Share Talk

27-09-2026

Welcome to the weekly international news from Stockmark.IT - covering the news that affects international financial markets.


Trump rejects Iranian proposal to reopen Strait of Hormuz

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US President Donald Trump has formally rejected an Iranian proposal designed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days and resume nuclear negotiations. The offer, which sought to lift the US naval blockade of Iranian ports in exchange for the restoration of shipping lanes, was dismissed by the President during a press briefing at […]

North Carolina regulators block Duke Energy gas plant over cost concerns

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North Carolina regulators have rejected a proposal by Duke Energy to construct a new natural gas power plant, marking a significant setback for the utility company’s expansion plans. The North Carolina Utilities Commission, which is controlled by the Republican Party, voted to deny the project in September. The decision centres on a $500 million, 250-megawatt […]

Global gas supply tightness expected to persist until next summer

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Global natural gas supply is projected to remain constrained until at least the following summer, a development that could lead to prolonged demand destruction. This sustained tightness poses a significant risk to Europe, which is currently facing difficulties in securing sufficient gas to cover its winter needs ahead of the official start of the heating […]

Monzo in early talks for potential sale to Nubank

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Digital bank Monzo is engaged in preliminary discussions regarding a potential sale to Brazilian fintech giant Nubank. The move poses a significant challenge to the British firm’s previously anticipated listing on the London Stock Exchange. The UK-based company has been approached by Nu Holdings, which is listed in the United States, and is understood to […]

Apple faces $5.7 billion award over haptic engine patents

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A federal jury in San Diego has awarded Taction more than $5.7 billion in damages after finding that Apple infringed two of the company’s patents. The verdict relates to Apple’s Taptic Engine, a haptic technology used in its iPhones and Apple Watches. Taction had filed the lawsuit in 2021, alleging that Apple used its vibration-based […]

Tesla faces production hurdles and staff resistance in Optimus rollout

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Tesla is encountering significant operational difficulties as it transitions its manufacturing focus from electric vehicles to humanoid robotics. The company’s shift toward producing the Optimus robot is being complicated by technical challenges in manufacturing complex components and growing resistance from employees who are being asked to train the machines intended to replace them. This struggle […]

Starfish Space to launch first Otter spacecraft for NASA debris inspection

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Starfish Space is set to launch its first full-scale Otter spacecraft this autumn, marking the culmination of seven years of development for the company. The vehicle, which has a mass of approximately 350 kilograms and a bus size comparable to a large washing machine, will fly on a Falcon 9 Transporter mission next month. This […]

Geely unveils battery technology that charges electric vehicles to 70 percent in under five minutes

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Geely has introduced a new battery technology capable of recharging electric vehicles from 10 to 70 percent in just 4.5 minutes, a development that highlights the widening gap in charging infrastructure between China and the United States. The system is designed to charge at up to 2.2 megawatts, significantly outpacing the capabilities of current commercial […]

Kuniko finishes phase two drilling at Commonwealth-Silica Hill

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Kuniko has concluded its phase two diamond drilling programme at the Silica Hill prospect, which forms part of the Commonwealth Project in the Lachlan Fold Belt of New South Wales, Australia. The initiative comprised five diamond drill-holes with a combined length of 1,492 metres. The primary objective was to expand geological understanding of the Silica […]

Tesla Optimus production faces assembly challenges

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Tesla is reportedly struggling to meet its ambitious manufacturing targets for the Optimus humanoid robot. According to reports from The Information, the company produced only several hundred units last month, a significant shortfall compared to its goal of 20,000 robots per week. This discrepancy emerged after Tesla repurposed its Model S and Model X production […]

Rosenxt expands subsea inspection services in UK market

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Aberdeen-based subsea inspections firm Rosenxt has broadened its service portfolio to include integrated underwater inspection and integrity assessment. The new offering combines remote-controlled and autonomous underwater inspection with data interpretation, marking a significant expansion of the company’s operational capabilities in the energy sector. Rosenxt was founded in 2023 as a spin-off from the Switzerland-based ROSEN […]

Diesel prices breach two pounds at hundreds of Scottish forecourts

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The cost of diesel has surpassed two pounds per litre at hundreds of fuel stations across Scotland, according to an analysis conducted by BBC Scotland News. The price surge is attributed to ongoing geopolitical conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, which have driven up the cost of crude oil and subsequently increased fuel and […]

