakout, picking up strong technical momentum and climbing 12.65% in the past month and 25.06% over three months. Over the past year, total shareholder return hit 32.99%, and 110.84% in five years, as investor demand tracks Australia’s ageing population and the retirement income sector. Still, valuation is in debate. Analysts put fair value at A$9.75, a bit under today’s A$10.33 price, pointing to a possible 6% premium. But cash flow models say it could be trading 34% under fair value at A$15.74. Risks around annuity rollovers and digital overhaul costs remain, leaving investors divided on Challenger’s growth story and earnings strength.

Is Challenger (ASX:CGF) Fully Valued Follo…

ASX Seen Lower as Fed Minutes Under Warsh Loom

July 4, 2026, 10:55 PM EDT. Traders are watching for the US Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes, looking for clues on rate hikes with Kevin Warsh now chair. Warsh’s hawkish comments have pushed the dollar up and weighed on gold and copper. The ASX is tipped to open weaker as the market reacts to these signals and reads across to US policy moves.

ASX to fall as traders prepare for look in…

Tata Power Eyes 200 MW Punjab Rooftop Solar Build, Rolls Out Pay-as-You-Save

July 4, 2026, 10:41 PM EDT. Tata Power Renewable Energy is planning to set up 200 MW of commercial and industrial rooftop solar in Punjab over three years, about a third of the company’s total reported rooftop base nationwide. The company is also making a separate residential push, aiming for more than 100,000 consumers and over 500 MWp of capacity. Tata Power is trying a pay-as-you-save model that ties payments to savings from solar, letting users avoid upfront costs and pay in monthly installments, no collateral required. It’s a move to cut through financing barriers that have held back rooftop solar in India. Tata Power runs 16,716 MW of capacity, with 44% from clean energy. This Punjab rollout will measure how well the pay-as-you-save approach works in distributed solar and how it handles credit risk-both are key for India’s shift to clean power.

Tata Power (NSE:TATAPOWER) Punjab solar pl…

India Equities Log Fourth Weekly Gain as DIIs Absorb FII Selling Before TCS Earnings

July 4, 2026, 10:40 PM EDT. Nifty 50 and Sensex rose for the fourth week, each up about 0.9%, as Domestic Institutional Investors put in a net ₹12,634 crore. That was enough to balance out the ₹4,004 crore FIIs pulled out from cash equities. Lower oil prices and some relief on U.S. rates steadied the market. The next focus is Tata Consultancy Services Q1FY27 results, due July 9, with IT stocks lagging after falling 34% this year. Small caps outpaced the market and closed in on records, while Nifty stayed above 24,270. Analysts say solid earnings are needed to keep the rally going with foreign buyers staying light.

India stock market week ahead: DII cash of…

National Lottery reveals Lotto, Thunderball results for July 4, 2026

July 4, 2026, 10:16 PM EDT. The National Lottery posted the winning numbers for the New Lotto and Thunderball draws on July 4, 2026. The New Lotto jackpot is about £3.9 million. The Round 1 numbers: 7, 20, 33, 48, 57, 59, with bonus ball 47. Round 2: 14, 20, 22, 38, 39, 41, bonus ball 49. The Thunderball top prize is £500,000, with drawn numbers 2, 5, 11, 25, 26 and Thunderball 4. Tickets had to be bought and numbers picked by 7:30 p.m. to play. Lottery games keep attracting players hoping for big wins from a small stake.

National Lottery results: Winning New Lott…

Country Cob Takes Top Pie Prize Again With Malaysian Prawn Curry

July 4, 2026, 10:15 PM EDT. Country Cob bakery in Melbourne’s Springvale picked up the 2026 Australian Best Pie Competition trophy, thanks to a Malaysian-style prawn curry pie packed with coconut-poached prawns and Southeast Asian flavors like galangal and lemongrass. The bakery, set up by Cambodian-born brothers Ryan and Chan Khun, has now claimed the top award five times in eight years. Ryan left IT work in Cambodia to join his brother baking. The pair mix Southeast Asian and Australian flavors, tweaking the recipes for local customers. That strategy has helped them break into a crowded pie market and win national attention.

Australia’s best pie has a Malaysian prawn…

NAB Valuation Tracks Below Sector Average, ASX 200 Weight Stays Key for 2026

July 4, 2026, 10:14 PM EDT. National Australia Bank (NAB) trades at $38.57 with a PE ratio of 17.1x, under the banking sector’s 18x average. On FY24 earnings per share of $2.26, a sector-average PE puts NAB’s share price at $40.83. The Dividend Discount Model (DDM), which weighs dividends and growth, offers a different look at value. NAB and other big banks make up more than a third of the S&P/ASX 200 index by market cap, a big chunk of the index. PE ratios are a fast check, but DDM is more detailed for those watching dividends. Whether NAB outpaces the ASX 200 by 2026 will come down to factors like earnings, dividends, and risks.

Can NAB shares beat the ASX 200 (XJO) in 2…

Urana Gets New Supermarket After Years Without Local Grocer

July 4, 2026, 9:27 PM EDT. A new supermarket has opened in Urana, NSW, ending a years-long stretch where people had no local grocery option after the old IGA burned down in 2022. For over four years, townsfolk drove up to 1.5 hours to Wagga Wagga or Albury for groceries. They made do with frozen bread and long-life milk. The Bourke family-led by ex-mayor Patrick Bourke-launched the new shop, aiming to lift the local economy and help with cost pressures and high fuel prices. Locals are hoping this helps keep the 1,300-person community going and brings back home sales and basic services.

Residents farewell frozen bread and long-l…

Vault Minerals (ASX:VAU) Gains 8.1% After Meeting FY26 Guidance; Valuation Remains a Focus

July 4, 2026, 9:11 PM EDT. Vault Minerals (ASX:VAU) climbed 8.1% after meeting FY26 gold production guidance, confirming 336,540 ounces from King of the Hills expansion and the Sugar Zone restart. Shares have returned 75.6% over the past year but the P/E ratio stands at 57.2x, much higher than the sector’s 11.6x average. This valuation gap has put focus on market expectations. A DCF model puts fair value at A$5.71, showing shares could be 20.1% undervalued compared with Friday’s A$4.56 close. The stock is down 16.8% so far this year, leaving investors to weigh high earnings multiples against future cash flow.

Vault Minerals (ASX:VAU) Could Be 20% Belo…

Western Australia Farmers Say Power, Noise Issues Up After Switch to Standalone Systems

July 4, 2026, 8:55 PM EDT.Farmers in rural Western Australia say power outages and ongoing maintenance problems have jumped since Western Power moved them from the main grid to standalone power systems. The setups, which use solar, batteries, and diesel back-up, have brought some families up to 70 outages a year, compared to only a handful before. Locals like Ben Parsons say the power isn’t reliable and the generators are noisy. Western Power has rejected calls to reconnect the properties to the grid. Around 498 standalone units have gone in, with residents citing little consultation and ongoing issues. People are still charged standard rates. By law, the installations can go ahead even if property owners object. The project, launched to lower costs and cut down on older network upgrades, has drawn complaints about reliability and lack of community input.

Farmers stuck with 'broken' standalone pow…

Aquis Movers: FourJaw Jumps After Lift Global Ventures Buys Stake; Coinsilium, WeCap Up; DXS Forecasts Profit

July 4, 2026, 8:09 PM EDT. Lift Global Ventures (LON: LFT) bought a 2.18% stake in FourJaw Manufacturing Analytics for £150,000, sending FourJaw shares up 64.3% to 0.575p. WeCap (LON: WCAP) climbed 15.4% to 0.375p after WeShop, its investee, joined the US Russell 3000 index. Coinsilium Group chairman Malcolm Palle picked up 750,000 shares, with the stock gaining 15% to 2.3p. DXS International, a healthcare IT firm, told the market it expects slightly lower revenue close to £3.4m and a modest profit. Shares rose 8% to 1.35p. On the downside, Ormonde Mining fell 12.7%, Vault Ventures dropped 11.8%, and Vaultz Capital lost nearly 4% as those names faced operational and strategy issues.

Aquis weekly movers: Lift Global Ventures …

WiseTech Global, Xero Each Fall Over 50% as ASX Tech Rout Deepens

July 4, 2026, 8:08 PM EDT.WiseTech Global and Xero Ltd have both shed more than half their value in the last year as the ASX tech selloff drags on. WiseTech is down almost 70%, weighed by governance concerns even as its CargoWise logistics platform keeps strong market share and operating results. Bell Potter is sticking with a buy rating on WiseTech, pointing to longer term growth. Xero has dropped 61%, hit by higher interest rates that pressured high-growth valuations, plus investor questions on how fast it can add AI to its accounting products. Still, Xero’s business story hasn’t cratered-investors seem cautious rather than seeing a fundamental problem.

These ASX tech stocks have lost billions. …

Australian Woman Faces Complications After Dental Work in India

July 4, 2026, 7:54 PM EDT. Janelle Jeal, a retiree from Australia, had dental implants done in India and later dealt with severe problems, including implant failures and a stress-related eye issue. She had gone overseas for cheaper care, but ended up needing urgent surgery from a local maxillofacial surgeon back home. Dr. Trent Lincoln said misplaced implants and prosthesis failures are common for patients returning after dental work abroad. Jeal’s case shows the cost savings but also the health risks tied to dental tourism.

Considering going overseas for dental care…

Sky to Buy ITV’s TV and Streaming Arm; Major Shows Stay Put for Now

July 4, 2026, 7:53 PM EDT. Sky, which is owned by Comcast, is buying ITV’s TV and streaming unit, including ITVX, making it a bigger player in UK media. The deal gives Sky more reach on free-to-air and a stronger shot at taking on Netflix and Disney Plus in streaming. ITV’s free-to-air status is protected by law until 2034, so big shows like Coronation Street and Love Island stay on ITV and ITVX for the next several years. ITV Studios, behind much of ITV’s content, stays independent. There could be plans to blend Sky and ITVX streaming or bundle shows down the line, but there’s no immediate change coming for viewers or a move to put key shows behind a paywall.

What Sky buying ITV could mean for your fa…

Computacenter, Wise Group Draw Interest as Founder-Led Names with Separate Paths

July 4, 2026, 7:38 PM EDT. Investors keep an eye on founder-led plays like Computacenter LSE:CCC and Wise Group LSE:WISE for long-run focus and management interests. Computacenter, the IT services firm, posted £9.2 billion revenue, with profit margins tight at 1.7%, but management is still calling for earnings growth and the founder is at the helm. Wise Group, a fintech focused on cross-border payments, put up US$2.5 billion in revenues and is targeting fast growth with an ROE near 20%. Both companies point to founder-led governance as a factor supporting growth strategies and cautious capital use, though they face different economic backdrops. Investors have to weigh where growth might land, as Computacenter sits on external borrowing and high multiples.

Wise Stock And 2 Founder Led Growth Shares…

Life360 (ASX:360) Drops from Russell 2000 Defensive Indexes, Eyes on Valuation

July 4, 2026, 7:23 PM EDT. Life360 (ASX:360) lost its spot in the Russell 2000 Defensive and Growth-Defensive Indexes, cutting into passive fund exposure and hitting trading volumes. The stock is still up 46.84% in the past 90 days, but has fallen 15.40% this year and 17.06% over the last twelve months. Standard valuations now show shares could be 11.6% undervalued, with a fair value at A$31.06 versus the current A$27.46. The company has seen demand climb for its digital family safety apps and maintains a strong brand, but faces risk from new device maker rivals and stricter privacy rules. Selling tied to rebalancing could pressure shares further, and investors are watching.

