Kier Group down 4.9%, announced that it has been appointed as part of the ILIOS consortium, as construction partner for the UK’s fusion energy STEP programme. This appointment secures a multi-year revenue stream, with the initial three-year tranche valued at £200m, and forms part of a wider programme with potential future opportunities up to £10b.
Science Group down 0.9%, announced in its audited financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, that revenue advanced to £111.7m from £110.7m recorded in the same period the previous year. Profit before tax widened to £41.5m from £14.7m recorded in the last year. Cash and cash equivalents stood at £72.6m.
UK market ended lower last week, as surge in oil prices heightened inflation fears. On the macro front, UK unexpectedly reported public sector net borrowings deficit in February. Meanwhile, average earnings including bonus rose as expected in January, while the unemployment rate unexpectedly remained steady in January. Moreover, the Rightmove house price index advanced in March. The FTSE 100 index declined 3.3% to settle at 9,918.3, while the FTSE AIM 100 index fell 6.0% to close at 3,338.4. Meanwhile, the FTSE techMARK 100 index lost 4.1% to end at 8,130.4.
US market ended lower last week, amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. On the data front, the MBA mortgage applications declined in the last week. Meanwhile, the producer price index (PPI) advanced more than anticipated in February, while industrial production advanced more than expected in February. Also, the NAHB housing market index rose in March. Moreover, US factory orders advanced in January. Additionally, initial jobless claims unexpectedly fell in the week ended 13 March 2026. The DJIA index fell 2.1% to end at 45,577.5, while the NASDAQ index lost 2.1% to close at 21,647.6.