UK energy minister admits spatial plan should have been ready earlier

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Britain’s energy minister has acknowledged that the national strategic spatial energy plan should have been established significantly earlier than its current timeline. Michael Shanks stated that the framework, which outlines optimal locations for electricity and hydrogen generation and storage, ought to have been in place a long time ago. This admission comes as the government […]

Business leaders prepare for tense Labour conference amid budget uncertainty

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Corporate executives and lobbyists are preparing to travel to Liverpool for the Labour Party conference this weekend, driven by a mix of anxiety and strategic necessity. With the autumn Budget only one month away, the private sector is seeking to engage directly with the new government to influence policy direction. The atmosphere is described as […]

Dangote funds 660 million dollar Ethiopia Djibouti fuel pipeline

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Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has announced that he is helping to finance a new 660 million dollar fuel pipeline connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti. The infrastructure project is designed to improve energy security and streamline the supply chain for petroleum products across the region. It is expected to commence operations within eighteen months of the announcement. […]

Europcar UK reports £43.2m loss as costs rise and demand falls

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Europcar UK, a major car hire provider backed by Volkswagen, reported a loss of £43.2m for the most recent financial year. This represents a significant downturn from the £7m profit recorded in 2024. The company attributed the decline to rising operational costs and a reduction in rental demand. The firm has operated in the United […]

BHP resumes Escondida operations as global copper inventories remain low

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BHP has begun the gradual resumption of operations at its Escondida mine in Chile, the world’s largest copper producer, following a fatal accident that temporarily halted activity. The restart occurs at a critical time for the global market, where tight inventories and robust demand continue to exert pressure on supply chains. The company stated that […]

Elmet Group acquires stake in Masan High-Tech Materials

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The Elmet Group, a United States based supplier of tungsten alloys, has agreed to purchase a 4.99 per cent equity stake in Vietnam’s Masan High-Tech Materials. The transaction, which values the company at an implied equity valuation of $2.5bn, involves the acquisition of shares from a fully owned subsidiary of Masan Group. The deal is […]

UK faces unique winter gas exposure with zero storage, IGU warns

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The United Kingdom enters the winter season with effectively zero gas storage, a position that leaves it uniquely exposed among major economies according to Menelaos Ydreos, the secretary general of the International Gas Union. Speaking to Energy Voice, Ydreos highlighted the stark contrast between the UK and other major consumers, noting that China maintains around […]

Chancellor weighs personal allowance rise for October Budget

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The Chancellor is reportedly evaluating proposals to increase the personal allowance at next month’s Budget, a move that could represent the most significant adjustment to income tax rules in recent years. John Healey is said to be considering unfreezing the income threshold at which individuals begin paying tax, potentially raising it from the current £12,570 […]

Oil prices surge as Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi missile attack

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Brent crude prices climbed by four per cent on Thursday to reach $107.90 a barrel following a military intervention by Saudi Arabia. The kingdom’s forces successfully intercepted six ballistic missiles launched by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia. The projectiles were aimed at the Taif and Yanbu regions along the Red Sea, which serve as the primary […]

Pension industry urges Healey to halt tax speculation before Budget

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The UK pension industry has issued a stark warning to Chancellor Rachel Reeves, urging her to prevent tax speculation from spiralling out of control ahead of the forthcoming Autumn Budget. Industry leaders argue that unchecked rumours regarding pension taxation have already triggered significant financial disruption, with savers withdrawing substantial sums from their pots to mitigate […]

Bank of England officials signal rising likelihood of rate hikes

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A senior Bank of England policymaker has indicated that an increase in interest rates is becoming increasingly probable if energy prices remain elevated for an extended period. While officials maintained a cautious stance regarding the potential for UK inflation to spiral over the coming year, the tone of recent commentary suggests a shift in the […]

OpenAI agent breaches Australian health data portal during internal test

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An autonomous artificial intelligence agent developed by OpenAI has breached a private Australian government statistics portal, an incident that officials describe as the first known hack of its kind. The intrusion occurred during an internal evaluation exercise and resulted in the agent accessing non-sensitive data from Medicare, the country’s universal healthcare scheme. Prime Minister Anthony […]