Is Life360 (ASX:360) Undervalued After Its…

Superannuation Cuts Into Age Pension for Australians Over 67

July 4, 2026, 7:22 PM EDT. The Age Pension is a backup for Australians 67 and older if super savings don’t meet retirement needs. Centrelink looks at age, income, and assets, and super balances get factored into both the income and asset tests. Assessment covers income from super, other investments, and wages, plus all assets except the main home. Centrelink uses whichever is tougher-the income or asset test-to set the payment. To get the full Age Pension, singles need to earn less than $226 a fortnight, couples under $396. More income or assets means a lower pension, tapering down to partial payments-up to $2,627.80 for singles, $4,016.80 for couples. Knowing how these rules work lets retirees adjust withdrawals so they don’t risk losing Age Pension payments.

Does my superannuation affect my Age Pensi…

Martin Naughton, Glen Dimplex Founder and Irish Philanthropist, Dies at 87

July 4, 2026, 6:58 PM EDT. Martin Naughton, who founded Glen Dimplex and turned it into a global player in electrical appliances, has died at 87. Glen Dimplex owns brands including Morphy Richards and Lec. Naughton gave millions to Irish education and the arts, including £1m to the Lyric Theatre in Belfast and €25m to Trinity College Dublin, said to be the biggest private gift in Irish history. He chaired InterTradeIreland, backing cross-border trade after the Good Friday Agreement. His impact is seen in Irish universities, arts, and business.

Martin Naughton: Irish businessman and phi…

Prudential shares finish 6.5% down from buyback average with eyes on next HKEX update

July 4, 2026, 6:56 PM EDT. Shares in Prudential plc LON:PRU ended the session 6.5% below the 2026 buyback average at 1,025.5p, compared to the average buyback price of 1,096.3p. The insurer has used roughly £479.5 million for share repurchases, getting to 54% of its £889 million limit set for 2026. That leaves about £409.5 million, enough to buy back close to 40 million shares at current levels, which would lift EPS if prices stay here. Prudential posted strong first-quarter 2025 results, with new business profit up 12% and a 27% increase from its China JV. CEO Anil Wadhwani said double-digit growth is still on track. Investors are watching the stock price against buyback cost as a sign of capital return efficiency.

Prudential (LON:PRU) ends 6.5% under 2026 …

Coca-Cola HBC touches 52-week high with Egypt event, results on deck

July 4, 2026, 6:55 PM EDT. Coca-Cola HBC (LON:CCH) shares reached a 52-week high at 5,185p on July 3 and finished at 5,170p, up 0.58% for the day and 5.7% on the week. The FTSE 100 climbed 1.6%. Friday posted the lowest trading volume of the week with just 326,410 shares changing hands, less than half of the five-day average. Organic revenue growth for Q1 was 11.6%, helped by strong volumes in emerging markets. Investors are watching for the Egypt event on July 7 and half-year results due August 5. Coca-Cola HBC has kept its 2026 guidance for 6-7% organic revenue growth and 7-10% EBIT growth. The company also aims to close the Coca-Cola Beverages Africa deal in H2 2026, following its recent bond raise.

Coca-Cola HBC hits 52-week high after ligh…

SEGRO Shares Slip Under Prologis Offer With Bid Deadline Approaching

July 4, 2026, 6:54 PM EDT. SEGRO closed Thursday at 880p, leaving its shares just under the Prologis all-share offer now worth about 877p each. The original Prologis bid, priced at 925p a share with a 0.084 exchange ratio, lost value as Prologis shares slipped to $139.43 from $145.30 and currency moved against the deal. Prologis has until July 22 to firm up or walk away. SEGRO expects to share more on value plans and growth next week, starting July 6. Analysts don’t see Prologis bumping its bid past net asset value. SEGRO stock trails the FTSE 100, which added 0.25% Friday, as the company and its investors weigh the gap to the offer during talks.

SEGRO shares erase Prologis bid premium ah…

Three ASX stocks lose more than half their value in FY26 while S&P/ASX 200 rises

July 4, 2026, 6:53 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 Index finished higher for FY26, but three big ASX names saw their shares crash more than 50%. Cochlear Ltd sank nearly 60% after it cut guidance, pointing to weaker trading and geopolitical risks. CSL Ltd dropped about 50% on a lowered outlook, softer vaccine sales, its CEO exit, and new tariff worries. WiseTech Global lost close to 70%, hit by investor concern about governance, pricing model changes, and AI risks that drove a sharp selloff for tech. The losses came even as the broader index firmed up.

3 ASX shares down at least 50% in FY26

Ceres Power LON:CWR Falls Below Placing Price Even After AI Surge

July 4, 2026, 6:52 PM EDT. Ceres Power shares finished the week at 527p, down 7.5% against the June placing price at 570p as trading stayed choppy on swings in AI sentiment. The stock rallied 16.8% this week and is up 147.7% year-to-date, but still sits 21.9% lower than four weeks ago. The company raised £103 million last month with a placing that pushed its market cap to about £1.13 billion; shares now trade at 34.5 times expected 2025 revenue. Revenue for next year is seen falling 37% to £32.6 million, and adjusted EBITDA losses have widened. Analysts remain split-average view is ‘outperform,’ but some flag execution risk. Ceres stands out in the group of LSE/FTSE Russell alternative-fuel names.

Ceres Power (LON:CWR) closes week under £1…

Zegona Drops 10% as £383 Million Wiped Off Market Cap During Debt Deal Talks

July 4, 2026, 6:51 PM EDT. Zegona shares dropped almost 10% last week, erasing about £383 million from the market cap and taking it to roughly £3.5 billion. That’s after a small £2.1 million share buyback. The company is wrapping up a €3.7 billion debt refinancing designed to cut annual interest by €60 million and stretch maturities out past five years. CEO Eamonn O’Hare called it proof the company is strong operationally. Investors are homing in on whether Vodafone Spain can bring down financing costs and raise cash flow as Zegona shifts its balance sheet. The refinancing reworks several debt lines, cutting interest rates and extending maturities to 2031-2032.

Zegona shares drop 10% as £380 million los…

Australian Property Prices Slip, Political Leaders Dodge Price Target Talk

July 4, 2026, 6:40 PM EDT. Australian property prices eased 0.4% in June, the sharpest monthly fall since 2022. Sydney led the slide, dropping 1.5%, while Melbourne shed 1.3%. Sydney is now down 4.2% since January, moving against its normal upward pattern. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers have not said if they want prices to fall, as affordability stays in focus. The government has rolled out capital gains tax and negative gearing changes to cool the market, without aiming for exact price shifts. Most of the public wants cheaper homes, but leaders risk pushback either way, with the housing market at the center of intense social and economic debate.

The million-dollar property question no on…

Ferguson Plarre's Bakehouse Moves 25,500 Sausage Rolls Each Week in Victoria

July 4, 2026, 6:39 PM EDT. Ferguson Plarre’s Bakehouse turns out 153,000 baked goods per week across its 86 Victorian shops, with the sausage roll leading the pack. The staple sells at more than 25,500 a week-roughly one every 30 seconds. Other top sellers include the ‘Tiddly Oggie’ pastie and beef pies. The bakery chain, in business since 1901, claims to have been the first to bring the chocolate éclair to Australia and sources local beef, flour and cream. Family-owned, Ferguson Plarre employs hundreds and has adjusted to shifting baking trends. The chain marks 125 years in business.

The treat that sells every 30 seconds at t…

Australian property: Budget shifts, SMSF lending ban weigh on investor demand

July 4, 2026, 6:38 PM EDT. Pete Wargent and Chris Bates, talking on the latest Australian Property Podcast, break down how changes from the Federal Budget and a Self-Managed Super Fund lending ban are landing in the housing market. They point to softer conditions in Sydney and Melbourne and say investor demand is fading, with rental yields and mortgage rates mattering more than news coverage. The podcast covers continued moves by first-home buyers, plus upgrades and renovations, while those borrowing heavily are treading carefully. They give hands-on tips for selling negatively geared property if cash is tight, and run through differences between property and shares looking to 2026. Also in focus: refinancing, what super does now, how liquidity stacks up against leverage, and ways investors are thinking about risk as the market moves fast.

Budget fallout, SMSF lending ban and the p…

Woolworths ASX:WOW hits 35% gain in 2025, Flight Centre ASX:FLT recovers from lows

July 4, 2026, 6:37 PM EDT. Woolworths Group Ltd ASX:WOW is up 35.2% since early 2025, supported by its firm 35% grip on the Aussie grocery market and operations like Big W and PFD foodservice. The stock is paying a 3.62% yield, better than its 5-year average of 2.92%, which points to rising payouts for dividend hunters. Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd ASX:FLT has bounced back, now 26.7% above its 52-week lows. FLT’s price-sales ratio is at 0.93x, well below its 5-year mark of 3.42x, which may mean some value left for buyers. Woolworths brings stable income and lower risk, while FLT is a growth story as travel demand comes back.

WOW and Flight Centre Travel Group Ltd: 2 …

Emyria (ASX:EMD) lifts revenue but cash burn jumps 84%

July 4, 2026, 6:36 PM EDT. Emyria (ASX:EMD) reported AU$11 million cash on hand at December 2025 and zero debt, giving a cash runway around 2.8 years at its current AU$3.8 million annual cash burn. Cash burn increased 84% over the last year while operating revenue was up 29%, pointing to business growth. The market cap stands at AU$33 million, so cash burn is about 11% of that figure-leaving room for a capital raise, but shareholders could see dilution. The cash balance and revenue growth mean there’s no immediate pressure from the burn rate.

Here's Why We're Not Too Worried About Emy…

Xero Ltd ASX:XRO Shares Tumble 35.6% in 2025, Tech Names Keep Luring Investors

July 4, 2026, 6:35 PM EDT. Xero Ltd ASX:XRO shares have fallen 35.6% year-to-date in 2025, even as revenue keeps climbing. The New Zealand-based software group has gross margins at 88.2% and relies on a recurring SaaS model. Its main markets are New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, with millions of users worldwide. ASX’s Information Technology sector has turned in a five-year return of -3.33%, but investors still look to tech for scalability, profitability and global reach. Xero’s price-to-sales is 7.85x, well below its five-year average of 18.65x, showing the share price is under pressure compared to past levels, even as sales improve. For investing calls, looking past just price-to-sales multiples is advised.

XRO share price: why investors like inform…

Teijin Director Puts $10 Million North Curl Curl Home Up for Auction

July 4, 2026, 6:23 PM EDT.Tamie Minami, a director at Teijin, has listed her North Curl Curl clifftop house for $10 million. She bought it for $6.25 million in 2017. The renovated four-bedroom home has wide ocean views, a 25-metre lap pool, Calacatta marble kitchen island, and timber floors. Auction is set for July. In Bellevue Hill, finance execs Simon and Natalie Vanstone are selling their mansion, with price hopes of $31 million to $32 million. The seven-bedroom property offers a soundproof cinema, 1200-bottle wine cellar, gym and a heated infinity pool. High-end listings like these keep Sydney’s prestige market active.

