Amilia Stone

Gemfields Group plc (LON:GEM) shareholders are advised that the Company has released information about its operational results and financial position for the six months ended 30 June 2024.

Miton UK MicroCap Trust plc LON:MINI ) has announced its Factsheet for June 2024. Manager commentary

Diverse Income Trust plc LON:DIVI ) has announced its Factsheet for June 2024.

Dalian iron ore futures ended a three-session decline on Friday, lifted by new stimulus measures from China, the world’s leading consumer. The most-traded September iron ore contract on the Dalian Commodity Exchange (DCE) rose 1.5% to 779 yuan ($107.45) per metric ton, although it registered a 2.75% drop for the week. Similarly, the benchmark August iron ore contract on the Singapore Exchange increased by 1.94% to $101.85 per ton, despite a 4.41% decline for the week, marking its steepest weekly fall since June 7.

Bioplastics are emerging as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics, offering a promising solution to the growing environmental challenges posed by conventional plastic products. Derived from renewable sources such as corn starch, sugarcane, and other plant materials, bioplastics represent a significant shift towards more eco-friendly materials that reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

The UK construction industry is experiencing a significant skills shortage. This issue is driven by the country’s failure to train sufficient skilled workers and the lack of adequate imports of skilled labour from abroad.

Gold prices showed a slight increase on Friday, with spot gold up by 0.2% at $2,369.99 per ounce as of 0703 GMT, though the metal has experienced a weekly decline of over 1%. U.S. gold futures also rose by 0.6% to $2,368.30. According to ANZ commodity strategist Soni Kumari, the recent surge to record highs last week was driven by expectations of a U.S. rate cut in September. However, this rapid rally has led to a correction, though the long-term outlook for gold remains positive.

The commercial property market in the UK is experiencing a notable resurgence, reflecting the overall economic recovery and renewed investor confidence. This positive trajectory is characterised by increased activity across various sectors, including retail, office spaces, and industrial properties. As businesses adapt to new ways of working and consumer behaviour evolves, the demand for flexible and innovative commercial spaces is driving growth in the market.

The renewable energy sector is experiencing an unprecedented surge, driven by global initiatives to combat climate change and reduce carbon emissions. Governments and corporations are investing heavily in clean energy technologies, leading to significant advancements and deployment of renewable energy sources. Solar and wind power, in particular, have become increasingly cost-competitive with traditional fossil fuels, resulting in a shift towards greener energy solutions worldwide. This transition is not only essential for environmental sustainability but also presents lucrative opportunities for investors and companies within the renewable energy sector.

Valeura Energy Inc. operates within the dynamic and increasingly pivotal oil and gas sector, a cornerstone of global energy infrastructure. This industry is currently witnessing a transformative phase, driven by advancements in technology, shifts towards cleaner energy sources, and strategic realignments by major players to balance profitability with sustainability. As the world navigates through an energy transition, companies within this sector are exploring innovative ways to optimise production, reduce environmental impact, and ensure long-term energy security.