Welcome to today’s Five at Five – the EOB snapshot of the five most impactful market stories shaping investor sentiment.
1. AstraZeneca hits record high after US deal reassurance
Shares in AstraZeneca climbed to an all-time high after the drugmaker soothed concerns around its US acquisition strategy and pipeline performance. Read more…
2. Bank of England holds at 4% as split vote hints at cuts ahead
The MPC kept rates unchanged in a close decision, signalling a dovish shift that investors took as a sign the next move could be downward. Read more…
3. FTSE 100 dips as BoE hold and corporate updates weigh
London’s blue-chip index edged lower after the Bank’s hold decision and disappointing updates from Hikma, Smith & Nephew and Diageo. Read more…
4. Diageo under pressure to act after broad downgrade
Analysts urged bolder restructuring from the drinks giant after profit guidance cuts proved deeper than expected. Read more…
5. Europa Metals chair on transformative RTO and growth strategy
Chairman Myles Campion discusses the reverse takeover with Marula Africa and plans to expand the company’s project portfolio. Watch here…
More small-cap news
AFC Energy PLC (AIM:AFC, OTC:AFGYF) says its restructuring and cost-cutting have set the stage for stronger growth in 2026. The company ended October with £25.3 million in cash and plans to start hydrogen production next year at its Port Clarence site.
Seeing Machines Ltd (AIM:SEE, OTC:SEEMF) is gaining ground in China with its driver-monitoring technology through a partnership with Magna and a major German carmaker. The system’s now in scaled production and could reach several million vehicles a year.
Hercules PLC (LSE:HERC) says its training arm, the Hercules Academy, is on track to train 2,000 students this year—just 18 months after launch. The Academy’s expansion and new prison education initiative are helping tackle the UK’s construction skills shortage.
Allergy Therapeutics PLC (AIM:AGY, OTC:AGYTF) is looking at a dual primary listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange to boost liquidity and support its Asia expansion plans. The company says it’s aiming for a potential listing in the first half of 2026.