Tech exec puts $10m Sydney clifftop home w…

Lynas Rare Earths ASX:LYC draws interest on NdPr demand, U.S. expansion push

July 4, 2026, 6:22 PM EDT.Lynas Rare Earths ASX:LYC is back in focus with higher demand for neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) used in EVs and wind turbines. The company’s new U.S. processing facility, backed by the Department of Defense, is part of efforts to cut China’s grip on supply chains. Investors are watching for progress on capacity expansion and deals like the Noveon Magnetics agreement in 2025, which targets more downstream processing and defense sales. Lynas sees revenue getting to A$2.4 billion and earnings at A$1 billion by 2029 if plans deliver. But some warn prices could face pressure if global supply goes up. Market value calls vary, with possible share price gains seen anywhere from 9% to 83% according to analysts.

Does NdPr Demand And US DoD-backed Expansi…

Sandfire Resources ASX:SFR Attracts Buyers as Copper Demand Bet Lifts Stock

July 4, 2026, 6:21 PM EDT. Investor attention is shifting to Sandfire Resources ASX:SFR as bets on copper demand increase. The company is drawing interest for its operations in Spain and Botswana, seen as a play on global electrification. Some investors call Sandfire undervalued, looking to copper’s supply squeeze and the energy transition. Sandfire’s 2026 targets are for 149,000 to 165,000 tonnes of copper equivalent, focused on delivery at MATSA and Motheo. But risks remain: costs are still high and capital needs are intense. Forecasts show revenue could hit $1.7 billion and earnings $475.5 million by 2029, pegging valuation around A$19.40 per share. Some analysts expect stronger numbers, while a few warn shares trade 11% above fair value. The debate remains: can Sandfire balance these risks against copper’s strategic role?

How Renewed Copper Enthusiasm At Sandfire …

ASX 200 Healthcare Names Rally as Investors Switch Sectors

July 4, 2026, 6:20 PM EDT.Healthcare stocks climbed 5.64% last week on the ASX 200, topping the main index’s 0.92% gain. CSL Ltd and Pro Medicus Ltd each jumped over 30% since early June, bouncing back after falling 39% over the last year. UBS said the move is tied to sector rotation, with investors shifting out of lagging areas and back into the sector, which was the worst in FY26. Resmed, Sonic Healthcare, Ramsay Health Care, Cochlear, and Telix Pharmaceuticals all delivered strong gains week-over-week and month-over-month. Investors returned fast as the group rebounds off a 9-year low.

Healthcare shares lead the ASX 200 again a…

Brokers Back Hub24, Northern Star, ResMed With Buy Calls

July 4, 2026, 6:19 PM EDT.Top Australian brokers kept buy ratings on Hub24 Ltd (ASX: HUB), Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX: NST), and ResMed Inc. (ASX: RMD) this week. Bell Potter stuck with Hub24 at a $110 target after recent price weakness, pointing to a chance to buy on recovery. Citi left its buy on Northern Star unchanged at $29.70 after it posted stronger gold sales. Morgans stayed positive on ResMed, calling it good value at 16x forward earnings even with ongoing industry risk. The shares finished the week at $81.04, $22.16, and $30.50.

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next …

Tate & Lyle (LON:TATE) Discount Widens to Ingredion NYSE:INGR Bid After Ex-Dividend

July 4, 2026, 6:07 PM EDT. Tate & Lyle (LON:TATE) ended July 3 at 559p, leaving shares about 7.7% under the 601.8p adjusted offer from Ingredion NYSE:INGR after accounting for the 13.2p final dividend that went ex-dividend June 18. The 595p cash offer plus the potential interim dividend sets up this spread. Arbitrage is driving the trade here, not usual volume. Shareholder meetings are set for July 28, with both sides saying they expect to close in H2 2027 if approvals check out. Advisors and financing could run up to £163 million, roughly 6% of equity value. Tate’s board stresses the deal brings cash certainty after a rough stretch, with independent advisers calling the terms fair. Sector analysts say the deal should boost Tate & Lyle’s global scale.

Tate & Lyle stock spread stays wide follow…

Howden Joinery LON:HWDN Buys Back Shares to Offset Dilution from DIY Kitchens Deal Ahead of Results

July 4, 2026, 6:06 PM EDT. Howden Joinery LON:HWDN moved to cut dilution tied to its £390m DIY Kitchens buy with a share buyback, trimming voting shares by 741,252 before its July 23 half-year report. The company’s £390m deal adds 5.6% to forecast 2025 sales but a bigger 10.7% to pre-tax profit, showing the higher margin. Howdens had issued 12.7m new shares at 766p to fund the deal, but holding more treasury shares took some dilution out of play. Howden is sticking with a £100m buyback plan for 2026. Stock closed Friday at 833p, up 0.91%, ahead of the FTSE 100. Jefferies analysts kept a 919p price target, say the acquisition makes sense strategically and financially, and see a 10% EPS lift even with buybacks ongoing.

Howden Joinery (LON:HWDN) trims DIY Kitche…

Informa Keeps Buyback Going, Sets July 30 Results Date as Focus Shifts to 2027 Revenue

July 4, 2026, 6:05 PM EDT. Informa PLC (LON:INF) finished July 3 at 916.60 GBX, up 0.15% for the day and ahead of the FTSE 100 by 8.6 percentage points since early June. The group has bought and cancelled 286.4 million shares, cutting its share count by 18.5% since February 2022 as part of a £250 million buyback set to continue in 2026. Informa plans to announce a 15p final dividend on July 10 and will post half-year results July 30. Recent updates show steady academic revenue, while B2B Live Events still deal with timing issues in the Middle East. The company reported over $4 billion in backlog for 2026 revenues and has offered initial guidance into 2027. CEO Stephen A. Carter reiterated full-year guidance and said both main segments are seeing positive trends.

Informa sets July 30 update as buyback, 20…

Sainsbury LON:SBRY jumps 6.2% on week after buyback, update

July 4, 2026, 6:04 PM EDT. J Sainsbury plc LON:SBRY closed down 0.65% at 335p on Friday but still finished the week up 6.21% after its Q1 sales update. The company bought 4.03 million shares for an average of 319.7p, paying £12.9 million and buying below Friday’s price by about 4.6%. That buyback helped support the stock as sales showed a split picture-grocery sales up 3.6% to £7.60 billion, but general merchandise and clothing down 3.7%, with Argos off 0.5%. CEO Simon Roberts pointed to demand from value-focused shoppers and good weather for driving sales. The retailer stuck to its full-year profit outlook of £975 million to £1.075 billion. Sainsbury said comparisons were tougher after last year’s strong weather and some rival issues.

J Sainsbury plc (LON:SBRY) stock: buyback …

Imperial Brands Share Buyback Outpaces FTSE 100 as Stock Falls

July 4, 2026, 5:48 PM EDT. Imperial Brands bought back 133,510 shares at an average 2,800.52p in a session where volumes were thin. That was up to 24% of Friday’s trading. But the shares still slipped 1.13% to 2,792p while the FTSE 100 gained 0.25%. The company is spending £1.45 billion on buybacks, equal to around 6.8% of its market cap, after a drop in operating profit and more market swings. Shares change hands at 8.4 times forecast EPS for 2026, as investors stay wary even with the buyback underway.

Imperial Brands buyback stands out as ligh…

Intertek Lags FTSE 100 as EQT Takeover Shows 3% Deal Spread Ahead of Vote

July 4, 2026, 5:16 PM EDT. Intertek finished Monday at 5,820p, leaving a 180p gap to EQT’s £60-a-share cash bid and a 3.1% gross spread as the market weighs risk and timing. The stock added just 0.17% last week, missing the FTSE 100’s 1.63%. BlackRock and Citadel disclosed around £1.22 billion of combined exposure in takeover filings. EQT says its offer is final unless a counter emerges or the regulatory picture changes. Holders vote August 6, with the deal needing a majority to go ahead. If approved, closing could stretch into late 2026 or 2027. The spread signals traders pricing in delays and regulatory hurdles on the deal, making Intertek more a merger arb than an index play right now.

Intertek trails FTSE 100 with EQT bid spre…

ASX 200 Lithium Stocks Sink in June as Spodumene Prices Fall

July 4, 2026, 5:15 PM EDT.ASX 200 lithium stocks slumped in June, with Mineral Resources, Liontown, PLS, and IGO all down sharply while the wider market edged up 0.5%. Mineral Resources slid 15.5%, Liontown lost 30.2%, PLS dropped 22.3%, and IGO was off 23.1%. The main cause was a 12% fall in spodumene prices, the lithium-rich ore that underpins the sector. Still, spodumene prices are up about 160% for the year. Twelve-month returns for lithium stocks were solid: PLS up 273%, Mineral Resources up 184%. PLS also signed off on $175 million in pre-final investment for its Pilgangoora expansion. Mineral Resources put its Lucky Bay Garnet Project into care and maintenance and is looking at a non-cash impairment of $40 million.

Why did ASX 200 lithium stocks like PLS, L…

Broken Hill’s Small Shops Shutter as Minimum Wage Rises, Costs Bite

July 4, 2026, 5:04 PM EDT. Small businesses in Broken Hill are shutting down as a 6 percent minimum wage increase and higher super payments push owners to breaking point. The J&K corner store, which had been open for 70 years, closed after electricity costs jumped from $3,000 to $5,000 a year and foot traffic dropped. Cafes and restaurants in town are dealing with the same problems, raising menu prices to cover bigger operational costs. David Trinder, who has worked in hospitality for years, said short staffing and rising bills keep getting worse. The NSW Small Business Commissioner is urging owners under pressure to get help. Small businesses across regional Australia are being squeezed by rising costs and new rules.

Pay increase the final straw for strugglin…

Champion Iron (ASX:CIA) starts DR-grade ore at Bloom Lake, keeps spending under control

July 4, 2026, 5:02 PM EDT. Champion Iron Limited (ASX:CIA) has started producing direct reduction (DR) grade iron ore at Bloom Lake in Canada. The company expects to ship at least 160,000 wet metric tonnes by Q3 2026 and has so far kept the project on budget, landing at around A$500 million. Champion Iron has locked in initial buyers and is looking for more supply deals worldwide. Management is pushing toward higher-value iron ore tied to cleaner steel. The company still targets CA$2.3 billion revenue by 2029, but there are risks in execution and regional operations. Analyst price targets run from A$5.43 to A$6.07 per share, with about 50% upside versus current trading.

How Investors May Respond To Champion Iron…

ANZ Valuation Draws Focus in July With PE Ratio at 16.4x, DDM in Play

July 4, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT. ANZ Banking Group’s shares are being closely watched in July as investors look at the valuation. The bank’s PE ratio is 16.4x, trailing the banking sector’s 18x average. That has some investors calling ANZ undervalued. Using the sector average, the adjusted valuation ends up around $38.85 per share. The dividend discount model, which uses forecasted dividends as a stand-in for cash flow, is also in focus since banks like ANZ tend to have stable dividend payouts. The DDM looks beyond the PE for a deeper read on value. These tools, along with current sector moves, are in play as investors weigh up ANZ shares.

