European Markets Slide as Trump’s Tariff Threat Hits Sentiment. Major European indices ended the week in the red after Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 50% tariff on EU imports rattled investor confidence.
Germany’s DAX fell 1.6%, while France’s CAC 40 lost 1.65%. Italy’s FTSE MIB was hit hardest, dropping nearly 2% on the day. London fared slightly better, with the FTSE 100 closing down 21 points, or 0.24%, at 8,718—its lowest finish since Monday.
The AIM All-Share index gained 1.1% to close at 739, modestly outperforming the FTSE 100.
Earlier this week, solid-state battery innovator Ilika PLC (IKA) successfully raised £3.3 million, with only a modest 2.9% discount to its share price. Meanwhile, drug development firm Poolbeg Pharma PLC (POLB) priced its new shares at a 12% discount, securing nearly £5 million in fresh funding.
Crucially, neither company was in urgent need of capital. Instead, both presented clear, forward-looking strategies aimed at advancing their technologies and creating shareholder value—an approach that resonated with investors.
Ironveld PLC (IRON) has announced that sales of dense media separation (DMS) grade magnetite from its Bushveld project are expected to begin shortly, with offtake partner Sable Platinum lined up to receive initial deliveries. Production ramp-up from existing stockpiles is underway, and the product is meeting required market specifications. Shares in Ironveld surged 48.7% to 0.055p on the news.
Shares in Norman Broadbent PLC (NBB) soared 45% after the company reported that its second-quarter performance was “materially ahead” of the same period last year, signalling strong momentum in its turnaround strategy.
Meanwhile, TheWorks.co.uk PLC (WRKS) saw its share price jump 39% following an upbeat trading update indicating that full-year earnings would exceed market expectations. The company credited robust fourth-quarter trading and consistent margin growth for the improved outlook.
Greatland Gold PLC (GGP) has lodged a prospectus for the flotation of its newly established holding company, Greatland Resources, on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). As part of the dual-listing strategy, the company plans to raise £24.2 million through the ASX listing, with Newmont Corporation set to sell 50% of its existing shareholding.
In addition to the ASX flotation, Greatland Resources will also seek admission to London’s AIM market. A UK retail offer is open to raise up to £6.7 million, with a closing date of 17 June. Shares in Greatland Gold rose 3.79% on the day, closing at 13.7p.
Cambridge Nutritional Sciences PLC (CNSL) saw its share price rise 9.8% to 2.8p after confirming that sentencing has been handed down in relation to four historic health and safety breaches at a former subsidiary. The court imposed a £35,000 fine, which the company noted had already been fully provided for in its accounts.
It wasn’t all positive news on the market this week.
Totally PLC (TLY) plunged 74% after warning that its shares could ultimately be worthless. The company said selling subsidiaries was the only viable option to meet near-term liabilities. While it expects deals to be completed before additional funding is required, the board cautioned that sale proceeds may be insufficient, stating: “There could be no value in the ordinary shares.”
Ascent Resources PLC (AST) dropped 38% following the announcement of a £1.35 million fundraising tied to a discounted acquisition of gas assets in Colorado and Utah.
Dianomi PLC (AIM: DNM) fell 19% after guiding to a soft start to 2025. The company cited macroeconomic headwinds, advertiser budget constraints, and traffic volatility as reasons for expected revenue declines in the first half. This comes despite recently securing publishing deals with CNN and the Associated Press, along with a partnership with Microsoft Monetise.
Shoe Zone PLC (SHOE) shares dropped 18% after the retailer swung to a pre-tax loss of £2.3 million for the six months to 29 March, compared to a £2.6 million profit a year earlier. The company also warned of ongoing cost pressures impacting performance.
Velocity Composites (VEL) saw its shares fall 13.6% to 23.5p after broker Canaccord Genuity downgraded its 2024–25 revenue forecast by 15% to £23 million, citing project delays and slower-than-expected ramp-up in A350 production. The revision moves the company from a breakeven expectation to a projected loss for the period.
OptiBiotix Health PLC (OPTI) fell 12.3% to 16p after announcing a £750,000 fundraise at 14p per share. The offering includes a warrant structure—investors receive one warrant (exercisable at 21p) for every two shares subscribed. A notable £500,000 of the investment came from a US institution with experience in the weight management sector.
Nostra Terra Oil and Gas PLC (NTOG) saw its share price decline by 8.82% to 0.0155p after reporting a 27% drop in oil and gas production for 2024, averaging 77 barrels per day. Annual revenues reached $2 million, but the company posted a $1.5 million loss.
