AIM movers: New chief executive for Jangada Mines and weak consumer spending hits Shoe Zone

Andrew Hore
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AIM movers: New chief executive for Jangada Mines and weak consumer spending hits Shoe Zone

Jangada Mines (LON: JAN) has appointed Paulo Guimarães Misk as chief executive, who has 40 years mining experience, and executive chairman Brian McMaster will become a non-executive. The focus is accelerating the development of the Paranaita gold project in Brazil. The share price soared 21.1% to 0.575p.

Oxford Biodynamics (LON: OBD) is collaborating with Google Cloud, which will provide cloud computing support to scale up the EpiSwitch diagnostic tools. This will help the delivery of information in real time. The share price increased 13.3% to 0.425p.

Galileo Resources (LON: GLR) says that new models have confirmed copper in drill holes from past exploration at three 100%-owned prospecting licences in the Kalahari Copperbelt. Soil anomalies support the findings. A new drilling programme is planned for PL253. The share price improved 11.5% to 0.825p.

Technology investment company TMT Investments (LON: TMT) reported interims on Tuesday. NAV was 3% ahead at $6.80/share. Broker Hybridan published research pointing out that the shares are trading on a significant discount to NAV. The share price rose a further 10.9% to $3.37. The share price started the week at $2.90.

Outsourced video gaming services provider Winking Studios (LON: WKS) reported a rise in interim revenues from S$15.2m to S$19.4m, although most of the improvement came from the acquisition of Mineloader. The Asian gaming market is recovering. Profit was held back by the costs of the AIM quotation, but gross margin improved. There is S$25.6m in cash and this will help finance acquisitions in the UK to provide a base for growth outside of Asia. The share price is 8.77% higher at 15.5p.

FALLERS

Retailer Shoe Zone (LON: SHOE) says trading conditions are still tough. Full year pre-tax profit expectations have been slashed to £2.5m, compared with £5m previously.  Consumer confidence is low and spending power after essentials is reducing for many people. Net cash could be £6m at the end of September 2025 because of lower inventory and capital investment. The share price fell 19.4% to 68.5p.

Light Science Technologies (LON: LST) reported slightly lower interim revenues of £5.06m, but there was a change in product mix. That enabled gross margins to improve, and the company achieved a small operating profit. Contract electronics manufacturing revenues slipped as a major pest control product came to the end of its life. Fire protection revenues grew strongly and could do even better in the second half if the new government regulator starts to approve more work. The Agtech business is also growing revenues and has launched an off-the-shelf version of its sensorGROW product. The share price slipped 8.97% to 3.55p.

Bars and escape rooms operator XP Factory (LON: XPF) increased owned and operated revenues by 12% in the 19 weeks to 10 August. Boom Battle Bars like-for-like sales were 5.6% lower but have started to recover. The new Reading site is trading more strongly than expected. Escape Hunt like-for-likes were slightly higher. The hot weather hit sales, although not as badly as the overall market. Corporate spending decreased. Management still believes it can meet market expectations. The share price declined 8.45% to 9.75p.

FTSE 100 clings on to gains amid global equity rally

UK Investor Magazine
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FTSE 100 clings on to gains amid global equity rally

FTSE 100 was clinging on to gains on Wednesday as several poor corporate updates offset a wider improvement in investor sentiment.

Negative reactions to earnings updates from Persimmon and Beazley moderated the FTSE 100’s gains after US equities touched fresh record highs overnight.

Investors have been buoyed by yesterday’s US inflation reading, which came in line with economists’ estimates and paved the way for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in September.

The absence of any material impact on inflation from Donald Trump’s tariffs means that the Federal Reserve will likely act to stem the slowdown in the US labour market.

Equity bulls jumped on the prospect of lower borrowing costs, and the S&P 500 recorded yet another all-time high overnight.

“Global equities continue to ride this out and keep going. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq made record highs as the cooler-than-expected July inflation print buoyed risk sentiment,” said Saxo UK Investor Strategist, Neil Wilson.

