Welcome to Thursday's FIVE at FIVE, Proactive's end-of-business snapshot of the five most impactful market stories shaping investor sentiment.
1. HSBC slides on plan to buy rest of Hang Seng Bank
Shares in the FTSE 100's second-largest company dropped on its plan to buy the rest of Hang Seng Bank that it does not already own, which led to investors and analysts questioning its logic. Read more
2. Lloyds may need to make 'material' extra motor finance provision
Black Horse lender said it is still running the numbers, but expected to have to step up its provisions for the vehicle finance redress scheme. Read more
3. FTSE 100 Live: Blue-chips retreat led by Lloyds and HSBC
The London benchmark was weighed down by those major fallers, despite gains for some mining heavyweights. Read more
4. Manchester United shares lifted by Saudi Arabia speculation
Speculation about a potential new takeover of the mid-table English football club has lifted the shares. Read more
5. Pantheon Resources completes fracking and moves to flow testing phase
CEO Max Easley and chief development officer Erich Krumanocker joined Proactive to talk through the latest development program on Alaska’s North Slope. Watch here
More small cap news
Challenger Energy Group PLC (AIM:CEG, OTCQB:BSHPF) has agreed to an all-share acquisition by Sintana Energy in a deal worth around £45 million. The merger will create a leading Atlantic-margin explorer with assets stretching from Namibia to Uruguay. Read more
Zephyr Energy PLC (AIM:ZPHR, OTCQB:ZPHRF) is buying into 13 new wells in the US Rocky Mountains through its $100 million partnership with a US-based investor. The move boosts non-operated cash flow and could be the first of many similar investments. Read more
Anglo Asian Mining Plc (LSE:AAZ, OTC:AGXKF) has raised its 2025 production targets after starting two new mines in Azerbaijan. The company expects copper output of up to 9,000 tonnes and gold up to 28,000 ounces this year. Read more
Gem Resources PLC (LSE:GEMR) will now hold and manage cryptocurrencies as part of its treasury, while keeping its main focus on emerald mining. It can now accept Bitcoin and other crypto payments for emerald sales, giving it more financial flexibility. Read more
Tertiary Minerals PLC (AIM:TYM, OTC:TTIRF) has hit its highest silver and copper grades yet at the Mushima North project in Zambia. The mineralisation remains open in several directions, suggesting strong potential for a major new discovery. Read more
S&U PLC (LSE:SUS) reported a 22% jump in first-half profit to £15.6 million as bad debts fell sharply. The finance group said both its car loan and property lending arms are performing well, calling the outlook “brightening.” Read more