This paper round is a daily selection of topics reflecting what financial‑market headlines are focusing on today. These are selected subjects rather than actual news reports.

Financial Times

  • UK government bond markets steadied after ministers voiced support for the prime minister.
  • AstraZeneca lifted long term expectations after strong cancer drug sales.
  • Barclays reported higher quarterly profits and outlined plans to return more capital to investors.

Reuters

  • UK retailers saw a firm start to the year as food sales and store traffic improved.
  • Barclays raised performance targets while pushing efficiency and AI driven cost reductions.
  • Coca Cola HBC projected earnings growth for 2026 on steady demand for non alcoholic drinks.

Bloomberg

  • Gold and silver saw sharp swings as speculative trading remained heavy.
  • Japanese equities extended gains on expectations of supportive government policies.
  • Big tech stocks rebounded and helped lift major US indices.

The Times – Business

  • NatWest agreed to acquire Evelyn Partners in a multibillion-pound deal that shifts capital away from buybacks.
  • UK borrowing costs rose as investors reassessed political risk.
  • Analysts debated whether Nvidia can sustain momentum after a strong run in AI linked demand.

The Telegraph – Business

  • BP paused a major shareholder payout after weaker oil prices and leadership changes.
  • Investors reacted to a shift in BP’s strategy as the company prepared for new leadership.
  • BP reported a quarterly loss and outlined cost focused adjustments.

CNBC

  • US markets advanced as tech stocks recovered and lifted the S&P 500 and Nasdaq.
  • Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed again on expectations of supportive economic policies.
  • Oil prices slipped as traders weighed geopolitical developments and supply signals.

Nikkei Asia

  • Japanese equities set fresh records following the prime minister’s election victory.
  • Asian markets strengthened with tech shares leading regional gains.
  • Currency moves reflected a softer US dollar as investors reassessed global rate expectations.

South China Morning Post – Business

  • Hong Kong added hundreds of new family offices as wealthy investors shifted focus from the US.
  • China’s cruise sector reached a key milestone as authorities promoted new consumption areas.
  • Investors reassessed regional holdings after political tensions around port operations.