“The S&P 500 climbed 1.1% and the Nasdaq rallied 1.4%, while the small cap Russell 2k rallied 3% because lower-quality stocks do well when rates fall. The MSCI All Country World Index also made an all-time high.”

The impact of the interest rate cut hopes helped the FTSE 100 rise by 0.2% in mid-morning trading. The gains were broad with 68 of the 100 constituents trading higher at the time of writing.

AstraZeneca did a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of the number of points added to the index with a 1.8% gain.

Miners enjoyed the risk-on sentiment, and Antofagasta added over 1% as Glencore and Rio Tinto made smaller increases.

Beazley was the top faller after slashing its outlook on rising geopolitical and climate change risks. Shares were down 8% at the time of writing.

Persimmon shares slipped 2% despite issuing a relatively positive half-year report with completions increasing 4% over the period. One-off charges were the main detractor on results day as the company’s earnings fell due to costs related to a CMA investigation.

“Results from Persimmon suggest the UK housebuilding sector is not a total lemon, and at their current low ebb, these stocks might pique the interest of contrarian, value investors,” said Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell.

“However under the bonnet things don’t look quite so rosy, thanks to some rather chunky exceptional items which mean earnings per share is actually down by 10%. Seven housebuilders have agreed to pay £100 million into affordable housing programmes following a CMA investigation into price collusion, and Persimmon’s contribution adds up to a £15.2 million hit to its income statement.”

BP was also among the top fallers as oil prices slipped ahead of crucial talks between Trump and Putin on the Ukraine war this Friday.

“Oil markets look to have assumed that a resolution of the war in Ukraine is done and dusted, before either the US or Russian leaders set foot on Alaskan soil. Brent futures contracts are continuing to slip lower, dropping through $66 in early morning trade today,” explained Steve Clayton, head of equity funds, Hargreaves Lansdown.

Why now could be a good time for a Korea move 

Aberdeen Investment Trusts
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Why now could be a good time for a Korea move 

Gabriel Sacks is Co-Manager of abrdn Asia Focus 

There is a school of thought which holds that politics’ influence on investment decisions should be minimal and maybe even non-existent. What really matters, the argument goes, is the health or otherwise of individual businesses. 

There is certainly a lot to be said for this view. As specialists in investing in Asian smaller companies, we pay extremely close attention to the unique strengths and weaknesses of each of the stocks we consider for inclusion in portfolios. 

Ultimately, though, the bigger picture must count for something. Take South Korea, which Donald Trump’s least favourite newspaper, the New York Times, recently described as “lurching from one political crisis to another”1. 

The turmoil began in earnest in December last year, when the country’s conservative leader, Yoon Suk Yeol, attempted to impose martial law. It was the first such move since South Korea became a democracy in 1987. 

Faced with public outrage and protests, the National Assembly vetoed the imposition. The crisis eventually led to Yoon’s impeachment and removal. An early presidential election followed – but not before South Korean markets had suffered a sizeable slump. 

The new president, Lee Jae-myung, represents the left-wing Democratic Party. A former factory worker and lawyer, he campaigned on a promise to increase spending, revive consumer confidence and expand the nation’s advanced manufacturing facilities. 

Irrespective of whether your investment approach is primarily top-down or bottom-up, this is the sort of development that merits notice. Perhaps most importantly of all, it suggests South Korea’s Corporate Value-up initiative is alive and well. 

A political and economic climate conducive to smaller companies 

Corporate Value-up has its roots in Japan, where ambitious governance reforms have helped unlock shareholder value after decades of businesses determinedly hoarding cash. Several other Asian economies are now keen to follow the same path to investors’ hearts. 

The idea centres on nothing less than what South Korea’s Financial Services Commission has described as “fundamental changes in our capital markets”2. It requires listed companies to raise dividends, buy back shares and emphasise shareholder-friendly policies. 

Interestingly, larger entities might find it tougher – and could even be inherently less inclined – to achieve these goals. A key reason for this is the phenomenon of cross-shareholding, which is notably popular in Asia. 