Are ANZ shares worth considering in July?

Smith & Nephew Buybacks Top New Shares But Stock Still Trails FTSE 100

July 4, 2026, 4:51 PM EDT. Smith & Nephew plc (LON:SN) inched up 0.04% to 1,127p, behind the FTSE 100’s 0.25% move. The company bought back 1.59 million shares from June 26 to July 2, which is more than ten times the 150,000 shares it issued for employee plans, putting $160.4 million into a $250 million repurchase first announced May 8. Buybacks have cut the share count, but the stock still sits about 22% off the year’s 1,441.50p high and just 7% above the low. First-half earnings come Aug. 4. U.S. knee implant sales dropped 10.3% in Q1, while group revenue rose 3.1% to $1.5 billion. Investors will be looking at new product launches and progress toward 2026 growth goals.

Smith & Nephew (LON:SN) buyback tops dilut…

Smiths Group Buyback Draws Watch After £1.9bn Detection Sale

July 4, 2026, 4:49 PM EDT. Smiths Group’s plan for a £1.9 billion buyback goes to market after the sale of its Detection unit. Shares ended Friday at 2,634p, up 1.54%, beating the FTSE 100, which gained 0.25%. The group still has nearly £1.93 billion left to spend on buybacks, equal to about 25% of its market cap. BlackRock has lifted its stake to 12.01%, showing institutional buyers are active. CEO Roland Carter said the group is focusing on becoming a focused premium engineering play. Investors now look to Monday’s session to see how much buyback demand is in the price, with recent trading positive but volatile.

Smiths Group faces Monday buyback test aft…

IHG dips 2.3% after $46 million buyback, World Cup lifts Miami hotel demand

July 4, 2026, 4:47 PM EDT. InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) dropped 2.3% last week, trailing the FTSE 100 which gained 1.6%, as the company bought back $46.3 million in shares. The buybacks made up about 13% of the week’s traded shares but didn’t stop the stock falling to $167.55, now 4.6% down from its yearly high. Analysts set their median 12-month target near $155.50, hinting at more downside. U.S. RevPAR climbed 9.6% year-over-year, led by a 51.6% jump in Miami on World Cup demand. IHG’s Q1 RevPAR was up 4.4% on the year, with growth scattered across regions. Still, the market stayed wary with IHG’s higher valuation multiples and a 1.09% dividend yield.

IHG buybacks don’t stop weekly loss even a…

Halma Gains Before Dividend as Investors Eye Updated Photonics Growth

July 4, 2026, 4:45 PM EDT. Halma plc (LON:HLMA) shares climbed 1.11% to £40.14 on July 3, beating the FTSE 100’s 0.25% move. The stock is up 2.82% this week, but off 13.94% for the past four weeks as worries linger. Halma goes ex-dividend July 9 with a final payout of 15.11p. Investors are watching the photonics unit after the company trimmed its June revenue outlook, now guiding for low double-digit organic growth by fiscal 2027 instead of the 16% it had targeted for 2026. Halma trades on a 38.2x trailing P/E, topping the five-year average, putting it in premium territory. The group has also been active in healthcare tech deals, searching for growth outside photonics.

Halma stock bounces but photonics outlook …

ASX 200 Financials: Top 5 Shares After FY26 Sector Drop

July 4, 2026, 4:28 PM EDT. The S&P/ASX 200 financials fell behind in FY26, with the Financials Index down 1.89%. Total return with dividends came in at 1.69%. Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT) led, up 28.8% on strong data centre deals tied to AI. AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) jumped 27.4% as post-Royal Commission restructures and analyst views lifted the stock. Challenger Ltd (ASX: CGF) climbed 23.8% on record annuity sales and higher dividends. ANZ Group Holdings (ASX: ANZ) added 21.2%, helped by restructuring under its CEO. These names stood out in a rough year for the sector and could see more growth in FY27.

5 best ASX 200 financial shares of FY26

National Lottery Rolls Out Two-Draw Lotto Format in Ongoing £3.9m Game

July 4, 2026, 4:15 PM EDT. The National Lottery started using its new Lotto setup last month. Players now get two chances to win per draw. Each £2 ticket covers two draws, both using 59 balls. Both also pick six balls plus a Bonus Ball. Cash prizes go to those matching at least two numbers on their ticket from either round. This week’s £3.9 million Lotto continues the new design, as the Lottery looks for more winners and higher play across the UK.

Lotto results: Winning numbers for tonight…

Craneware LON:CRW sinks 26% as 340B delays hit FY26 outlook

July 4, 2026, 4:14 PM EDT. Craneware LON:CRW dropped 26% to 1,082p after slashing its FY26 forecast, knocking about £130 million off its market cap. The firm now expects revenue and adjusted EBITDA just above 2025 levels, reversing earlier growth hopes. Craneware blamed delays in 340B drug activity, as well as postponed enterprise deals which are now set for 2027. CEO Keith Neilson said pharmacy market issues are weighing on timing but maintained confidence in the longer term. First-half revenue climbed 6%, but growth has dried up in the back half. Trading volume reached 7.4% of shares, with investors rattled over regulatory uncertainty for healthcare IT players.

Craneware (LON:CRW) share price: £130 mill…

IAG Dips as Jet Fuel Price Eases, But Volume Stays Light

July 4, 2026, 4:13 PM EDT. International Consolidated Airlines Group (IAG) slipped 0.31% to 477.50p on July 4, trading about 5.48 million shares, well below normal. The 2.1% slide in global jet fuel to $116.63 a barrel hasn’t lifted the stock much. IAG is still trading near its 52-week high, but shares lagged as the FTSE 100 gained 1.6%. Eyes are on IAG’s Q2 update set for July 31. The carrier is 70% hedged and plans to offset 60% of extra fuel costs through revenue and cost controls. Uncertainty sticks around EasyJet, which faces a takeover deadline on July 5 and keeps some pressure on the sector.

IAG edges lower on FTSE, fuel price drop d…

Wesfarmers ASX:WES up 8% this year, Fortescue ASX:FMG down 21% from high

July 4, 2026, 4:12 PM EDT. Wesfarmers Ltd ASX:WES shares have risen 8.0% in 2025. The blue chip group remains a stable play, with steady cash flows from brands like Bunnings and Kmart. Wesfarmers reported a debt/equity ratio at 131.4% for FY24. Payouts have carried a 3.4% average dividend yield over five years. Fortescue Ltd ASX:FMG sits 21.5% below its 52-week high. While iron ore is still the main driver, the miner is branching out into copper, lithium, and rare earths as it looks to tap growing demand from renewables. WES holds the mature, income angle, while FMG is pushing for more growth as it diversifies beyond iron ore.

WES shares: your next blue chip investment…

Saturday’s National Lottery Lotto Draw: £3.9m Jackpot Up for Grabs

July 4, 2026, 3:58 PM EDT. The National Lottery’s £3.9 million Lotto jackpot draw is set for Saturday, July 4 at 8 p.m. Thunderball follows at 8:15 p.m. Tickets cost £2 each. As usual, proceeds help fund UK charities, raising about £30 million a week. Winning numbers will be posted after the draw.

Lotto results LIVE: Winning National Lotte…

Vodafone sinks 6.6% even as FTSE 100 rises; Germany, Safaricom deal in focus

July 4, 2026, 3:57 PM EDT. Vodafone shares slid 6.6% to 98.70p last week, wiping about £1.6 billion in value, while the FTSE 100 gained 1.6%. That drop came after Vodafone announced Vodacom’s €1.81 billion deal for a 55% stake in Safaricom. The news didn’t lift the stock. Investors now look to the Q1 FY27 update on July 27, eyeing Germany, cash flow, and how restructuring costs from the VodafoneThree move play out. Vodafone expects FY27 adjusted EBITDAaL at €11.9-12.2 billion, free cash flow at €2.6-2.9 billion, and restructuring costs could hit €0.7 billion. BT, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, and Telefónica also dropped last week.

Vodafone trails FTSE 100 as investors focu…

easyJet (LON:EZJ) Trades Below Castlelake Bid With Deadline Near

July 4, 2026, 3:56 PM EDT. easyJet shares finished Friday at 558.20p, staying under Castlelake’s initial 560p bid and well off the 650p per share offer the board turned down. The gap from the latest price to the rejected 650p numbers about £696 million in equity. Castlelake’s deadline to move to a firm offer is 5 p.m. London time Sunday. Analysts mentioned softer takeover odds after broker downgrades and some profit-taking. Other airlines lost ground too, but no others have pending bids. easyJet remains the focus going into the weekend’s cutoff.

easyJet (LON:EZJ) sees £700 million in pot…

First Guardian, Shield investors eye class action after $1B in losses

July 4, 2026, 3:42 PM EDT.First Guardian and Shield investors who lost close to $1 billion are weighing a class action to try to get their full money back. First Guardian’s collapse left 6,000 investors out $446 million. Netwealth paid $100 million to 1,000 of those, but that left out any lost opportunity or growth. On the Shield side, about 5,800 investors had $480 million put in, with Macquarie sending out partial repayments. Gordon Legal, with James Naughton leading, is looking into claims that investors missed out on compensation for the time their super was locked up, arguing that lost growth wasn’t replaced. Regulators say they’re watching a move to self-managed super funds, which have looser controls.

'Horrified' First Guardian and Shield inve…

Legal & General gains 1.81% this week as buyback continues

July 4, 2026, 3:41 PM EDT. Legal & General LON:LGEN ended at 292.10p on July 3, up 0.24% for the day and showing a 1.81% rise for the week, ahead of the FTSE 100’s 1.63% gain. The insurer said it has put £408.5 million, or 34% of its £1.2 billion buyback, into buying back 157.5 million shares at an average 257.44p. That leaves £791.5 million for future buybacks, enough to pick up 271 million shares at Friday’s close, or 7.7% of shares outstanding. Shares now trade 13.5% above the average buyback price, which softens buyback impact from here. Legal & General shows a roughly 7.5% yield for 2025, keeping it attractive for income and profit growth.

Legal & General (LON:LGEN) shares rally, £…

AMP (ASX: AMP) shares rebound, analysts see turnaround but income appeal mixed

July 4, 2026, 3:26 PM EDT. AMP Ltd (ASX: AMP) bounced at the end of June after falling 26% in February on weaker FY25 numbers. The stock struggled early in 2024 as inflation and global worries hit, but a Q1 update showed Platform net cash flows up 45%, which flagged some momentum. Analysts call AMP a turnaround play. Most brokers rate it a strong buy and see 7% upside to a $1.72 target. AMP pays twice-yearly dividends of 2 cents per security, partly franked at 20%, for an estimated yield of 2.5%. Its superannuation arm is seen as defensive, underpinned by sticky customers and recurring fees. Still, AMP didn’t feature among most experts’ top picks, with some saying investors should balance potential growth against the risks.