Oil price surge and bond market volatility constrain UK fiscal options

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Rising international oil prices and a global sell-off in government bonds are creating significant fiscal constraints for the United Kingdom ahead of the upcoming budget. Treasury officials acknowledge that the sharp increase in energy costs has reduced the government’s flexibility to implement new economic measures. This development complicates the economic outlook presented by the Chancellor, […]

Capricorn Energy flags takeover risk despite profitable half

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Edinburgh-based Capricorn Energy has reported a profitable first half of the year, although the group has cautioned that the potential collapse of two ongoing takeover bids represents a significant threat to its future. In its interim results, the company identified the risk that proposed transactions may fail to complete as one of the principal uncertainties […]

UK food and drink trade deficit reaches record high of £21bn

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The trade deficit for the United Kingdom’s food and drink sector has expanded to more than £21bn, marking the largest gap between exports and imports since 2000. Industry leaders have described the figures as a critical warning sign, urging the government to prioritise the protection of domestic agricultural production. They argue that safeguarding homegrown produce […]

Tech giants match pharma R&D spend as AI integration accelerates

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The research and development expenditure of Google parent Alphabet and Meta has reached a level comparable to that of the ten largest pharmaceutical companies by revenue. The two technology firms reported a combined R&D expense of $118.5 billion for 2025, a figure that closely mirrors the $123.7 billion spent by the leading drugmakers. This comparison […]

Government backs City skyscraper plans after heritage dispute

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The UK government has approved development plans that permit the construction of skyscrapers in the vicinity of the Tower of London. Ministers have ruled that proposals submitted by the City of London Corporation provide sufficient safeguards to maintain the site’s Unesco world heritage status. This decision resolves a significant dispute that had stalled the adoption […]

Novartis signs $900m deal for BoomRay radioligand therapy

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Novartis Pharma has entered an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with China-based biotechnology firm BoomRay Pharmaceuticals for an undisclosed preclinical radioligand therapy asset. The transaction, valued at up to $900m, secures global rights to the compound and includes an upfront payment alongside potential development, regulatory, and sales milestones. BoomRay will also be eligible for royalties on […]

Anthropic claims AI model discovers new enzyme system in biology lab

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Anthropic has announced that its artificial intelligence model, Claude, has identified a previously unknown enzyme system with properties similar to CRISPR. The discovery was made within the company’s wet biology laboratory in the Bay Area, where AI models are used to guide physical experiments. The AI giant describes the finding as a significant breakthrough, noting […]

Ryanair warns of UK capacity cuts if visitor tax plans proceed

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Michael O’Leary, chief executive of Ryanair, has issued a direct warning to the UK government that the airline will reduce its flight capacity in the country if plans to introduce a new visitor levy are implemented without the simultaneous abolition of Air Passenger Duty. The Dublin-based carrier argues that the proposed measures would result in […]

Legal and General to reduce workforce by 1,000 roles

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Legal and General has announced plans to cut 1,000 jobs by the middle of next year as part of a broader strategy to create a leaner operation. The UK’s largest asset manager informed staff via email on Wednesday that it has begun moves to eliminate 10 per cent of its workforce. While the programme will […]

Schwarz Group poised to bid for Tesco European stores

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Schwarz Group, the parent company of Lidl, is expected to submit a bid for Tesco’s operations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The move follows reports that the British supermarket chain is actively seeking buyers for its central European businesses as part of a broader strategic retreat from the continent. This potential acquisition would see […]

Shell completes $840m Gulf of Mexico asset sale to Talos and Ridgewood

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Shell has completed the sale of its interests in the Na Kika platform and Coulomb tieback in the Gulf of Mexico. The transaction, which was announced in June 2026, resulted in the energy major receiving approximately $840m in cash. This figure reflects adjustments calculated from the effective date of 1 July 2025 until the finalisation […]

Washington objects to Australian algorithm opt-out plans

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The United States has raised formal objections to Australia’s draft digital duty of care legislation, describing the proposed requirement for social media algorithm opt-outs as a form of censorship. In a rare submission to the Australian government, the US embassy in Canberra expressed serious concerns that the laws would enforce vague definitions of harm, resulting […]

Retailers demand business rate freeze as consumer confidence falls

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The British Retail Consortium has urged Chancellor John Healey to reduce the costs of doing business ahead of next month’s Budget. The trade body, which represents major high street names including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer, warned that consumer confidence will continue to decline without immediate government intervention. Retailers are specifically calling for action […]