Cross-shareholding involves companies holding shares in their business partners. Long regarded as controversial, the practice is frequently underpinned by ownership models that are dominated by wealthy families with no incentive to disrupt the status quo. 

At the lower end of the market-capitalisation spectrum, where our focus lies, the absence of such structures can encourage better stewardship. Yet the brightest prospects are seldom immediately apparent to the wider investment community, as South Korea’s smaller companies – like those throughout Asia – tend to be under-researched. 

It is easy enough to illustrate this point. Many investors will be familiar with the likes of Samsung or Hyundai – often through ownership of their products – but most would struggle if challenged to name, say, two or three other South Korean businesses. 

Local knowledge, an on-the-ground presence and direct engagement can therefore make a significant difference in the search for opportunities. This is how an investment team such as ours aims to identify hidden gems. 

Strong management, continued innovation and long-term potential 

Many of these companies fall into the category of “picks and shovels” investments – which is to say they are underappreciated yet vital engines of progress. This is most obviously the case in technology-related value chains. 

Park Systems is a good example. It specialises in industrial-use atomic force microscopy, a high-resolution imaging technique that visualises and measures surface properties at the nanoscale level. Demand for its products is being driven by advances in fields such as semiconductors and biotechnology. 

Similarly, Leeno Industrial is a classic behind-the-scenes enabler. It makes testing equipment for printed circuit boards and other components crucial to the hyperconnectivity that has come to define life in the 21st century. 

Our South Korean holdings also include Hyundai Marine Solution, a stablemate of the aforementioned car manufacturer. An asset-light engineering services company that caters to the shipping industry, it has an aftermarket business that generates impressive recurring revenue. 

We also like Classys, which operates in the burgeoning aesthetics arena. Its export markets currently include Japan and Brazil, with the US and Europe poised to follow. Revenues are growing at a rate of around 30% a year. 

In our view, these businesses already demonstrate impressive governance. They have excellent management, a clear commitment to innovation and solid long-term growth potential. A renewed push for the Corporate Value-up programme should see other smaller companies follow suit. 

The truth is that we would likely invest in such businesses even if South Korea were still in the throes of political upheaval. Now that calm has been restored, though, we believe their appeal is even greater than before. 

Companies selected for illustrative purposes only to demonstrate the investment management style described herein and not as an investment recommendation or indication of future performance. 

Important information 

  • The value of investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up and investors may get back less than the amount invested. 
  • Past performance is not a guide to future results. 
  • Emerging markets tend to be more volatile than mature markets and the value of your investment could move sharply up or down. 
  • Investment in the Company may not be appropriate for investors who plan to withdraw their money within 5 years. 
  • The Company may borrow to finance further investment (gearing). The use of gearing is likely to lead to volatility in the Net Asset Value (NAV) meaning that any movement in the value of the company’s assets will result in a magnified movement in the NAV. 
  • The Company may accumulate investment positions which represent more than normal trading volumes which may make it difficult to realise investments and may lead to volatility in the market price of the Company’s shares. 
  • The Company may charge expenses to capital which may erode the capital value of the investment. 
  • The Company invests in smaller companies which are likely to carry a higher degree of risk than larger companies. 
  • Movements in exchange rates will impact on both the level of income received and the capital value of your investment. 
  • There is no guarantee that the market price of the Company’s shares will fully reflect their underlying Net Asset Value. 
  • As with all stock exchange investments the value of the Company’s shares purchased will immediately fall by the difference between the buying and selling prices, the bid-offer spread. If trading volumes fall, the bid-offer spread can widen. 
  • The Company invests in emerging markets which tend to be more volatile than mature markets and the value of your investment could move sharply up or down. 
  • Specialist funds which invest in small markets or sectors of industry are likely to be more volatile than more diversified trusts. 
  • Yields are estimated figures and may fluctuate, there are no guarantees that future dividends will match or exceed historic dividends and certain investors may be subject to further tax on dividends. 