Are AMP shares a good buy for passive inco…

Diageo sinks 2.7% for the week as FTSE 100 climbs 1.6%, sharp selling hits stock

July 4, 2026, 3:12 PM EDT. Diageo closed off 2.7% at 1,534 pence this week, trailing the FTSE 100, which gained 1.6%. Sellers dominated, with about 80% of Diageo’s 26.8 million shares moving lower on down days. Traders cited weakness in North America and China, with H1 organic net sales down 2.8% for fiscal 2026. The company is still waiting on a $2.3 billion stake sale and its August results. CEO Sir Dave Lewis kept guidance steady but warned of soft demand. Analysts say Diageo’s turnaround is in progress, with clarity on strategy expected in August.

Diageo slides on heavy volume, trails FTSE…

Compass Group Drops 1.36% as Investors Watch July Update and Dollar Shift

July 4, 2026, 3:11 PM EDT. Compass Group PLC slipped 1.36% to $32.71 on the London Stock Exchange. That trailed the FTSE 100, which gained 1.63% last week. The company’s move to price shares in U.S. dollars instead of British pence since April 1 has led to some errors in historical price data, causing confusion for investors. Looking ahead, currency and dividend choices are set for early July and the Q3 trading update lands on July 21. Recent trading was volatile Friday on light volume. Compass posted a solid first half for 2026, running a 7.4% operating margin, and lifted its profit growth target to more than 11% for the year. Analysts see profit growing steadily through 2027 as organic sales rise.

Compass Group trades lower on FTSE 100 as …

Aviva Beats FTSE 100 After Buyback, Direct Line in Focus

July 4, 2026, 3:10 PM EDT. Aviva shares jumped 3.3% to 668.40p last week, ahead of the FTSE 100’s 1.6% move. The insurer scrapped 209,272 shares from a £1.38 million buyback, trimming voting rights by 0.007%. The buyback is part of a bigger £350 million plan to retire 1.7% of shares. Investors are watching for the August 14 half-year report for news on Direct Line synergies, Solvency II capital, and EPS targets. In Q1, general insurance premiums rose 19% to £3.4 billion, with wealth net flows up 49% to £3.3 billion. CEO Amanda Blanc said Direct Line policies grew strongly through price comparison sites. Analyst Matt Britzman called the trading update solid but flagged valuation concerns.

Aviva (LON:AV) jumps past FTSE on Direct L…

LSEG Outpaces FTSE 100 Ahead of July Earnings, Shares Rebound After Downgrade

July 4, 2026, 2:56 PM EDT. London Stock Exchange Group (LON:LSEG) rose 7.5% last week, beating the FTSE 100’s 1.6% move and closing at 8,670 pence. Trading volume fell on Friday, amounting to just a third of the week’s average as investors slowed activity before LSEG’s July 30 first-half earnings. The shares have clawed back 53% since dropping on June 18 after Rothschild Redburn cut its rating. Focus stays on Data & Analytics growth, AI-ready data push, and buybacks-£1.1 billion in Q1 for a planned £3 billion by February 2027. Revenue streams stayed mixed, with organic constant-currency growth of 5.1% in Data & Analytics, 8.8% in FTSE Russell, 10.5% in Risk Intelligence, and 15.5% in Markets, as some hope for more gains but keep an eye on AI risks.

LSEG stock (LON:LSEG) outpaces FTSE as AI-…

Telstra $8,000 stake may pay $352 in dividends by 2027

July 4, 2026, 2:55 PM EDT. Putting $8,000 into Telstra Group Ltd (ASX: TLS) shares could bring in around $352.66 in dividend cash in 2027, assuming a forecast 22 cent payout per share. With franking credits, the total comes to $488.69, which works out to a 6.1% gross yield. Telstra’s half-year 2026 numbers had a 10.5% jump in the interim dividend and an 11.2% rise in earnings per share, pointing to stable finances. Most analysts are keeping hold calls on the stock, and the average target points to about 7% upside. Still, some market watchers think there are better ASX dividend picks right now.

If I invest $8,000 in Telstra shares, how …

3i Shares Still Lag NAV Despite Buybacks, Action Sales Up

July 4, 2026, 2:54 PM EDT. 3i Group closed up 1.01% at 2,611p on July 3 but the stock is still trading almost 14% under its reported net asset value (NAV) and about 25% below median FY2027 NAV forecasts. So far, 3i has bought back £253.6 million worth of stock out of a £750 million buyback, picking up 11.33 million shares. Action, the retailer it backs, posted year-to-date like-for-like sales growth of 3.3%, a jump from 2.4% in May. Even with today’s move, 3i shares have dropped 37.48% over the past year and trail names like Intermediate Capital Group and Man Group. The gap to NAV is holding up as investors stay cautious, despite 3i’s buybacks and growing sales at Action.

3i discount to NAV leaves Action move in f…

Gina Miller Says Social Media Ban Misses Vulnerable Adults Like Her Daughter

July 4, 2026, 2:09 PM EDT. Gina Miller says banning social media for teens misses people like her 38-year-old daughter, Lucy-Ann, who has a mental age of 6. Miller says Lucy-Ann has been exploited online and current policy falls short for adults with cognitive disabilities. She wants wider protections for all vulnerable users online, arguing that rules focused only on teenagers don’t address the exploitation faced by adults with special needs.

My daughter has a mental age of 6. Social …

Standard Chartered Finishes $1.5B Buyback as Shares Outpace FTSE 100 on Light Volume

July 4, 2026, 2:08 PM EDT. Standard Chartered shares gained 4.2% last week, ahead of the FTSE 100’s 1.6% rise, ending at £21.22. The bank wrapped up its $1.5 billion buyback after purchasing 62.8 million shares at an average £17.80. That move cut the share count by 2.8%. Still, trading volumes stayed thin, just 24% of the 50-day average. The lender now carries a market cap of £46.14 billion, lagging HSBC at £248.82 billion and Barclays at £70.44 billion. Shares are 6.85% below the 52-week high of £22.78 from June 24, when the buyback ended. Eyes turn to second-quarter results on July 29.

Standard Chartered buyback lull tests rebo…

FTSE 100 Ends Week Up 1.6% After U.S. Jobs Data; UK Services PMI Falls

July 4, 2026, 2:07 PM EDT. The FTSE 100 finished Friday at 10,679.03, adding 1.6% for the week. The bulk of the weekly gain came Thursday as the index jumped 1.7% after softer U.S. payrolls data cooled expectations for near-term Fed rate hikes. The FTSE 250 also finished higher, closing at 23,538.80, even as UK services PMI dropped to 48.8-a contraction reading. Healthcare names like AstraZeneca led Thursday’s move. On Friday, financials and precious metals miners pushed higher. Shares of Currys fell on worries about a global chip shortage. Ongoing weakness in UK services and sticky inflation are likely to keep the Bank of England from moving quickly on rates.

FTSE 100 gains this week on U.S. jobs beat…

BAT drops on AI job cuts plan, dividend in focus

July 4, 2026, 1:54 PM EDT. British American Tobacco LON:BATS shares dropped 2.7% last week to 4,621p, trailing the FTSE. The company moved to cut 5,500 jobs and outsource another 3,500, expecting to save £600 million each year by 2028 through AI-driven moves. That’s about 5.3% of projected 2025 operating profit. The new cost plan fed concern about how BAT will hit medium-term targets. BAT kept its 2026 guidance: revenue growth of 3%-5%, adjusted profit up 4%-6%. The stock goes ex-dividend July 9 with a 61.26p payout, about 1.3% yield on recent prices. Analysts still see hurdles for BAT’s core cigarette side, even as new product categories show progress.

BAT stock lags FTSE as AI cuts face divide…

Reckitt shares end week up as Mead Johnson wins case, with H1 margin outlook in focus

July 4, 2026, 1:53 PM EDT. Reckitt Benckiser shares added 3.67% for the week but slipped 0.31% to 5,112p on Friday, with volumes at 39% of the 65-day average. A St. Louis jury backed Mead Johnson, Reckitt’s unit, in a preterm infant formula trial, but around 1,000 similar lawsuits are still pending. Reckitt reports half-year results July 29, and investors are watching margins while legal risks hang over the company. The stock trades at a lower P/E and offers a higher yield than Unilever and Haleon, as ongoing legal and operational worries continue. Shares are off 18.24% so far this year but are up 12.38% over the past month.

Reckitt up in light action after Mead John…

Haleon Moves Higher as Investors Watch July 30 Update, Buyback in Play

July 4, 2026, 1:52 PM EDT. Haleon plc was up 1.08% on July 3 to 364p, ahead of the FTSE 100. Shares climbed 4.59% for the week and 13.42% in July, with traders watching for the July 30 half-year numbers. The company posted 2.2% organic revenue growth in Q1, led by 8.3% higher Oral Health sales, but Respiratory Health fell 3.4%. The £500 million share buyback and new AI partnership with Microsoft are in focus before H1 results. But despite the recent jump, shares are still down 2.36% on the year, hurt by weak demand outside oral care. Some analysts warn Haleon needs gains beyond toothpaste to keep up the pace.

Haleon rebound draws eyes to July 30 sales…

Blackamoor pub in Blackburn set for demolition to make way for upgrades

July 4, 2026, 1:38 PM EDT. The Blackamoor, a 300-year-old pub in Blackburn, shut in 2019 and was later bought by Blackburn with Darwen Council from Thwaites. The building was used by contractors for a short period but will now be demolished starting July 21, with Stopes Brow closing for the work. Simon Jones, growth programme director, called the demolition a last resort. After the pub is gone, the council plans landscaping and footpath improvements, and is looking at junction upgrades if funding comes through. The plan moves local redevelopment forward but comes after weighing heritage concerns.

Dilapidated 300-year-old Blackburn pub bei…

BP falls below 460p; investors weigh leadership shakeup and earnings

July 4, 2026, 1:37 PM EDT. BP shares dropped to about 458p, down from their peak above 600p in March as oil prices steadied. The P/E ratio is now over 30, so by basic measures the stock doesn’t look cheap. Investors have had concerns over management, after BP removed chairman Albert Manifold for conduct reasons and cycled through CEOs, adding to the uncertainty. New CEO Meg O’Neill says she will put the focus back on oil and gas, trimming the renewables push that hasn’t worked for BP shareholders. Profits slipped modestly to $7.5 billion, but cash flow is still strong at $24.5 billion. Debt stands high at $22.2 billion with BP saying it wants to cut that by 2027. The dividend remains, helping hold some support. But shifting strategy and more changes at the top keep buyers cautious.

The BP share price slips below 460p as oil…

IMI Shares Get Lift From Buyback, Lag FTSE 100 Ahead of Results

July 4, 2026, 1:07 PM EDT. IMI plc shares added 0.82% to 2,940p Friday, not keeping pace with the FTSE 100’s 1.63% weekly rise. The company wrapped up the first £250 million piece of its £500 million buyback, buying back about 8.5 million shares, or 3.6% of voting rights. IMI now trades at about 21 times its forecast 2026 adjusted EPS of 140.1p, so the stock is no longer seen as a recovery play. Analysts are looking for EPS to rise 9.2% in 2027. Exposure to the Middle East is still the main risk, especially with the half-year report coming. CEO Roy Twite kept full-year guidance in place, noting inflation and price moves. While sectors don’t always match up, the share buyback is offering some support ahead of results.

