Group 1: Market Performance - The FTSE 100 index has reached a new record high, surpassing 10,000, driven by strong performances in energy stocks like BP and Shell, as well as miners benefiting from a rally in metals [1][9] - Next has seen its stock price increase by over 3% after upgrading its profit guidance, forecasting after-tax earnings of 738.8p per share, which is above market expectations [5][9] Group 2: Oil Sector Insights - Despite falling oil prices, the U.S. government's actions regarding Venezuela's oil sector have created optimism for major firms like Chevron, Exxon Mobil, and ConocoPhillips, which could play a role in reviving Venezuela's oil production [2][3] - Venezuela holds approximately 20% of the world's proven oil reserves, but its current output is less than 1% of global supply; U.S. investment in the country's oil facilities could potentially increase supply in the long term [4] Group 3: Geopolitical and Economic Context - The U.S. intervention in Venezuela reflects a shift towards prioritizing security and control over resources, which has led to an increase in defense and security spending, positively impacting defense stocks [7][8] - The DAX index has also reached a record high, influenced by geopolitical developments and investor sentiment regarding U.S. actions in Venezuela [6][10]

Group 1 - US oil companies' shares surged following President Trump's promise to tap into Venezuela's oil reserves after the ousting of Nicolas Maduro, with Chevron rising by 5.8% and ExxonMobil increasing by 2.5% [1][6][29] - Oil prices have seen an uptick, with Brent crude rising by 1.5% to $61.70, reflecting market optimism about increased production from Venezuela [1][37] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a new high of 49,134.78, driven by gains in energy stocks, particularly Chevron [6][11] Group 2 - The FTSE 100 index closed above 10,000 points for the first time, buoyed by the removal of Maduro and the subsequent rise in energy and mining stocks [3][15][68] - Copper prices hit a record high of $13,000 per tonne due to tightening global supplies amid concerns over Trump's tariffs [2][35] - Analysts predict that Venezuela's oil production could triple within a decade following Maduro's removal, potentially increasing output from 800,000 barrels per day to 2.5 million barrels per day [21][23] Group 3 - Venezuelan bonds are expected to react positively to the political changes, with Morgan Stanley forecasting price increases of up to 5 points as markets anticipate a higher likelihood of debt restructuring [19][20] - The removal of Maduro is seen as a significant step towards stabilizing Venezuela's economy, which has suffered a 70% contraction in GDP since 2013, largely due to the decline in oil production [33][34] - The US's control over Venezuela's oil market could reshape global energy flows, particularly affecting China's access to Venezuelan oil, which has been a significant source for them [55][59][61]

Core Viewpoint - International value stocks have underperformed US counterparts for over a decade, but the recent 47% surge of the Dimensional International Value ETF (DFIV) raises questions about whether this represents a genuine rotation or a temporary reversal [1][6]. Group 1: Fund Overview - DFIV provides exposure to undervalued companies in developed markets outside the US, using an active, research-driven approach to identify stocks trading below intrinsic value [2]. - The fund emphasizes strong profitability metrics and systematically tilts toward value characteristics, financial health indicators, and smaller market capitalizations, differentiating it from passive international funds [2]. - DFIV combines potential revaluation of underpriced stocks with a current dividend yield near 3%, delivering meaningful cash flow alongside capital appreciation potential [3]. Group 2: Performance Analysis - DFIV gained 47% over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 16% and the iShares MSCI EAFE ETF by approximately 14 percentage points, while surpassing US value strategies by over 30 percentage points [6]. - This performance validates the international value thesis but complicates decisions for new investors, as much of the gain reflects a catch-up after years of underperformance [7]. Group 3: Portfolio Composition - Top holdings include European energy giants like Shell and TotalEnergies, financial institutions such as Banco Santander and HSBC, and Japanese industrials like Toyota, indicating a portfolio heavily weighted toward sectors trading at depressed valuations [4]. - The portfolio is concentrated in European financials and energy companies, which are vulnerable to regional economic slowdowns, regulatory pressures, and commodity price swings [9]. Group 4: Investment Considerations - DFIV is not suitable for short-term traders or those seeking growth characteristics, as it focuses on mature, often undervalued businesses and has a quarterly dividend structure [10]. - For broader international exposure without a value tilt, the Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) offers a compelling alternative, charging lower fees and providing exposure to both value and growth stocks across developed and emerging markets [11].