Other important information: 

The details contained here are for information purposes only and should not be considered as an offer, investment recommendation, or solicitation to deal in any investments or funds and does not constitute investment research, investment recommendation or investment advice in any jurisdiction. Any data contained herein which is attributed to a third party (“Third Party Data”) is the property of (a) third party supplier(s) (the “Owner”) and is licensed for use with Aberdeen. Third Party Data may not be copied or distributed. Third Party Data is provided “as is” and is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. To the extent permitted by applicable law, none of the Owner, Aberdeen, or any other third party (including any third party involved in providing and/or compiling Third Party Data) shall have any liability for Third Party Data or for any use made of Third Party Data. Neither the Owner nor any other third party sponsors, endorses or promotes the fund or product to which Third Party Data relates. 

The abrdn Asia Focus plc Key Information Document can be obtained here. 

Issued by abrdn Fund Managers Limited, registered in England and Wales (740118) at 280 Bishopsgate, London EC2M 4AG. The company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK. 

Find out more at aberdeeninvestments.com/aas or by registering for updates. You can also follow us on X, Facebook and LinkedIn. 

Majedie Investments Quarterly Review

Majedie Investments
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Majedie Investments Quarterly Review

Summary

Over the third quarter, the Net Asset Value (NAV) recovered swiftly from the tariff-related drawdown in late March and early April, delivering a return of +5.2%. Over the same period the share price increased +2.8%, widening the discount from -7.8% to -9.9%.¹

Our resolve amidst the volatility surrounding ‘Liberation Day’ stemmed from familiarity with the portfolio’s underlying holdings, which we believe contain a margin of safety. Long before this episode, we have been finding the most compelling risk-adjusted opportunities in overlooked areas, where fundamentals have potential to surprise on the upside and investor expectations are muted. The added benefit of a high-conviction portfolio built around non-consensual investments is its complementarity; the composition of Majedie’s portfolio bears little resemblance to either the major indices or other investment trusts. 

While markets may continue to rally if US interest rates begin to ease, any combination of geopolitics, trade friction, policy shifts, and changing rate expectations could re-test investors’ fortitude over the coming months. We believe Majedie is positioned to withstand further turbulence should it occur and deliver high-quality absolute returns. 

So, what did I miss? 

Sometimes, the best course of action for an active manager is to take no action. Following the Trump administration’s pause on tariffs – a restraint imposed by the bond market’s rejection of its policies – the S&P 500 recovered from a -19% peak-to-trough decline, and volatility has subsided. The so-called Magnificent Seven regained their footing on the back of solid earnings and hopes of rate cuts, while credit spreads tightened back towards historical lows and the US dollar stabilised. 

There are, however, lessons to be learned from the episode, while one major disagreement remains unresolved. Following the rally, the US equity risk premium has compressed, making equities once again expensive when compared to government bonds. Equity investors assume that a ‘Trump put’ will provide a floor beneath the market and that earnings will soon accelerate.² Yet bond markets are not convinced, as evidenced by a higher ‘term premium’.³ This points to an erosion of confidence in monetary policy, waning demand from central banks, and scepticism that the administration’s policies will address structural deficits. 

Part of the dissonance implied by the valuation differential between stocks and bonds derives from the composition of the US equity market, now heavily skewed towards expensive megacap growth companies – many of them seen as primary beneficiaries of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) theme. Consequently, an investment in the market carries an implicit view that either (a) AI stocks will deliver on the hype or (b) earnings growth will broaden out beyond the ‘big growers’ 

Equity investors’ implicit expectations are less demanding, if one looks beyond the largest index components. Foreign equities, midcaps, and value stocks continue to trade at a discount to their US, large-cap, and growth-stock counterparts. That is why we continue to believe that the most attractive risk-adjusted opportunities are outside the mainstream. 

The existential question is whether anyone cares about these situations? In the short term, perhaps not. Price action in today’s markets is driven by trend followers, leveraged trading ‘pods’ within multi-strategy hedge funds, and other fickle participants. By some estimates, 90% of daily volume in equity markets comes from High-frequency trading (HFT), algorithmic trading, and retail trading.⁴ However, there is growing evidence that skilled security selection is now better placed to deliver absolute returns than other approaches. This reflects both the stretched and unbalanced nature of equity indices, and an improving environment for active managers. 

