Hilton Food Group PLC up 3.8%, announced in its trading update for the period from 29 December 2025 to date, that it has reported good trading performance in its core meat and fresh prepared food businesses. The group confirmed its full-year outlook remains unchanged, with 2026 adjusted profit before tax expected in the range of £60m–£65m.
Science Group PLC down 1%, announced that 2026 performance is expected to remain resilient and in line with expectations, although revenue is set to decline due to reduced low-margin defence work, partly offset by higher margins. The group reported strong cash generation, with £68.5 m cash and £57.2m net funds and confirmed ongoing share buybacks along with continued consideration of further capital returns to shareholders.
FDEV/ Frontier Developments PLC up 11.6%, announced that it and Complex Games, in collaboration with Warhammer, have unveiled Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate - Deathwatch, a sequel to Daemonhunters, launching on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. 4basebio PLC up 11.5%, announced in its result for FY25, that revenue surged by 81% to £1.7m, compared to £0.9m recorded in the last year. Loss for the period stood at £16.9m, compared to a loss of £12.3m recorded in the previous year. Cash and cash equivalents stood at £17.8m for the year ended 31 December 2025.
Nexteq PLC down 21.4%, announced in its trading update for FY25, that the Group continues to navigate a challenging trading environment, with global geopolitical uncertainty impacting customer confidence. The company expects FY26 Group revenue to be approximately 15% below previous market expectations, which were $85.0m, due to challenging trading conditions impacting its Quixant division. Additionally, current gross margin % performance is expected to continue through FY26.
UK markets were mostly higher last week, as Britain’s softer than expected consumer inflation data boosted investor sentiment. On the data front, UK’s consumer price index rose less than expected in April. Additionally, average hourly earnings including bonus advanced in March. While the S&P Global manufacturing PMI remained steady in May. Also, the GfK consumer confidence index fell less than expected in May. Meanwhile, the ILO unemployment rate unexpectedly rose in March. Also, retail sales fell more than estimated in April. Moreover, the S&P Global services PMI dropped more than expected in May. The FTSE 100 index advanced 2.7% to settle at 10,466.3, while the FTSE AIM 100 index fell 2% to close at 3,724.9. Meanwhile, the FTSE techMARK 100 index gained 4.7% to end at 9,246.4.
US stocks closed higher last week, amid optimism surrounding the potential US-Iran peace agreement. On the macro front, the NAHB housing market index climbed more than expected in May. Additionally, initial jobless claims dropped less than expected in the week ended 15 May 2026. Moreover, the S&P Global manufacturing PMI unexpectedly advanced in May. Meanwhile, S&P Global services PMI unexpectedly dropped in May. Additionally, the Michigan consumer sentiment index declined to a record low level in May. Also, the Philadelphia Fed manufacturing index dropped more than estimated in May. The DJIA index rose 2.1% to end at 50,579.7, while the NASDAQ index gained 0.5% to close at 26,344.0.