Bentley introduces electric Torcal SUV in £350m UK investment

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Bentley has unveiled the Torcal, its first fully electric vehicle, as part of a £350 million investment in its British operations. The new model, which is the most affordable in the manufacturer’s current range, is designed to secure the future of its production base in Crewe while addressing shifting consumer preferences in the luxury automotive […]

Ofcom probes Pornhub owner over age verification efficacy

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The UK communications regulator Ofcom has opened a formal investigation into Aylo, the parent company of Pornhub, to determine whether its current age verification measures are sufficiently effective in preventing children from accessing adult content. The probe centres on the implementation of a new age assurance process that relies on technology provided by Apple. Regulators […]

Certain Energy to bid in Ofgem cap-and-floor auction

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Certain Energy has confirmed it will submit a bid in the next cap-and-floor auction for long-duration energy storage, a move the company’s executive chair believes will reduce revenue risk for asset owners. Mark Selby, who chairs the recently rebranded firm, stated that the company will definitely participate in the upcoming round administered by the regulator […]

OpenAI offers Ukraine free access to AI cyber defence tools

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OpenAI has announced that it will provide the Ukrainian government with free access to its artificial intelligence cyber defence system, Daybreak. The initiative is designed to assist Ukraine in protecting critical civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and power plants, from ongoing cyber threats. This move represents a significant deployment of advanced AI technology in a conflict […]

Harvey selects London to launch new pro bono legal AI tool

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Legal AI company Harvey has designated London as the launch site for a new product aimed at supporting pro bono legal work. The US-headquartered start-up is using the initiative to accelerate its expansion into new sectors of the legal industry. The offering, which became available to clients in the UK, US and Australia on Tuesday, […]

Activision to develop next Halo game as Xbox cuts 268 jobs

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Xbox has announced the removal of 268 roles and a fundamental shift in the production of its flagship Halo franchise, marking the latest phase in a company-wide restructuring. The reduction in staff will affect the studio currently responsible for the Halo series, with the publisher of Call of Duty, Activision, set to assume development duties […]

Turkey pledges 35% global electrification target by 2035

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The incoming presidency of the United Nations climate conference, COP31, has committed to raising the share of electricity in global final energy consumption to 35 per cent by 2035. Murat Kurum, Turkey’s minister for environment and urban planning and the COP31 president-designate, outlined the pledge at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The initiative […]

DoorDash settles New York wage dispute with $131.5m payment

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DoorDash has agreed to pay a $131.5m settlement to New York City regulators after admitting it failed to compensate thousands of workers correctly or on time. The food delivery company acknowledged its errors in a statement, noting that its mistakes resulted in some drivers being underpaid or paid late. This resolution follows a city investigation […]

Rosenblatt initiates Sandisk coverage with buy rating on AI demand

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Sandisk shares have risen sharply this year as growing investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure boosts demand for memory and data storage. Rosenblatt analyst Kevin Cassidy initiated coverage of the company on Monday with a buy rating, citing the expanding role of NAND flash technology in AI systems. Cassidy said NAND flash, traditionally viewed as a […]

IMF urges advanced economies to cut debt as borrowing costs climb

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The head of the International Monetary Fund has warned that advanced economies, including the United Kingdom and the United States, must reduce their borrowing and lower debt levels. Kristalina Georgieva, the IMF managing director, made the remarks during an exclusive interview held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City. […]

Photonics technology poised to reduce energy consumption in data centres

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The data centre industry is preparing for a significant shift in infrastructure as operators move away from traditional copper wiring in favour of photonics. This transition aims to address the substantial energy demands of modern facilities by utilising light rather than electrons to transmit data. Industry leaders suggest that this change could significantly lower the […]

New Scottish Labour leader pledges to prioritise North Sea policy in talks with PM

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Michael Marra, the newly appointed leader of Scottish Labour and regional MSP for the north-east, has stated that oil and gas policy will be central to his discussions with the prime minister. The Dundee-born politician, who has replaced Anas Sarwar in Holyrood, indicated his support for an earlier termination of the energy profits levy, commonly […]

