FTSE 100 Marks Longest Winning Streak in Over Five Years
Britain’s stock market has achieved its longest daily gains since 2019, with the FTSE 100 closing nearly 8 points higher at 8,415—a rise of 0.09%. The index has risen for 10 consecutive trading sessions, climbing from 7,679 points on April 9. This marks the most sustained rally since the “Boris Bounce” following Boris Johnson’s election victory more than five years ago.
Turning to the broader market, the AIM All-Share experienced a steady, albeit modest, performance during the shortened trading week, increasing by less than a quarter of a percent to close at 671.36. Although the index has shown upward momentum over the past two weeks, it remains some distance from reclaiming its 2025 peak of 729.
Investors who demonstrated foresight — or perhaps benefited from exceptionally fortunate timing — by acquiring shares in Vast Resources PLC (VAST) last week are now well rewarded, as the company’s stock has doubled in value. This surge follows Vast Resources’ successful acquisition of a diamond parcel held in Zimbabwe for 15 years. After rising 20% on Friday, the stock recorded a 103% increase over the course of the trading week, resulting in a market valuation of approximately £14 million for the company.
Metals One (MT1) has announced the acquisition of Uranium Projects, which includes the Squaw Creek Uranium Project in Wyoming and the Uravan Belt Uranium-Vanadium Project in Colorado, United States. The transaction reflects the growing strategic importance of uranium, given the current supply deficit in the US, and vanadium, which is critical for energy storage technologies. Following the announcement, Metals One’s share price increased by 18.7% to 16.5 pence.
Empyrean Energy (EME) has announced that the joint venture partners in the Wilson River-1 project have agreed to participate in the forthcoming drill stem test, which is scheduled to commence in early May. Following the announcement, the company’s share price rose by 18%, reaching 0.115 pence.
Wishbone Gold (WSBN) is preparing to commence drilling at the principal undrilled gold target located at Red Setter Dome, in proximity to the Telfer gold mine. The target is characterised by a major dome-like geological structure, similar to that of Telfer. Wishbone Gold’s share price increased by 17.8% to 0.1325 pence.
Rome Resources Plc (RMR) advanced 14% following the announcement that operations will resume at its tin and base metals project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, after a temporary suspension caused by political unrest.
Eco Animal Health (EAH), reported that its pre-tax profit and cash position for the financial year 2024–25 exceeded expectations. Although pre-tax profit is still projected to decline from £4.2 million to £3.6 million, trading conditions in China improved during the second half of the year. Cash reserves stood at £25 million as of the end of March 2025. Tariffs are not anticipated to significantly affect future results. The company’s share price increased by 13.1% to 60.5 pence.
ActiveOps (LAOM), Revenue forecasts have been revised upward by 4% to £30.4 million. Net recurring revenues stood at 108%, and annualised recurring revenues grew by 15% despite the loss of a major customer. Net cash amounted to £20.6 million at the end of March 2025, representing nearly one-third of the company’s market capitalisation. Pre-tax profit remained flat at £2.1 million, with a forecast of £2.3 million for the current year. ActiveOps’ share price rose by 11.2% to 94 pence.
FALLERS
Turning to less positive developments, RWS Holdings (RWS) emerged as the largest faller on the AIM All-Share, declining by 41%. The language services specialist reported a significant decline in first-half profits, accompanied by a downgrade to its full-year guidance. Interim pre-tax profit is expected to decline significantly, from £46 million to £17 million. Net debt stood at £27 million as of the end of March 2025. Updated guidance for full-year pre-tax profit for 2024–25 has been revised to a range of £60 million to £70 million, compared with the previous consensus forecast of £97.4 million.
Brighton Pier Group PLC (PIER), owner of the iconic seaside attraction, continued to struggle following its announcement of delisting from the market. Remaining investors witnessed a further 41% decline in the company’s market value.
Elsewhere, under the question of whether the market reaction was proportionate, Northcoders Group PLC (CODE), a technology training provider, saw its share price fall by 35% following the release of its preliminary results on Wednesday. It remains unclear what specifically triggered the market’s adverse reaction, although concerns may have been heightened by uncertainty surrounding the renewal of a key contract with the Department for Education. Management indicated there is confidence, albeit not certainty, that decisions regarding future contract structures will be made in due course, with national extension discussions currently underway.
Sunda Energy (SNDA) has posted a circular to gain shareholder approval for the issue of loan notes raising $9m and setting out the terms of a farm-in agreement entered into with TIMOR GAP for the Chuditch gas field, offshore Timor-Leste. TIMOR GAP will increase its stake from 40% to 70%. Drilling is scheduled for the third quarter. The share price declined 10.3% to 0.065p, but it is still up on the week.
Premier African Minerals (PREM) has raised £1.575m at 0.035p/share. This will be invested in plant at the Zulu lithium and tantalum project so that grades and tonnage can be improved. That will help in the attempt to reach a binding agreement for future development. The share price fell 9.4% to 0.0385p.