Outlook 

Looking at the broader economic picture, there’s a reasonable case to be made that the second half of the year will be more benign than the first. In the US, consumer spending has remained resilient despite tariffs, wages are rising steadily, and government expenditure is supportive of growth. US multinationals may benefit from currency tailwinds, while core inflation continues to moderate. Energy prices are softening, and the Fed Funds Rate remains above Core PCE, leaving policy at its most restrictive since 2007. A shift towards easing could act as a catalyst for renewed multiple expansion. In Europe and Asia, there are tentative signs that conditions on the ground are improving, and interest rate policies are becoming more accommodative. 

That said, risks to the equilibrium persist. The 90-day tariff reprieve has ended and, paradoxically, the recovery it triggered seems to have emboldened the administration, which has become accustomed to the income generated by import duties in the meantime.⁵ While tariffs have not significantly impacted headline inflation, second-order effects remain a possibility. Labour markets are tight even before any monetary easing, and a resurgence in inflation cannot be ruled out. Meanwhile, the newly enacted OBBB Act imposes a greater fiscal burden than the effects of the CHIPS Act, CARES Act, Infrastructure Law, and American Rescue Plan combined.⁶ Whether this new stimulus can stimulate growth and thus reduce the deficit remains uncertain. 

Summary 

Our overall stance therefore reflects measured optimism, based on confidence in the quality of our holdings, the judgement of our external managers, and the favourable risk-reward profile throughout the portfolio. The investments are high-quality, attractively valued, and balanced by geography and sector. 

¹ As of 30th June 2025. Debt included at fair value. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. Returns are not guaranteed. 

² In April, only 37% of respondents to the BAML Fund Manager Survey expected a soft landing for the US economy; that figure now exceeds 60%. 

³ The term premium represents the higher yield that investors demand to compensate them for the risk of owning a long-dated bond, versus a series of shorter-dated issues over the same period. 

⁴ Source: Investopedia 

⁵ Source: Reuters. US customs duty collections topped US$100 billion for the first time during a fiscal year and helped to produce a surprise US$ 27 billion budget surplus for the month, the Treasury Department reported. 

⁶ Source: Bloomberg. 

Shoe Zone blames profit warning on weakening consumer confidence

UK Investor Magazine
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Shoe Zone blames profit warning on weakening consumer confidence

Shoe Zone has warned that profits will be significantly lower than expected following challenging trading conditions in June and July.

The retailer now expects adjusted profit before tax for the year ending 27 September 2025 to be approximately £2.5m – half its previous forecast of £5.0m.

Shoe Zone shares were down 20% at the time of writing on Wednesday.

The company blamed weakening consumer confidence following the Government’s October 2024 budget announcement, saying customers have reduced discretionary spending amid ongoing inflation, higher interest rates and increased savings rates, resulting in lower footfall and reduced revenue.

Shoe Zone has also withdrawn its current dividend policy in light of the disappointing performance.

In addition to the external factors impacting sales, it’s clear that the Shoe Zone brand is becoming tired, which they have recognised with a wave of store refits.

The retailer opened its 200th new format store this month and remains debt-free with cash levels higher than the same period last year.

The group will likely have to spend some of this cash on revitalising its market positioning.

Persimmon shares dip despite respectable profit growth

UK Investor Magazine
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Persimmon shares dip despite respectable profit growth

Housebuilder Persimmon is benefitting from the early signs of a revival in the UK property market as completions and profits rose in its half-year period.

The FTSE 100 company completed 4,605 homes in the six months to 30 June, up 4% year-on-year, driven by a 7% increase in private completions to 3,987 units. Revenue surged 12% to £1.31bn as average selling prices rose 8% to £284,047.

Underlying operating profit jumped 13% to £172.0m.

Private average sales prices on completions climbed 7%, reflecting a higher proportion of Charles Church developments and what the company described as “robust pricing”. The group’s net private sales rate excluding bulk deals improved 5% to 0.62 per outlet per week.