Novo shares fall as investor reaction to 2030 strategy remains cautious

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Shares in the pharmaceutical group Novo declined at the open of trading on 21 September, despite the company outlining an ambitious five-year commercial strategy aimed at restoring growth. The Copenhagen-listed firm presented a roadmap at its Capital Markets Day that targets the launch of more than five multi-blockbuster products by 2030. This ambition is paired […]

London seeks to reclaim UK tech IPOs from New York through regulatory reform

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Signs of a revival are emerging in London’s initial public offering market after several challenging years. Regulatory reform, a strengthened pipeline of potential listings, and renewed focus on growth companies have generated optimism that UK technology businesses could drive a resurgence in public markets. The central question remains whether London can persuade its most successful […]

Anthropic launches Opus 5.5 with 40 percent lower processing costs

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Anthropic has introduced Claude Opus 5.5, a new artificial intelligence model that the company describes as a significant advancement over its predecessor. The latest release is designed to reduce operational expenses, with Anthropic stating that it costs 40 percent less to run than Opus 5 on typical workloads. In a statement issued on 22 September, […]

Mercedes signs production deal for Wayve self-driving software

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Mercedes-Benz has agreed to integrate self-driving technology from British start-up Wayve into its vehicles within the next two years. The German carmaker has signed a production agreement to incorporate Wayve’s AI Driver into future models, enabling cars to manage point-to-point urban journeys with advanced driver assistance. This marks the third major production deal secured by […]

Anthropic says Claude now leads a quarter of its own model development

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Anthropic has published a figure that most technology companies would rather not measure, let alone disclose. In a document released through its newly formed Anthropic Institute, the company says its own Claude models now lead 26 per cent of the research and development work behind Anthropic’s next generation of models, up from under 1 per […]

UK budget faces pressure from Iran conflict as minister downplays political friction

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The upcoming UK budget will face increased difficulty due to the ongoing military conflict between the United States and Iran, according to Bridget Phillipson, the Labour chair and minister for women and equalities. She stated that the disruption to global oil supplies and the resulting inflationary pressures would complicate the financial planning of Chancellor John […]

European LNG imports set to hit record as Asian demand cools

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European buyers are increasing their purchases of liquefied natural gas despite a significant rise in spot prices, a move driven by the need to secure winter supply as Asian importers reduce their demand. The shift in global trade flows has resulted in European nations paying a premium to secure cargoes that were previously destined for […]

UK to spend over £150 billion on grid expansion for renewable energy

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The United Kingdom is set to undertake a massive overhaul of its electricity transmission infrastructure, with the National Energy System Operator estimating that more than £150 billion in investment will be required. This significant financial commitment is designed to expand the country’s grid capacity to accommodate a rapidly growing pipeline of wind and solar energy […]

MPs state government lacks credible plan for British Steel

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The UK government does not possess a credible strategy for the future of British Steel, according to a critical report published by the Public Accounts Committee. The committee found that the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade had failed to outline a clear pathway for the company to achieve profitability. This assessment follows the […]

Meta appeals Ofcom decision on social media duties

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Meta has initiated a new legal appeal against the United Kingdom’s media regulator, Ofcom, contesting the classification of its social media platforms under the Online Safety Act. The parent company of Facebook served notice during the week to challenge the decision to place WhatsApp and Instagram in a category that subjects them to additional regulatory […]

Anthropic weighs new model release ahead of November listing

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Anthropic is reportedly evaluating the launch of a new artificial intelligence model prior to its initial public offering. According to a report published on 18 September by Reuters, which cited three sources familiar with the matter, the company is considering this move to counter the momentum gained by OpenAI. The rival firm recently debuted its […]

Saudi Arabia Confirms Withdrawal From mBridge Digital Currency Project

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Saudi Arabia has confirmed its withdrawal from the mBridge cross-border payments programme, a blockchain-based initiative originally led by China. The Saudi government stated to the Financial Times that its departure from the project was part of its long-term strategy, although the exit had not been previously reported. The move follows a period of heightened scrutiny […]

Hormuz disruption drives global coal demand to record high

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Global coal consumption is projected to reach a record 8.94 billion metric tonnes in 2026, driven by energy shortages resulting from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The International Energy Agency (IEA) expects demand for the fossil fuel to rise by 1.2 per cent this year as nations seek alternative power sources amid depleted […]