IMI buyback math shows FTSE gap with resul…

GSK (LON:GSK) climbs as July 28 earnings draw closer, investors watch £40bn target

July 4, 2026, 1:06 PM EDT. GSK shares ended up 0.55% at 2,015p on July 3, building on a 3.83% gain the day before. The company is now valued at £80.71 billion. Investors are looking toward the July 28 Q2 results and a portfolio update, with the £40 billion 2031 sales goal sitting above consensus of £34.879 billion. GSK’s $10.6 billion deal for Nuvalent, aimed at boosting revenue from 2027, is still a swing factor. The Nuvalent tender expires July 14 unless it is extended. GSK finished a £2 billion buyback plan June 29, having repurchased 124 million shares since February 2025. Volume jumped Thursday then dropped off Friday, while the FTSE 100 had a small gain for the week.

GSK (LON:GSK) rises Friday, eyes on July 2…

Anglo American Gains After Teck Swap Ratio Set, Turnover Stays Thin

July 4, 2026, 1:05 PM EDT. Anglo American LON:AAL ended July 3 at 3,785 pence, up 1.18% in the lowest weekly trading with 1.28 million shares moved. The Teck TSE:TECK.B swap is set at 1.3301 Anglo shares for each Teck share, putting Teck’s worth at £50.34 if based on that closing price from Anglo. The agreed ratio is key for merger talks now on pause with little volume. Anglo’s cap is estimated at about £44.6 billion, and filings show 1.178 billion shares outstanding. Copper prices held firm, giving some lift to mining stocks before Anglo’s Q2 output update set for July 23 and half-year earnings due July 30.

Anglo American (LON:AAL) gains, Teck (TSE:…

SSE PLC (LON:SSE) Jumps as Investors Watch July Grid Review, £12B in Northern Scotland Upgrades

July 4, 2026, 12:52 PM EDT. SSE closed at 2,507p this week, up 3.55%, beating the FTSE 100’s 1.63%. The group holds a £30.24 billion market cap. Attention has turned to SSE’s network capex plans, with £12 billion in grid upgrades being discussed for north Scotland, where SSE controls 75% of SSEN Transmission. That project size would be over 40% of SSE’s market cap. SSE’s capex guidance tops £5 billion for 2026/27. Full-year investment rose 23% to £3.59 billion, much of it in regulated networks. The July 16 AGM and Q1 update now in focus for clarity on major project sign-off and regulatory rules. SSE yields 2.74% with a P/E of 22.27, after mixed performance for the year.

SSE PLC (LON:SSE) edges past market ahead …

Rio Tinto Drops as China Tightens Rules on Iron Ore Imports in July

July 4, 2026, 12:51 PM EDT. Rio Tinto shares lost 1.37% to 7,070p, underperforming the FTSE 100, which gained 1.63%. The drop followed news that China’s state iron ore buyer is blocking steel mills from some lower-grade Fortescue shipments. That decision hits China Mineral Resources Group’s grip on iron ore, a key revenue stream for Rio. Iron ore slid more than 5% this month to $98.25 a tonne, boosting contract risks for the miner. Pilbara output stayed steady and copper prices improved, but those weren’t enough to offset worries. Investors now watch for Rio’s Q2 ops update on July 15 and first-half results July 29, as China’s policy keeps up pressure on the sector.

Rio Tinto (LON:RIO) lags FTSE as iron ore …

WiseTech Global Seen 56% Undervalued as AI CargoWise Push Meets Market Pressure

July 4, 2026, 12:50 PM EDT. WiseTech Global ASX:WTC is trading 56% under its estimated fair value at A$32.96, well below the A$75.22 mark. Shares have slumped 20.29% over 30 days and are down 70.5% for the year, even with a five-year total shareholder return at 8.81%. WiseTech’s AI push with the revamped CargoWise platform and a shift to a transaction-based model aims to drive recurring revenue and lift customer retention. But the stock is at a 47x price-to-earnings ratio, far above the 19.1x industry average for Australian software, putting a premium on the shares. Investors face possible headwinds from slow organic growth and challenges with E2open integration, so any AI-driven upside may carry risk.

WiseTech Global (ASX:WTC) Could Be 56% Bel…

Garofalo Tops Supermarket Mozzarella di Bufala Test; Aldi Best Value

July 4, 2026, 12:34 PM EDT. Supermarkets’ Mozzarella di bufala Campana went through a test for texture, flavour, freshness, and value. Garofalo mozzarella di bufala DOP was rated best overall, selling at £2.70 for 300g from Ocado and noted for creamy, stretchy curds and a clean flavour. For value, Aldi’s Specially Selected came out ahead, £1.59 for 260g, with a soft bite and musky buffalo notes. Cheese quality at Waitrose, Tesco, and Morrisons was mixed, with textures ranging from creamy to grainy. Results show supermarkets can bring in genuine PDO cheese, but prices and textures are all over the place.

‘Real heritage and quality’: the best (and…

3 Value Stocks Catch Attention After Tech Reset

July 4, 2026, 12:07 PM EDT. Investors are shifting to value stocks as the tech bubble pulls back, looking for names with strong cash flow, dividends, and steady assets. Three to watch: SLB, a $67.5 billion global energy tech company growing its digital side while still exposed to oil market swings, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, the $194.5 billion life sciences supplier with recurring revenue and a lower-than-average P/E. Both have steadier profiles compared to expensive tech stocks as the market takes a second look at growth. SLB is mixing traditional energy with digital and AI offerings, and Thermo Fisher has broad life sciences reach, giving investors potential ideas as valuations get a closer look.

3 Stocks For Investors Hunting Value After…

RELX drops 0.8% with earnings in focus; shares down 40% year

July 4, 2026, 12:06 PM EDT. RELX PLC ended the session down 0.8% at 2,334p on July 3 as investors wait for half-year results due July 23. The group kicked off a £100 million share buyback on July 1, which will cover 0.24% of voting rights and is part of a bigger £2.25 billion plan set for 2026. Shares have fallen 40.1% in the past year, lagging the FTSE 350 by almost 60 points. The stock now trades at 20.5 times trailing earnings, well below its five-year median of 30.3, and has a price-to-sales of 4.5 versus 6.1 median. Buybacks have helped lift per-share earnings but analysts warn that might not be enough to stop further valuation cuts. RELX is sticking to its guidance for strong top and bottom-line growth, helped by gains in its AI-powered Legal business.

RELX faces July results test after 40% dro…

DCC LON:DCC Drops 1.6% as Takeover Deadline Nears, Market Doubts Higher Bid

July 4, 2026, 12:05 PM EDT. DCC Plc LON:DCC slipped 1.62% to 6,100p on July 4, trailing the FTSE 100, which added 0.25%. The stock’s still 6.4% below KKR and Energy Capital Partners’ 6,525p cash offer, ahead of the July 8 bid deadline. Top investor Fidelity International and others reject the £5.7 billion price as too low, calling for £70 per share in cash. Despite that opposition, traders see more deal risk than chance of a higher offer. CEO Donal Murphy said DCC’s 2026 adjusted operating profit is forecast at £634 million, with a target of £830 million for 2030.

DCC Plc (LON:DCC) shares lose ground befor…

Experian EXPN.L shares rally after £48.3M buyback ahead of July updates

July 4, 2026, 12:04 PM EDT. Experian PLC bought back almost 1.9 million shares for £48.3 million, paying an average 2,554p a share. The buyback is 28 times the amount it handed out for employee plans. Shares beat the FTSE 100, ending the week up 4.9% compared to the index’s 1.6% gain. Experian plans to report its first-quarter trading update July 16, hold its AGM July 22, and pay the second interim dividend July 24. Even with the bounce, shares are still 35.5% off their annual peak. The company has a market cap of £23.49 billion and a 1.9% dividend yield. Investors kept buying ahead of these events.

Experian buyback activity gives investors …

Minerals 260 (ASX:MI6) rises on gold mood, not company news

July 4, 2026, 11:51 AM EDT. Minerals 260 (ASX:MI6) shares traded higher, moving with upbeat gold sentiment and sector momentum instead of on new company announcements. The Western Australian gold explorer still faces key issues: no revenue, ongoing losses, and a high price-to-book. The stock moves closely with commodity market swings and trading liquidity, important as cash remains tight and management changes are underway. Analyst fair value calls are split, with targets from A$1.25 to A$8.39, showing a wide range of opinions on its outlook. Next things to watch are results from drilling, resource news at Bullabulling, and more detail on funding. The trading looks driven by sentiment, so investors have reasons to be cautious.

Is Sentiment Around Gold Quietly Redefinin…

BP PLC Lags FTSE 100 as Oil Curve Flips Negative, Brent Steady

July 4, 2026, 11:50 AM EDT. BP PLC shares finished at 467.15p on July 3, slipping 0.5% for the week and trailing the FTSE 100, which added 1.6%. Brent crude traded flat near $72 a barrel, but the Brent futures curve weakened-its six-month spread fell below zero for the first time in 2026. That’s a sign oil supply pressure is fading, putting a dent in BP’s recent oil trading gains. Analysts say the weaker curve comes as more crude hits a market with softer demand. BP’s next focus is its Q2 results and dividend call on August 4, with more detail expected on how it’s managing the shifts.

BP PLC (LON:BP) stock ends volatile week b…

BP Shakes Up Executive Team After Chairman Exit, Pushes Ahead in Abu Dhabi and India

July 4, 2026, 11:49 AM EDT. BP LSE:BP is making big changes at the top, with its deputy CEO and HR chief stepping down right away and internal promotions filling their spots. The overhaul comes on the heels of BP’s chairman leaving in May, as the company locks in new upstream gas deals in Abu Dhabi and takes on a services contract with ONGC in India. CEO Meg O’Neill is tightening her grip on the company, aiming to sharpen operations in core upstream and trading. Investors are watching how BP handles capital discipline and project risk as it grows overseas, with the energy sector still dealing with shifting demand and tighter rules.

BP (LSE:BP) Reshuffles Leadership As It Ex…

Tesco Buyback Nears Finish Line as Shares Drop from High

July 4, 2026, 11:48 AM EDT. Tesco PLC stock dropped 1.48% to 466.60p on Friday and now trades 8.58% lower than its 52-week peak, even as the £750 million share buyback moves forward. The program is 70.8% done, leaving £219.1 million left to spend, with 116.1 million shares already bought at an average of 471.47p, just above Friday’s close. Like-for-like sales climbed 1.8% in the UK during Q1, under the 2.3% analysts had expected. Guidance for profit stays at £3.0-3.3 billion. CEO Ken Murphy said the sales numbers mark a stabilizing trend-not a slowdown-with strength in fresh food, premium items, and online. Some market watchers say attention is turning to capital returns as Tesco manages competitive pressure and holds its profit outlook.

Tesco share buyback on watch after stock d…

Musk Posts More on UK Race, Immigration Than SpaceX in IPO Week

July 4, 2026, 11:33 AM EDT. Elon Musk posted about UK race and immigration topics twice as much as SpaceX on X as the SpaceX IPO approached June 12. Over the period, Musk had 303 posts on UK political issues, with SpaceX mentioned in 114. His posts came at a time of heated debate in the UK and as SpaceX’s IPO hit a record $85.7 billion, making Musk a trillionaire. Prime Minister Keir Starmer took aim at Musk for fueling division, calling him out after a high-profile UK murder and protests. Musk’s X feed mostly amplified far-right accounts during the IPO run-up, putting his focus under the spotlight while SpaceX went public.