These are all strong numbers and make the 2% drop in Persimmon shares on Wednesday seem unjustified, given the main drag on EPS was a one-off charge related to a CMA investigation.

Encouragingly, Persimmon maintained its full-year guidance of 11,000-11,500 completions, with housing operating margins expected between 14.2% and 14.5%. The company is now roughly 80% secured on private completions for the year.

“Persimmon’s half-year numbers underline a steady recovery in the UK housebuilding sector, with rising revenues, higher selling prices and robust forward sales giving the group confidence in its full-year targets,” said Axel Rudolph, Senior Technical Analyst at IG.

“While the flat statutory profit figure and cash outflow highlight the ongoing challenges of affordability and market uncertainty, the stable dividend and solid completions guidance suggest Persimmon is well placed to deliver on its growth ambitions into 2026.”

Expansion continues

The builder expanded its outlet network by 4% to 277 sites as it progresses towards a target of at least 300 outlets. Land investment remained strong at £210m during the half-year, whilst the company secured detailed planning for 5,066 plots – equivalent to 110% of completions.

Looking ahead, Persimmon expects volumes to grow to approximately 12,000 units in 2026, though it cautioned that margin progression may slow due to diminishing build cost inflation and affordability constraints.

The group’s forward order book stands at £1.86bn, up 9% year-on-year, providing solid visibility for the remainder of 2025.

Tekcapital’s Guident expands commercial relationships with autonomous shuttle launch

UK Investor Magazine
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Tekcapital’s Guident expands commercial relationships with autonomous shuttle launch

Tekcapital plc has announced a major breakthrough for its portfolio company, Guident, as the AV safety company gears up for its proposed US IPO.

Guident has secured an agreement with the City of Boca Raton, Florida, to deploy the city’s first autonomous shuttle-based public transportation service.

The autonomous shuttle will serve a 2.6-mile loop connecting Mizner Park to Royal Palm Place, providing residents and visitors with cutting-edge transportation options. The service is scheduled to launch in fall 2025 and represents a significant step forward in smart city transportation solutions.

Although the company didn’t mention the upcoming proposed NASDAQ listing, the Boca Raton deal and further commercial traction will undoubtedly help boost the potential valuation of Guident on listing. Guident filed for its proposed NASDAQ confidentially, so the full details of the flotation will remain private until the final stages.

Fresh strategic partnership

Guident will collaborate with Circuit, the current operator of existing shuttle services in Boca Raton, to combine Guident’s autonomous vehicle technology with Circuit’s proven operational expertise in electric shuttle services.

The initial phase will focus on a 0.6-mile loop within Mizner Park before expanding to the full route. The service is contracted for one year with options to extend beyond that timeframe, allowing both parties to evaluate performance and community impact.

“The growth and innovation happening in Boca right now is incredible, as the operator of BocaCONNECT locally, it’s a natural and exciting next step to bring this autonomous shuttle service to life. Boca continues to lead the way in mobility, and we’re proud to be part of what’s next,” said Alex Esposito, CEO and Co-Founder of Circuit

Circuit brings valuable experience to the partnership, having provided over 10 million eco-friendly rides across eight states, including California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and Texas. The company specialises in addressing the critical first and last-mile transportation gap that often limits public transit effectiveness.

This autonomous shuttle service aligns with broader trends toward sustainable urban mobility and demonstrates the commercial viability of Guident’s autonomous vehicle technology.

The AV sector is heating up with names such as Tesla being matched in technological advancements and real-world deployments by early-stage start-ups.

Today’s news follows a string of updates by Guident, including patent awards and new use cases such as robotic surveillance.

“Launching the MiCa transportation project in Boca Raton represents a significant step toward making autonomous public transportation a reality. Our collaboration with our esteemed partners underlines a shared vision: to create a safer, more efficient, and connected urban future,” said Harald Braun, Chairman & CEO of Guident.

