Welcome to today’s Five at Five – the close-of-business snapshot of the five most impactful market stories shaping investor sentiment.
1. HSBC lifts guidance as profits fall less than expected
The bank raised its full-year returns guidance, brushing aside a $1.1 billion provision linked to the Madoff securities fraud. Read more
2. Microsoft becomes the next $4 trillion company
As OpenAI completed a long-awaited recapitalisation, it also agreed a looser relationship with major shareholder Microsoft. Read more
3. FTSE 100 strides to new highs as HSBC, BAE and Airtel rise, gold finds support
After a slow start, the London benchmark hit a new intraday high above 9,727 but ran out of puff in the final hour. Read more
4. Barclays bets on Best Egg to rebuild its US credit base
Lender announced an $800 million deal in America that analysts said showed a reassertion of the UK bank's stateside intent. Read more
5. Quadrise CEO says shipping fuel uncertainty could boost demand for its cleaner fuel alternatives
Peter Borup talks to Proactive about how the recent delay by the International Maritime Organization to finalise its net-zero framework is impacting the global shipping industry. Watch here
More small cap news
Sovereign Metals Ltd (ASX:SVM, OTC:SVMLF, AIM:SVML) said Malawi’s new export ban on raw minerals won’t affect its Kasiya project. The company already plans to process and export only finished rutile and graphite products from within Malawi.
Idox PLC (AIM:IDOX) jumped more than 24% after directors backed a £339.5 million cash takeover by Long Path Partners. The US investor is offering 71.5p a share, the highest level for Idox stock since last year.
Panther Metals PLC (LSE:PALM) shares slipped 8% after announcing a £600,000 placing at 60p per share, an 11% discount to Monday’s price. Chief executive Darren Hazelwood is buying the shares and transferring them to investors arranged by Hybridan.
Pulsar Helium Inc (AIM:PLSR, TSX-V:PLSR, OTCQB:PSRHF) fell 14% after a large block of shares was sold by a company linked to a director.