London’s stock market closed at its highest level in more than a week. The FTSE 100 climbed 63 points, or 0.7%, to finish at 8,799, marking its strongest close since 18 June. The blue-chip index was lifted by gains across heavyweight sectors, offering a positive signal for investors heading into the second half of the week.
Helium Ventures plc (AQSE: HEV), renamed VaultZ Capital plc (ticker: V3TC), has raised £4 million in an oversubscribed placing at 43p per share, on its admission to the AQSE Growth Market on Thursday.
TruSpine Technologies (AQSE.TSP) saw its share price rocket 195% to 1.55p after announcing plans to adopt a Bitcoin treasury policy, a bold move rarely seen on London’s junior markets.
The spinal medical device developer said it is exploring fundraising opportunities to support this strategic shift, which could see the company hold a portion of its reserves in cryptocurrency. The surge in investor interest suggests the market is responding strongly to the crypto-linked pivot. However, questions remain about how such a policy will align with TruSpine’s core medical technology business.
Gledhow Investments (AQSE:GDH) surged 135% to 1p after outlining plans to restructure its share capital ahead of a major portfolio acquisition. As of March 2025, the investment company held £217,000 in cash, with net assets of £938,000. This was prior to agreeing a £441,000 acquisition—to be paid in shares and convertible loan notes—for a new portfolio of investments.
Autins Group PLC (AIM: AUTG) soared 64% after revealing it’s on track to deliver its first net profit since 2017. The automotive insulation specialist’s turnaround sparked strong investor interest.
Ariana Resources PLC (AIM: AAU) also posted sharp gains, rising 38% following a significant upgrade to the economics of its Dokwe gold project in Zimbabwe. Analysts at Proactive had recently highlighted the stock as one to watch, noting it had lagged behind the wider sector’s rerating. With Dokwe now conservatively valued at around £250 million, investor sentiment appears to have caught up.
Blue Star Capital (AIM:BLU) rose 14% to 24.5p after announcing it has increased its stake in SatoshiPay from 28% to 50%, securing a controlling interest in the blockchain-based payments firm.
The additional shares were acquired from SatoshiPay directors Danny Masters and Meinhard Benn, the latter of whom also sits on Blue Star’s board. The deal, valued at £882,000, was settled through the issue of 4.41 million new Blue Star shares at 20p each.
Following the transaction, Meinhard Benn retains a 25% stake in SatoshiPay and now owns 15% of Blue Star Capital, reinforcing the close alignment between the two entities. Investors responded positively to the consolidation move, with the market seeing it as a strategic step to deepen exposure to digital payment infrastructure.
Fallers of the Week:
Arkle Resources PLC (AIM:ARK) slumped 39% after full-year results revealed the company is running perilously low on cash. Chaired by veteran Irish entrepreneur John Teeling, the gold and zinc explorer ended 2023 with just £23,000 in the bank before raising £270,000. While management claims additional funds can be secured “as required,” investors are clearly bracing for a heavily discounted and dilutive raise.
Dekel Agri-Vision plc (AIM:DKL) was the week’s biggest faller, tumbling 38% after announcing a heavily discounted £2 million fundraising and debt-for-equity conversion. The West Africa-focused agribusiness faced a sharp market reaction as concerns mounted over dilution and balance sheet pressures.
Mosman Oil and Gas Ltd (AIM:MSMN) also endured a difficult week, shedding 30% after a failed helium well in Colorado. Though drilling will continue at other sites, the setback marked the end of the line for CEO Andy Carroll, who stepped down following the disappointment.
Next 15 Group PLC (AIM:NFG) experienced a turbulent stretch as well. On Thursday, the PR and marketing firm—known for owning City communications agency MHP—issued a major profit warning, triggering a sharp share price drop, the CEO’s exit, and a boardroom shake-up. However, signs of bid interest in the group’s legacy PR and advertising arm sparked a partial rebound, with shares rising 8% on Friday. Even so, the stock still finished the week down 25%, and is 42% lower year to date.