Understanding the regulatory landscape for UK investors in digital assets

UK Investor Magazine
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Understanding the regulatory landscape for UK investors in digital assets

The evolving world of cryptocurrency in the UK is marked by complex regulations that investors must navigate carefully. Compliance with these regulations ensures not only legal security but also enhances market credibility. Understanding these regulations is crucial for anyone looking to diversify their investment portfolio.

The UK cryptocurrency market presents a maze of regulations that can be daunting for investors. As an investor, understanding this regulatory framework is essential to making informed decisions in the digital asset space. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) plays a critical role in regulating crypto assets, ensuring platforms comply with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CTF) laws. These measures are designed to protect investors from potential financial misconduct and fraud. For those interested in digital currencies, platforms like MoonPay offer a straightforward way to buy bitcoin, aligning with regulatory standards.

Overview of UK cryptocurrency regulations

The UK’s approach to regulating cryptocurrency has been comprehensive, focusing on protecting both the market and its participants. The FCA mandates that crypto businesses register and adhere to strict guidelines to prevent illicit activities. This includes thorough know-your-customer (KYC) procedures that verify user identities before transactions are permitted. Investors must report their holdings accurately, as failure to comply can lead to severe penalties, including fines and legal action.

Moreover, the taxation of cryptocurrencies adds another layer of complexity. Digital asset profits are subject to capital gains tax, requiring meticulous record-keeping by investors. The HMRC has issued detailed guidance on how crypto transactions should be reported for tax purposes, emphasizing transparency and compliance. Staying informed about these evolving regulations helps you mitigate risks and capitalize on investment opportunities.

Understanding these regulatory requirements not only safeguards your investments but also fosters trust within the cryptocurrency community. By adhering to these regulations, you contribute to a more stable and secure digital asset market.

Streamlining investment processes

Platforms in the UK have developed streamlined processes to facilitate digital asset acquisitions, such as bitcoin. These platforms offer intuitive interfaces that simplify the buying process, allowing you to manage your investments efficiently. With robust security measures in place, these platforms ensure that your personal information and assets remain protected.

In addition to security, convenience is paramount when investing in cryptocurrencies. Many platforms provide educational resources and customer support to guide you through your investment journey. This support helps demystify the process, enabling you to make informed decisions confidently.

The ability to easily convert fiat currency into digital assets like bitcoin has democratized access to cryptocurrencies. This ease of use attracts a broader audience, encouraging more individuals to explore the benefits of digital investments without undue complexity.

Risk mitigation strategies

Diversifying into digital assets comes with inherent risks, but strategic planning can mitigate these concerns effectively. Assessing your risk tolerance is crucial before making any significant investment decisions. By diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes, you reduce exposure to volatile market swings associated with cryptocurrencies.

Another key strategy involves staying informed about market trends and regulatory changes. Regularly reviewing your investment strategy allows you to adapt quickly to new developments, ensuring your portfolio remains resilient against potential downturns. Engaging with reliable sources of information keeps you updated on best practices and emerging risks.

Finally, employing secure storage solutions for your digital assets is vital for protecting against theft or loss. Hardware wallets provide an offline storage option that significantly reduces vulnerability to cyber-attacks, offering peace of mind as you navigate the evolving digital landscape.

AIM Movers: Zoo Digital moving back to profit and Polarean Imaging submits clinical trial protocol to FDA

Andrew Hore
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AIM Movers: Zoo Digital moving back to profit and Polarean Imaging submits clinical trial protocol to FDA

Real-time tracking technology developer t42 IoT Tracking Solutions (LON: TRAC) has agreed with Contguard to extend the maturity date of the $1.3m convertible loan to 10 December 2027. Contguard has agreed to place $2.5m of orders for 2025 and 2026 with payments in advance of deliveries. The share price increased 11.4% to 2.45p.

Zoo Digital (LON: ZOO) has restructured its operations supplying digital media services for the TV and film sector so that it can return to profit this year. In the year to March 2025, revenues recovered 22% to $49.6m and the loss was cut from $20.5m to $8.3m. Net debt was $1.9m. Annualised cost savings were $8.4m with a further $2.5m to come. Dubbing revenues have fallen 18% in the first quarter of the new financial year, but the rest of the business is growing. There was an EBITDA profit in the fist quarter. Demand from streaming service is important to Zoo Digital. A new Fast Track service has been launched. The share price rebounded 9.4% to 14.5p.