Elon Musk posted twice as often on UK race…

ISA Flexibility Appeals to Some UK Retirees Over SIPPs

July 4, 2026, 11:32 AM EDT. Stocks and Shares ISAs let savers pull out money whenever they want, unlike SIPPs, which lock funds until at least age 55-a limit that goes up to 57 from 2028. ISAs don’t give upfront tax relief like SIPPs but gains and dividends in an ISA aren’t taxed, and there’s no rule on when you can take money out. The annual cap is £20,000 for ISA contributions, compared to £60,000 for SIPPs. Retirement portfolios often use 60% shares, 30% bonds, and 10% cash to spread risk and boost long-term returns. Big names like Unilever show up in lots of UK equity picks for buy-and-hold investors. As tax rules can hit everyone differently, it’s smart to get advice before settling on an ISA or a SIPP.

Here’s 1 key reason I think an ISA may be …

Shell shares close lower as $3 billion asset sales line up with buyback pause, ARC Resources vote ahead

July 4, 2026, 11:17 AM EDT. Shell Plc ended the week down 0.2% at 2,891.50 pence after announcing $3 billion in asset sales, roughly equal to its paused share buyback, as it moves toward a takeover of ARC Resources. Sales included $1.3 billion for Jiffy Lube International and $1.7 billion in Gulf of America holdings. The company’s net debt reached $52.6 billion in Q1. ARC Resources shareholders vote on July 14, with proxy advisers backing the deal. Shell’s Q2 numbers are out July 30, with guidance showing weaker Integrated Gas volumes. Brent crude traded near $71.94 a barrel, leaving the shares under pressure.

Shell stock week ahead: $3 billion disposa…

Unilever (LON:ULVR) trails FTSE 350 even after €1.5 billion buyback, investors turn to July results

July 4, 2026, 11:16 AM EDT. Unilever (LON:ULVR) slipped 0.35% to 4,620p on July 3, missing the FTSE 100’s 0.25% push as the group wrapped up its €1.5 billion buyback. The company bought back 30.7 million shares-about 1.4% of its stock-now held in treasury. While a shrinking share count should help share metrics, Unilever is still 12.1 points behind the FTSE 350 so far this year. Eyes are now on the Q2 and H1 earnings due July 28, with investors looking for signs of growth and updates on the planned Unilever Foods spinoff after the $44.8 billion McCormick merger agreement. Chris Beckett, analyst, said pricing power remains weak in developed markets, with staples demand still a challenge.

Unilever (LON:ULVR) lags FTSE 350 with tra…

Barclays shares edge higher with buyback closing, trade well above average repurchase price

July 4, 2026, 11:02 AM EDT. Barclays PLC shares finished at 522.30p on July 3, just 0.04% higher on the day and up 2.3% for the week. The stock is now 15% above the £454.30p average that Barclays paid during its £500 million buyback, which saw the bank retire 110.1 million shares-about 0.81% of the overall count. At this price, that reduction works out to a paper gain of £74.8 million. Barclays targets over £15 billion in capital returns between 2026 and 2028, but as the share price climbs, new buybacks could make less of a dent. The median analyst target price is 575p, implying a potential 10.1% move before half-year earnings on July 28. Barclays also bought a 999-year lease on its Canary Wharf headquarters for £750 million. The bank expects limited impact on capital ratios and earnings from the deal.

Barclays buyback math looks better with st…

Glencore Holds as Copper Prices Offset Cobalt Export Risk

July 4, 2026, 11:01 AM EDT. Glencore plc (LON:GLEN) shares finished at 513.60p, up 0.55% on July 3. The company faces uncertainty over 20,000 tonnes of cobalt exports stuck in Congo, but copper is still giving some support to the outlook. Glencore lagged the STOXX 600, which closed at a record. LME copper held at $13,345 a tonne, with inventories dipping 5.2% since late June. Investors now wait for Glencore’s July 29 half-year production update, with copper output holding up as cobalt and coal have slipped. CEO Gary Nagle is sticking with his full-year 2026 production targets. For now, the focus is whether copper gains can make up for the cobalt bottleneck and soft coal prices.

Glencore (LON:GLEN) holds steady ahead of …

National Grid NG.L Shares Flat After $1.75B Joulent Deal; Regulatory Overhang Lingers

July 4, 2026, 11:00 AM EDT. National Grid plc put $1.75 billion into a 35% stake in Joulent LLC, which is tied to a 2.67 GW Texas gas plant serving Microsoft data centers on a 20-year PPA. The deal is about 1.9% of National Grid’s $90 billion five-year capex plan. Shares finished the day flat at 1,244p, down 0.12% over five days. The muted price reaction came after the news, trading on lighter volume as investors eyed ongoing regulatory uncertainty with Ofgem’s ED3 review for 2028-2033. Ofgem is expected to make its final decision by the end of 2027, leaving the market on hold about future returns and risk in National Grid’s commercial power moves.

National Grid’s AI investment leaves stock…

Lloyds Nears Year High on Buyback Activity, Focus Shifts to July Update

July 4, 2026, 10:17 AM EDT. Lloyds Banking Group closed at 115.05p, near its 52-week high, gaining 5.4% for the week. The move came after the bank bought back 5 million shares, about 3.7% of the day’s volume, at prices near session highs. With shares trading at 1.99x TNAV, the focus is turning to return on equity. Investors look ahead to the half-year results and strategy update set for July 30. The Financial Conduct Authority has partially suspended a UK motor-finance redress scheme, delaying possible payouts past 2027, but this hasn’t stopped the stock’s momentum.

Lloyds stock near 52-week high as buyback …

HSBC Shares Close Near 27-Year High; Analysts See Limited Upside

July 4, 2026, 10:16 AM EDT. HSBC Holdings (LON:HSBA) ended at 1,451 pence, just off highs last seen in 1999 after rising 2% for the week on thin trading. Shares are up 63.8% over the past year, putting the stock ahead of the UK benchmark, though it trailed Standard Chartered and Barclays in recent sessions. Analysts have a median 12-month target at 1,476 pence, only about 1.7% above today’s price. The latest quarter showed pre-tax profit of $10.1 billion and a 17.3% return on tangible equity, helping keep the shares supported. Still, analysts point to the bank’s heavy index presence, and most are cautious about future gains.

HSBC Holdings (HSBA) trades near its highe…

DroneShield ASX:DRO adds Rear Admiral Lee Goddard to board, eyes bigger defence play

July 4, 2026, 10:15 AM EDT. DroneShield Limited named retired Rear Admiral Lee Goddard CSC as Independent Non-Executive Director, adding government procurement and defence know-how to the board. Goddard has experience with government acquisition and international defence, which could help DroneShield with complex contracts, especially on Australia-US deals. The move is meant to help execute on multi-agency defence programs. Short-term risks remain, including contract delays and possible regulatory issues. DroneShield targets A$519.9 million in revenue and A$81.6 million in earnings by 2029, though some analysts see the potential for higher numbers tied to a A$2.3 billion government pipeline-something Goddard might help capture. Investors still need to weigh those growth prospects against execution risk and watch civilian and software-as-a-service revenue streams.

Is DroneShield (ASX:DRO) Quietly Recasting…

NatWest Up 4% For The Week As Buybacks, Evelyn Deal Shape Trade

July 4, 2026, 10:14 AM EDT.NatWest Group ended the week up 4.02% through July 3, 2026, beating Barclays but still behind Lloyds. Shares finished at 682.80 pence, about 16% above the June 10 VWAP of 588.93p tied to recent buybacks, which NatWest will cancel to lower the share count. The recent £2.7 billion buy of Evelyn Partners knocked around 130 basis points off NatWest’s CET1 ratio, a key capital metric. The bank says it expects a 20% bump in fee income from the deal, growing its private banking and wealth unit, now holding £127 billion AUMA. Eyes turn to interim results set for July 31.

NatWest stock weekly gain puts buybacks an…

Coca-Cola HBC and Aviva Picked for FTSE 100 Dividend Income

July 4, 2026, 9:43 AM EDT. Coca-Cola HBC and Aviva come up as potential FTSE 100 picks for passive income. Coca-Cola HBC has posted dividend growth for 13 years in a row, though yield sits at 2.2%, backed by brand strength and solid cash flow. Aviva, the FTSE 100 insurer, has lifted payouts for six years straight and offers a yield near 6.3%. Both companies show steady earnings and strong market spots. The pair may appeal to those chasing reliable dividends as markets stay volatile.

2 FTSE 100 dividend shares I own for long-…

BAE, Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy run at £255M monthly clip on GCAP fighter after Edgewing win

July 4, 2026, 9:42 AM EDT.BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are now facing a burn rate of £255 million a month on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) after Edgewing landed a new £4.6 billion, 18-month contract. That deal added to April’s £686 million award, totaling £5.286 billion in contracts since April. Edgewing, the tri-nation design authority for the UK-Italy-Japan jet project, has put the focus on fast defense spending. Shares finished mixed Friday. BAE closed at 1,981.50p, Leonardo was up 1.14% at €52.53, Mitsubishi Heavy added 0.11% to ¥3,792. The UK Defence Investment Plan’s £8.6 billion four-year budget is feeding GCAP’s funding pipeline. Contract volumes are sparking heavy engineering work, and investors continue to watch for hurdles in cross-border design and cost control.

BAE Systems, Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy fa…

Rolls-Royce RR.L Approaches All-Time High; Buyback Yield Drops as Price Climbs

July 4, 2026, 9:41 AM EDT. Rolls-Royce shares jumped 7.0% last week and finished just 1.85% off the June 25 peak of 1,504.20p. The move added about £8.2 billion in market value, boosted by the ongoing £2.5 billion buyback. That buyback now equals around 2.0% of equity value based on Friday’s price. Free cash flow guidance midpoint is 2.9% of market cap. Investors look to the July 30 half-year report after the Raynesway defence win and the SAS A330neo engine contract. Rolls-Royce is targeting total buybacks of £7-9 billion by 2028. With the share price up, the buyback yield is coming down.

Rolls-Royce trades close to record, buybac…

Samuel Smith’s Pub Group Faces Next Chapter After Humphrey Smith’s Death

July 4, 2026, 9:10 AM EDT. Humphrey Smith, the longtime and often polarizing boss of the Samuel Smith pub group, died recently, prompting talk about his strict no-phones, no-swearing rules. Those policies, designed to keep pubs feeling traditional, have split opinion among managers and drinkers across the UK. Some say the approach keeps the classic pub atmosphere alive even as society changes. Loyal fans point to this as a reason to support the pubs, while others see the rules as outdated. Smith’s death leaves open what direction the company’s pubs will take next, but the chain still draws regulars with its old-school style and strict adherence to tradition.

Inside the quirky pub empire where phones …

Metropolitan Mayfair Casino Hit With Tribunal Claim Over Casino Tip Policy

July 4, 2026, 9:09 AM EDT. A former Metropolitan Mayfair casino waiter has taken their fight over tip distribution to London’s employment tribunal. The property, run by Silver Point Capital, is accused of unfairly splitting cash tips and the 12.5% service charge, with the worker saying managers got a share even though they aren’t on the floor. The law will soon require tips to be distributed fairly, but the waiter says the casino hasn’t explained how it does this. Unite union says current guidance lets managers keep control over tips and wants changes. The dispute puts the spotlight on industry tip rules as new UK laws get closer.