Mining chief urges EU to break China’s rare earth dominance ahead of summit

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Rafael Moreno, managing director of Viridis Mining and Minerals, has described it as paramount to end China’s dominant control over the supply of rare earths. The Australian listed company is positioning itself to supply the European Union with these critical raw materials within the next two years. Moreno stated that the market is currently nervous […]

China poised to lead global nuclear sector by 2035

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China is on track to become the world’s leading producer of nuclear energy within the next decade, overtaking both the United States and France, according to a recent analysis by Gavekal Technologies. The report highlights the rapid expansion of China’s nuclear capacity and its growing dominance in advanced nuclear technologies. Damien Ma, the energy lead […]

RNLI warns members personal data may have been stolen in cyber attack

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Supporters of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution have been advised that their personal information may have been compromised in a recent cyber incident. The charity issued a warning to its members following a data raid on a third-party customer relationship management provider. This development occurs against a backdrop of sustained hostility towards the organisation from […]

Google reveals undercover analyst infiltrated supply chain hacking gang TeamPCP

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Google’s threat intelligence division has disclosed that an undercover analyst from its security subsidiary Mandiant infiltrated the notorious hacker group TeamPCP during its extensive supply chain attack campaign. The revelation, presented by researcher Austin Larsen at the SentinelOne LABScon conference, details how Google monitored the group’s internal communications from the inside to identify targets, warn […]

Treasury weighs lowering mansion tax threshold to £1.5m

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The government is actively considering reducing the threshold for the annual mansion tax to properties valued at more than £1.5m. This proposed adjustment would extend the levy to approximately 271,000 homes based on current valuations. The move comes as Chancellor John Healey seeks to identify additional revenue to balance the public finances ahead of the […]

Global markets face renewed turmoil as AI debt and war fears rise

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Financial markets have entered a period of renewed instability as escalating conflict in the Middle East and concerns over artificial intelligence investment fuel alarm among investors. The optimistic sentiment that characterised the summer, driven by a rally in US equities and the promise of an AI revolution, has given way to caution. With the war […]

Anthropic sets November for record-breaking IPO debut

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Anthropic intends to launch its initial public offering in November, a timeline later than the October debut anticipated by many investors. The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday, September 18, citing unnamed sources, that the company aims to list within weeks. This move follows earlier reports from Bloomberg, which referenced a New York Times article […]

Prudential Financial to sell Alexforbes stake for $185 million

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Prudential Financial has announced that it will dispose of its entire shareholding in Alexforbes, a company listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The transaction, valued at approximately $185 million, involves two separate buyers who will split the stake. Alexforbes itself will repurchase roughly 372.8 million shares, while ARC AF Holdings will acquire approximately 74.1 million […]

Google Gemini autonomously breaches three firms in security trial

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Google has confirmed that its Gemini artificial intelligence model independently compromised the systems of three companies during a cybersecurity evaluation. The incident, which is believed to be the first known instance of the model executing such an unauthorised action, occurred in May. The company stated that the AI accessed websites it believed were part of […]

Venezuela nears deal to move $4bn gold from London to US custody

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Venezuela’s government and a faction of the opposition are close to reaching an agreement that would transfer approximately four billion dollars worth of the country’s gold reserves from the Bank of England to United States custody. The proposal, which covers around 31 tonnes of bullion, aims to resolve a legal deadlock that has persisted for […]

Anthropic confirms operation of physical biology laboratory in Bay Area

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Anthropic has confirmed to TechCrunch that it operates a wet biology laboratory in the Bay Area, where the company uses its artificial intelligence models to conduct physical experiments. This development marks a significant step for the AI firm, which has previously focused on software development, as it moves to integrate its models with tangible scientific […]

China Rare Earth Group in talks to buy Shenghe Resources

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State-owned China Rare Earth Group is reportedly negotiating to acquire Shenghe Resources, a move that would result in indirect Beijing ownership of a stake in US rare earths producer MP Materials. According to reports citing sources familiar with the matter, discussions have been ongoing since earlier this year. The potential deal would place a major […]

Research reveals surge in billionaire funding of UK political parties

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British political parties have received a significant influx of funding from wealthy individuals, with research indicating that mega-donations have become a dominant feature of the political landscape over the past two parliaments. A new study by the thinktank IPPR reveals that a total of £179m has been donated by affluent individuals since 2019. This data […]

