US interest rate expectations shifted lower after a weaker-than-expected US jobs report for June prompted investors to reassess the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook.
The US economy added 57,000 nonfarm payrolls in June, below expectations, with prior months also revised lower. Wage growth came in at 0.3% month-on-month and 3.5% year-on-year, broadly in line with forecasts.
Ilika PLC (AIM:IKA, OTCQX:ILIKF, FRA:I8A), the AIM-listed developer of solid-state battery technology, received a broker endorsement after raising £4.5 million through an accelerated bookbuild at 28p a share, alongside a retail offer of up to £500,000 at the same price.
Solid-state batteries replace the flammable liquid electrolyte in conventional lithium-ion cells with a solid material, promising faster charging, greater safety and longer life.