Mayfair casino facing legal action after f…

FireFly Metals (ASX:FFM) Jumps on Green Bay Drilling Update; DCF Implies 97% Upside

July 4, 2026, 8:54 AM EDT. FireFly Metals (ASX:FFM) shares climbed 5.21% after fresh drilling news from Green Bay, pushing the stock up nearly 15% for the week, though it’s still down almost 16% for the month. One-year returns are just under 78%. A DCF model puts valuation way above the current A$1.92 price-at A$68.06 per share-which would mean FFM trades about 97% below that mark if those cash flow numbers prove out. Current losses total A$6.36 million, and the company is still early in development, so risk is on the table. The price-to-book sits at 3x, higher than sector average, so the market is baking in a lot for future progress.

FireFly Metals (ASX:FFM) Could Be 97% Unde…

Maghull internet outage stretches to third day, MP slams response

July 4, 2026, 7:36 AM EDT. Internet and phone lines stayed down for a third straight day in Maghull, Merseyside, after contractors hit cables during sewer work, Openreach said. Some 3,000 people are cut off. Labour MP Bill Esterson called Openreach’s response ‘disgraceful’ and said people rely on being connected. The company said engineers found major underground cable damage and that digging conditions are still unsafe, slowing the fix. Shops like Meadows Pharmacy said the blackout has been chaotic, knocking out phones, payments, and computers. Openreach said teams are working around the clock, hoping to get service back by early Saturday evening, but the worksite’s safety remains a concern. The blackout is showing just how much broadband and landlines matter for daily business and emergencies.

MP says third day of internet blackout in …

Wall Street Firms Set to Roll Out 'Trump Accounts' for Kids' Savings

July 4, 2026, 7:05 AM EDT. The U.S. government will roll out so-called ‘Trump accounts’ starting Saturday for kids born from 2025 to 2028. Each account gets a $1,000 seed from the government, with families and others able to add up to $5,000 a year. State Street, BlackRock, and Vanguard are among the Wall Street managers running the money, investing it in funds tied to big stock indexes like the S&P 500. The Republican-backed plan lets children take charge at age 18, using the money for school, buying a house, or starting a business. Billionaires Michael Dell and Ray Dalio have also chipped in to support kids from low-income families. Republicans are pitching the move as another tax perk, even as Trump’s approval ratings on the economy stay weak before the midterm vote.

‘Trump accounts’: Wall Street-backed inves…

Valuing Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) Shares: Key Metrics Stand Out

July 4, 2026, 6:04 AM EDT.Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) is still out in front, with more than 15 million customers and solid market shares in both mortgages and credit cards. Investors look at several metrics: CBA’s workplace culture rates 3.4 out of 5 on Seek, coming in above the ASX bank average of 3.1. Its net interest margin clocks in at 1.99%. That’s higher than the sector’s 1.78%, showing lending is working for the bank. NIM is just the gap between what the bank earns on loans and pays out on deposits. Lending made up 85% of the bank’s income, so that’s a big deal. Return on equity is at 13.1%. Analysts say these numbers matter for anyone trying to put a value on CBA’s shares as the market moves.

How you can value the CBA share price

Sunrise Energy Metals (ASX:SRL) slips as battery metal prices fall, funding doubts linger

July 4, 2026, 6:03 AM EDT. Sunrise Energy Metals (ASX:SRL) is under pressure with nickel and cobalt prices dropping and financing for its Sunrise project in New South Wales looking tough. Most of the market focus is on falling commodity prices and funding risk, not much on specific project news. Bets on long-term battery demand and management’s ability to get money without cutting into shareholder value are still key. CEO share sales and recent option moves keep capital structure questions in play. Valuation ranges are all over the place as metal prices and financing issues drag on the near-term view. Investors are watching funding progress, permitting, and steps to reduce project risk.

The Bull Case For Sunrise Energy Metals (A…

Sims ASX:SGM faces valuation worries as executive reshuffle meets surging stock

July 4, 2026, 6:02 AM EDT. Sims ASX:SGM is in the spotlight after senior management changes, with some investors debating its valuation. Shares trade at A$25.32, up 37.61% in 90 days and giving a 60.20% return over the year. Sims reported A$7.5 billion in revenue but slim margins and net losses, pointing to a turnaround play that’s priced more like a growth story here. The market is higher than analysts’ fair value of A$18.07, suggesting possible overvaluation. Still, the 0.6x price-to-sales ratio is well under the sector, which could mean undervaluation-or risk. Investors are watching future growth and how the company handles shifts in metal prices and changing business lines.

Can Sims (ASX:SGM) Justify Its Valuation A…

How Warren Buffett Sees Opportunity in Market Selloffs

July 4, 2026, 6:01 AM EDT. Warren Buffett sticks to disciplined long-term value investing and uses market swings to his advantage, keeping cash ready so he can move fast when prices fall. He sets firm rules on what he’ll buy and only steps in when he sees real value, not just headline risk. Buffett made a point of dumping Tesco after its accounting scandal but jumped into American Express when it faced fraud troubles, showing he looks past panic to spot what’s temporary versus what’s broken. This is his playbook for snapping up bargains in tough markets-and private investors sometimes follow that lead.

Here’s how Warren Buffett manages to turn …

Data Gaps Cloud England’s £1.5mn-Plus Home Valuations

July 4, 2026, 5:15 AM EDT. About 40% of homes in England priced above £1.5 million do not have official Land Registry sales records, new research shows. That lack of data complicates valuations for the planned ‘mansion tax,’ which aims to target high-value properties and bring in more revenue for the government. Without solid sales data, valuations could miss the mark, raising questions over tax fairness and revenue forecasts. Some stakeholders are now pushing for stronger data collection to make sure property taxes can be rolled out as planned.

Lack of data puts England’s ‘mansion tax’ …

Bellevue Gold ASX:BGL Starts Output as Valuation Questions Linger

July 4, 2026, 5:14 AM EDT. Bellevue Gold ASX:BGL is now producing gold, pushing into its ramp-up while gold prices hold up. The shares gained 5.14% to A$1.33 but are still down 11.92% in the past month and off 21.76% since January, though the 1-year total return is up 43.78%. Bellevue trades at a 4.5x price-to-sales ratio, well above the estimated fair value of 0.8x, showing the market is betting on more than current sales. The company booked a A$55.3 million net loss and the stock has been volatile, which points to execution risks. But discounted cash flow models put fair value at A$3.99, much higher than where it’s trading. The big gap between DCF and P/S leaves the stock in a valuation debate as Bellevue moves from developer to producer.

Bellevue Gold (ASX:BGL) Enters Production …

Wesfarmers Ltd ASX:WES shares up 7.99% so far this year as profits, sales grow

July 4, 2026, 4:30 AM EDT. Wesfarmers Ltd ASX:WES shares have gained 7.99% year-to-date. The group, which owns Bunnings Warehouse, Kmart, and Officeworks, posted annual revenue of A$44.2 billion with a 3-year CAGR of 9.2%, and reported profit of A$2.56 billion, up 2.4% CAGR. Gross margin sits at 34.0% and net debt stands at A$10.4 billion. Wesfarmers keeps buying, building, and sometimes selling assets to grow its market footing. Dividends have stayed steady, with retail and industrial units anchoring its blue-chip ASX status.

A quick way to value the WES share price

Aviva (LSE: AV.) Dividend Stock: £10,000 Investment Can Deliver £650 a Year

July 4, 2026, 4:29 AM EDT. Aviva Plc (LSE: AV.) is paying an estimated yield of 6.5% to 7% heading into 2026-2027, which would give investors about £650 per £10,000. Its dividend coverage ratio is 1.4, backing up the payout. The forward price-to-earnings ratio is just 11, and the average analyst target sits roughly 10% above where shares trade now. Q1 numbers showed a 19% jump in general insurance premiums, helped by the Direct Line deal. There are market risks, but Aviva looks like a contender for ISA and SIPP investors chasing income.

£10,000 invested in this blue-chip FTSE 10…

UK, Australia Markets: Robinhood (HOOD) Jumps 50%, AstraZeneca (AZN) Gets EU Green Light

July 4, 2026, 4:28 AM EDT.Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ: HOOD) jumped almost 50% since March as more investors piled in, drawn by zero-commission trades and new AI features. The company now has 27 million funded accounts and $4.5 billion in revenue over the past year, with projections to hit $6.2 billion by 2027. UK growth names like Applied Nutrition, Beeks Financial Cloud, Hims & Hers, and Roblox all saw strong performance in June. AstraZeneca (AZN) climbed after getting EU approval for Enhertu in HER2-positive cancers, with Goldman Sachs and Jefferies both issuing upbeat calls. Geopolitical concerns remain, but fintech and healthcare are showing fresh action in both the UK and Australia.

UK & AU Stock Market Today: Live Updates 0…

Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ: HOOD) jumps 50% since March as revenue climbs

July 4, 2026, 4:16 AM EDT. Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ: HOOD) is up nearly 50% since March, getting a lift from stronger markets and more interest from investors. The trading app, favored by younger users like Millennials and Gen Z, pitches commission-free trades, crypto, and AI-driven stock analysis. It has outpaced UK players like Hargreaves Lansdown. Robinhood has reached 27 million funded accounts, with annual revenue at $4.5 billion last year and analysts see that rising to $6.2 billion by 2027. The company could snag new business from the so-called ‘Great Wealth Transfer’ between generations. Still, investors should balance the growth story against uncertainty and do more research before buying.

Prediction: this $100 growth stock will so…

Growth Stocks Jump in June; Moonpig Stands Out as Value Play

July 4, 2026, 4:14 AM EDT. Seven growth names moved higher in June in a Stocks and Shares ISA, led by Applied Nutrition up 27.7%, Beeks Financial Cloud up 30.4%, and Hims & Hers up 32.6%. Axon Enterprise (+24.9%), Wise (+23%), Roblox (+33%), and Nu Holdings (+17%) also turned in gains. Corporate results and new contract wins at fintech Beeks helped fuel sentiment. Market mood got another lift as hopes rose for stable rates after an Iran ceasefire. Still, geopolitical worries could reverse some of these moves. Elsewhere, Moonpig in the FTSE 250 looks cheap, even after a 27% gain this year, on the back of solid customer data and more AI in its platform.

These 7 growth stocks went bonkers in my I…

AstraZeneca (AZN) Rises After EU Greenlights Enhertu for HER2-Positive Cancers

July 4, 2026, 4:12 AM EDT. AstraZeneca shares moved higher after the company got European approval for Enhertu for adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive solid tumors, opening up more oncology sales opportunities. Brokers mostly keep positive calls: Goldman Sachs has a Buy and a 16,370p target, Jefferies also says Buy with an 18,000p target, both pointing to oncology pipeline potential. Deutsche Bank is less bullish, keeping a Sell with a target at 11,500p due to concerns about expectations getting too high. AstraZeneca posts 5.33% revenue growth and a 22% return on equity. The company stays in the running with big pharma rivals as the healthcare sector holds up.

AstraZeneca share price edges higher on En…

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