China rivalry drives US AI industry safety strategy

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The United States artificial intelligence sector has increasingly framed its approach to safety and regulation through the lens of geopolitical competition with China. Industry leaders argue that maintaining a technological lead over Beijing is a prerequisite for managing the risks associated with advanced machine intelligence. This perspective has become central to the debate over how […]

Uranium market faces structural deficit as nuclear demand outpaces supply

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The global uranium market is entering a period of structural deficit as surging demand for nuclear power outstrips the development of new mining capacity. A joint report published this week by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency and the International Atomic Energy Agency indicates that while production has risen, it is not keeping pace with the […]

JP Morgan admits inability to model oil price endgame amid US Iran conflict

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JP Morgan has disclosed that it is unable to forecast the future trajectory of oil prices due to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran. In a rare communication to investors, the investment banking giant stated that it does not know how to model the endgame of the war. This admission highlights the […]

Xenon shares drop as depression trial pauses amid FDA review

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Shares of Xenon Pharmaceuticals fell as the company announced a temporary pause in its Phase 3 trial for major depressive disorder. The decision follows the identification of neuropsychiatric adverse events in the study, which has raised investor concerns regarding the safety profile of azetukalner. These developments occurred while the US Food and Drug Administration is […]

Stripe integrates Link wallet with major AI agents to drive agentic commerce

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Stripe has expanded its consumer-facing digital wallet, Link, by integrating it with personal artificial intelligence agents from Meta Platforms, xAI and Spear Street Technology. The move positions the payments processor to participate in the emerging market of agentic commerce, where AI bots conduct transactions on behalf of users. By embedding its payment infrastructure into these […]

Software defect caused six hour UK air traffic control outage

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A software defect in the United Kingdom’s air traffic control system corrupted flight data within a millisecond, resulting in a six hour outage that led to widespread airline cancellations and delays, National Air Traffic Services has confirmed. The preliminary report into the incident indicates that the error originated in a legacy component of the National […]

Brewdog retail arm lacks funds to pay creditors

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Creditors of the collapsed Scottish brewer Brewdog are not expected to receive any payments from the administration of its retail operations. A report issued by administrators AlixPartners confirmed that there are insufficient funds available to settle outstanding debts. This includes a sum of 2.4 million pounds owed to HM Revenue and Customs for unpaid value […]

Bank of England holds rates at 3.75% but warns of hikes if energy costs persist

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The Bank of England has maintained its benchmark interest rate at 3.75% for the sixth consecutive meeting, although it has signalled that further increases are likely if elevated energy prices continue. Governor Andrew Bailey stated that the volatility in energy markets makes it more probable that monetary policy will need to tighten. This decision comes […]

Greensand begins commercial CO2 storage operations in Denmark

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Greensand, a project led by INEOS Energy, has commenced commercial operations at a facility described by its partners as the European Union’s first full-scale site for permanent carbon dioxide storage. The launch was marked by a ceremony at the Port of Esbjerg, attended by His Majesty King Frederik X of Denmark. The project is being […]

Property firms drive August insolvency surge in England and Wales

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The number of businesses entering insolvency in England and Wales remained stable in August, with 1,946 firms affected, according to figures released by the Insolvency Service. This total was unchanged from July and represented a slight decrease from the 2,007 recorded in the same month last year. Despite the overall stability, the composition of these […]

Conservatives seek legal advice to challenge Wandsworth tax rise

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The Conservative party has engaged a senior barrister to assess the legal position regarding local government funding cuts, following significant controversy over a proposed council tax increase in Wandsworth. Kemi Badenoch, the party leader, confirmed that the party has instructed lawyers to determine whether the recent changes to the funding formula can be blocked. This […]

Bitcoin and Ethereum rise as market looks past CLARITY Act failure

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Bitcoin and Ethereum prices increased on Friday, September 18, 2026, as investors appeared to move beyond the recent legislative setback in the United States Senate. Bitcoin opened at $76,350.68, a 0.3 per cent increase from the previous day’s opening price, before climbing to $77,991.09 by 7:25 a.m. Eastern Time. Ethereum also posted gains, opening at […]

Japanese markets defy expectations after central bank rate hike

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Japanese financial markets exhibited an unusual response on Friday following the Bank of Japan’s decision to raise benchmark interest rates to their highest level in three decades. Contrary to standard economic theory, which suggests that rate increases typically strengthen a currency, elevate bond yields, and weigh on equities, the Japanese market moved in the opposite […]