Polarean Imaging (LON: POLX) says there has been a submission of a new phase III clinical trial protocol to the US FDA for an expanded indication for XENOVIEW, the contrast agent for MRI of the lungs. This is designed to evaluate safety and diagnostic performance. Written feedback has been requested. The review of the proposed trial should be completed by the end of the year. The trial is expected to cost up to $4.5m and could start in the second half of 2026. The share price improved 9.29% to 1p.

James Voce has been appointed corporate development director of Active Energy Group (LON: AEG). The share price rose 4.17% to 0.125p.

Rome Resources (LON: RMR) has updated investors about ongoing exploration activities at the Mont Agoma prospect of the Bisie North project in the DRC. Drilling has encountered tin and copper mineralisation. One drill hole returned tin 18 metres of mineralisation at a maximum grade of 2.4% tin. Another hole encountered a copper intercept measuring 13 metres with a maximum grade, plus nine metres of tin and 13 metres wide zinc zone. Further assays are expected. The share price is 9.09% higher at 0.3p.

FALLERS

At the AGM, former Goldstone Resources (LON: GRL) chairman Bill Trew revealed confidential information about an offer for the company that was rejected by the board. Angela List was not re-elected as a director having received 19.2% of votes in favour of her role. Campbell Smyth was re-elected with 62.7% of the votes. A resolution to allow the issue of more shares received 62.96% of the votes, but it required 75% to go through. Discussions continue with potential providers of funds, and it will have to call a general meeting to allow it to issue more shares. The share price slumped 47.6% to 0.275p.

Dowgate Group has taken advantage of the recent jump in the Trellus Health (LON: TRLS) to reduce its stake from 7.34% to 4.11%. The share price rose from 0.6p to 1.65p over less than three weeks. The share price slipped 16.7% to 0.75p.

Mobile Tornado (LON: MBT) has fallen a further 28.8% to 0.5p after yesterday’s announcement that it is asking for shareholder approval to depart AIM. The plan is to leave on 9 September.

FTSE 100 moves higher as Spirax soars

UK Investor Magazine
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FTSE 100 moves higher as Spirax soars

The FTSE 100 rallied towards record highs on Tuesday as a sense of calm descended over equity markets amid easing geopolitical concerns.

Trade tariffs remain a concern, but there is a sense that we have passed the worst of the uncertainty, and Trump’s meeting with Putin later this week could lay the foundations for future peace in Europe.

London’s flagship index rose 0.3% in early trade after another strong session for US stocks overnight.

“There’s more optimism in the air as a tariff truce between the US and China holds, with hopes the global economy will withstand the trade blow a little better. Oil prices have crept higher in expectation of higher demand for energy around the world,” said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets, Hargreaves Lansdown.

UK stocks were also supported by hopes of additional interest rate cuts after another poor assessment of the UK jobs market. The Bank of England has pointed to the labour market as a central driver of their thinking on rates, and the recent rise in job vacancies suggests the voting committee could be forced to cut rates again.

Investors will have one eye on US inflation data due for release later on Tuesday, and any signals of when the Fed will next cut interest rates.

Spirax was the FTSE 100’s top riser as organic revenue and adjusted EBITDA rose amid strength in its Electric Thermal Solutions segment. The group’s shares have suffered over the past 18 months as results underwhelmed and investors will hope the organic growth reported for the half year is a sign of things to come.

Spirax shares were 12% higher at the time of writing.

Housebuilders Persimmon, Barratts and Taylor Wimpey were higher following the release of a trading statement by peer Bellway. Bellway’s completions rose 14% over their full year period, and the group was relatively upbeat about their outlook.

Despite gains on Tuesday, Taylor Wimpey and Barratt Developments were still among the worst-performing FTSE 100 stocks of 2025 so far.

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