Welcome to today’s Five at Five – the EOB snapshot of the five most impactful market stories shaping investor sentiment.
1. Serco surges to decade high after strong year-end update
Shares in the government outsourcer jumped to their highest level in a decade after a robust year-end update reassured investors on earnings momentum and contract performance. Read more…
2. Warner Bros Discovery rejects Paramount bid as backer pulls out
The film and TV studio, and owner of HBO, dismissed Paramount’s takeover approach less than a day after a key financial backer withdrew support. Read more…
3. FTSE 100 surges on hopes of more BoE cuts as inflation eases
London stocks rallied as easing inflation fuelled expectations of further Bank of England rate cuts, even as US tech stocks came under renewed pressure. Read more…
4. Tesla faces sales ban in California over self-driving systems
Tesla shares came under pressure after regulators in California moved towards a potential sales ban linked to concerns over the company’s self-driving technology. Read more…
5. MESH will deliver multi-day storage, says EnergyPathways
EnergyPathways detailed how its MESH project could deliver multi-day energy storage, positioning it as infrastructure of national strategic importance. Read more…
More small cap news
RC Fornax PLC (AIM:RCFX) has secured a £470,000 contract extension with an existing tier-one defence client. The six-month deal reflects growing demand following the UK’s Strategic Defence Review. Read more
Frontier IP Group PLC (LSE:FIPP) is raising £870,000 through a placing, director subscription and retail offer. Funds will support working capital, portfolio companies, and a cost review planned for early 2026. Read more
Seeing Machines Ltd (AIM:SEE, OTC:SEEMF) has launched a new research series on driver impairment, starting with alcohol. It backs in-vehicle monitoring to spot real-time impairment and improve road safety. Read more
Tertiary Minerals PLC (AIM:TYM, OTC:TTIRF) says founder Patrick Cheetham will become non-executive chairman from January. The move follows a management refresh, with Cheetham staying on to support future growth. Read more