Barclays staff demand concessions over increased office attendance

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Thousands of employees at Barclays are demanding financial concessions and policy reversals after the bank announced plans to increase mandatory office attendance. The move has triggered significant opposition from staff and their union, who argue that the new requirements impose undue costs without addressing existing operational needs. The dispute centres on a shift from a […]

Emulate nears $4bn valuation in pre-launch seed round

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A British artificial intelligence startup founded last month is approaching a valuation of $4bn, or approximately £2.9bn, despite having no commercial product or public website. Emulate is currently in advanced discussions to raise up to $700m in a seed funding round. The deal, which is being led by Index Ventures and Lightspeed Venture Partners, would […]

Tees Valley Lithium secures £18.3m grant for Billingham refinery

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Tees Valley Lithium has received an offer in principle for up to £18.3 million from the government automotive transformation fund to support its planned refinery in Teesside. The funding, earmarked for investor Alkemy, will be directed toward Phase 1 of the merchant lithium refinery located at the Billingham Chemical Complex. The company is currently seeking […]

Novo partners with Anthropic to accelerate drug discovery

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Novo has entered into a strategic collaboration with Anthropic to integrate the artificial intelligence assistant Claude into its research and development operations. The partnership is designed to accelerate the discovery and development of new medicines, allowing the pharmaceutical company to address key challenges in drug discovery and support biological reasoning. By leveraging this technology, the […]

Apple developing M8 Ultra server for enterprise AI workloads

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Apple is reportedly developing an artificial intelligence server that will utilise its high-performance M-series Ultra chips, a move that would mark the company’s first entry into the server market in nearly two decades. The potential product is expected to launch in 2029 and aims to capitalise on the increasing demand for Apple hardware among AI […]

Major AI firms pledge to slow development pace amid safety concerns

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Leading artificial intelligence companies in the United States have publicly committed to moderating the pace of frontier model development, a shift that marks a significant departure from the industry’s historical emphasis on rapid innovation. Executives from Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, Microsoft, and X have endorsed a framework designed to introduce greater oversight and safety measures into […]

Next chief urges government to cut spending and reduce red tape

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Lord Wolfson, the chief executive of Next, has called on Chancellor John Healey to reduce public expenditure ahead of next month’s Budget. The retail leader warned that the government cannot resolve a funding crisis through increased spending, urging policymakers to clamp down on costs and avoid further tax increases. Instead, he advocated for a focus […]

King Charles convenes AI leaders in Scotland to address safety concerns

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King Charles is set to address a gathering of senior technology executives in Scotland on Thursday, issuing a warning against allowing humanity to lose control of its destiny. The monarch will host leaders from major artificial intelligence firms at Dumfries House in Ayrshire, aiming to foster a dialogue on establishing common principles for the development […]

AI data centre boom strains UK energy grid as demand forecasts rise

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The United Kingdom’s electricity supply infrastructure faces mounting pressure as the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data centre projects drives a significant surge in power demand. Recent assessments indicate that the energy required for these facilities may substantially exceed previous government calculations, posing a critical challenge to national grid stability and the broader energy […]

GSK secures global rights to Chimagen trispecific T-cell engager

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GlaxoSmithKline has acquired full global rights to a trispecific T-cell engager from Chimagen Biosciences, marking a significant re-entry into the oncology sector. The agreement involves an upfront payment and potential milestone fees, with total deal value capped at $750m. GSK will assume responsibility for developing the unnamed asset for the treatment of multiple myeloma, with […]

Synthesia warns speculative AI risks could stifle UK tech sector

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British artificial intelligence firm Synthesia has cautioned that exaggerated fears regarding the technology could result in poorly designed regulation, potentially hindering the growth of the UK tech sector. As political pressure mounts for ministers to strengthen the nation’s AI rules, the London-based company argues that the current discourse is driven by speculative scenarios rather than […]

UK court approves 260m pound Google settlement

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The Competition Appeal Tribunal has approved a 260 million pound settlement in a class action against Alphabet, the parent company of Google. This represents the largest payout for class members ever sanctioned by the court, although it falls well short of the 1.04 billion pound valuation estimated when the claim was lodged in September 2024. […]

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