Welcome to today’s Five at Five – the EOB snapshot of the five most impactful market stories shaping investor sentiment.
1. FTSE rockets above 9,900 with five-figure milestone on horizon
The London benchmark surged over 100 points for the second day this week as broad momentum moves the index towards the psychologically significant 10,000 level. Read more…
2. Vodafone to grow dividend after turnaround progress
Telecoms group pledged its first dividend increase since cutting the payout in 2019 as CEO Margherita Della Valle’s restructuring gains traction and operational metrics improve. Read more…
3. UK unemployment rises to strengthen case for BoE rate cut
Sterling weakened after UK joblessness ticked higher, bolstering expectations that the Bank of England may deliver another rate cut soon. Read more…
4. SoftBank dumps entire Nvidia stake to fuel AI expansion
Drama in the AI space as SoftBank exited its entire position in the US chip giant to free up $6 billion of cash for its accelerating artificial intelligence investment strategy. Read more…
5. hVIVO’s Andrew Catchpole discusses HMPV and RSV research
In UK small caps, hVIVO’s chief scientist Andrew Catchpole outlines progress in studies targeting HMPV and RSV as the company strengthens its respiratory virus research portfolio. Watch here…
More small-cap news
Team Internet Group PLC (AIM:TIG, OTCQX:TIGXF) has started a strategic review to unlock more value from its businesses after interest from potential buyers. It’s exploring options for its main divisions but says it won’t sell the whole company. Read more
Great Southern Copper PLC (LSE:GSCU) has brought in a third drill rig at its Cerro Negro project in Chile to speed up exploration. New samples show promising copper and silver grades, and drilling is targeting several high-priority zones. Read more
Greencoat UK Wind PLC (LSE:UKW) says proposed UK subsidy changes could hit its asset value and shake investor confidence in renewables. It suggested an alternative approach that could save households around £30 a year while maintaining investor confidence. Read more
NextEnergy Solar Fund Ltd (LSE:NESF) also warned that the same government proposals could cut its asset value by up to 9%. It’s urging policymakers to rethink the move, saying it could hurt both investors and the wider clean energy sector. Read more