Market Performance - The U.K. stock market's benchmark FTSE 100 surpassed the 10,000 mark for the first time in history, driven by strong buying in defense, mining, and energy sectors [1] - The FTSE 100 index gained nearly 22% in 2025 and started the new year positively, reaching a record high of 10,051.90 [1] Company Gains - Fresnillo increased by 2.7%, Glencore by 1.6%, and Anglo American Plc by 1% [2] - Rolls-Royce Holdings rose over 2.5%, Babcock International by 1.8%, and BP by approximately 1.7% [2] - Other companies such as IAG, Entain, SSE, HSBC Holdings, BAE Systems, Burberry Group, and JD Sports Fashion saw gains between 1.3% and 1.6% [2][3] Company Losses - Companies like Auto Trader Group, British Land, DCC, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, and others experienced losses ranging from 1% to 1.7% [4] Housing Market Data - UK house prices grew at the slowest pace since April 2024, with an annual growth of 0.6% in December, down from 1.8% in November [4] - On a monthly basis, house prices dropped by 0.4%, contrasting with a 0.3% increase in November [5] - The S&P Global UK Manufacturing PMI rose to 50.6 in November, revised down from a preliminary estimate of 51.2, but above market expectations of 50.4 [5]

Group 1 - Ecopetrol S.A. (NYSE:EC) experienced a share price increase of 5.81% from December 22 to December 29, 2025, ranking it among the top-performing energy stocks for that week [1] - The company has over 18,000 employees and is recognized as one of the largest firms in Colombia and a leading integrated energy group in the Americas [2] - On December 24, 2025, Ecopetrol announced that Colombia's National Hydrocarbons Agency formalized the transfer of a 50% stake from Shell EP Offshore Venture, granting Ecopetrol full ownership and operatorship of several offshore exploration and production contracts [3] Group 2 - Shell's withdrawal from its offshore assets in the region was part of a global portfolio strategy, allowing Ecopetrol to take full control and continue developing existing gas discoveries in the Caribbean [4] - Ecopetrol is evaluating whether to retain 100% ownership of the newly acquired assets or to seek a new partner for technical and financial support [4]

As filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on December 19, 2025. Registration No. 333- UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM F-1 REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 EUPEC International Group Limited (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter) Not Applicable (Translation of Registrant's Name into English) Cayman Islands 1389 Not Applicable (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) (Primary Standard Indus ...

Group 1: Market Performance and Expectations - The FTSE 100 index has surged to its highest level in eight months, driven by falling inflation and expectations of an interest rate cut by the Bank of England [2][7][49] - Analysts predict that the FTSE 100 could reach the 10,000 index level by the end of the year if a "Santa rally" occurs [1] - The index climbed 1.6% in a single day, marking its best performance since April, as falling inflation is seen as beneficial for consumer spending and corporate costs [7][49] Group 2: Inflation and Economic Indicators - UK inflation dropped to 3.2% in November from 3.6% in October, which is the lowest level since March and significantly below analyst expectations of 3.5% [5][71] - The decline in inflation was primarily driven by falling food prices, particularly for cakes, biscuits, and breakfast cereals, as well as a decrease in tobacco prices [3][66][74] - Economists expect the Bank of England to cut interest rates from 4% to 3.75% in response to the inflation drop, which is anticipated to support economic growth [4][61][67] Group 3: Currency and Bond Market Reactions - The British pound fell by 0.7% against the dollar to $1.333 following the inflation report, reflecting increased market expectations for a rate cut [5][39][64] - UK government bond yields have decreased sharply, with the yield on two-year gilts falling to 3.68%, indicating a strong market reaction to the inflation data [10][11][56] - The yield on 10-year UK gilts also dropped, suggesting that investors are pricing in a more accommodative monetary policy environment [11][56] Group 4: Sector-Specific Impacts - Bank stocks experienced a surge as the drop in inflation is expected to improve lending conditions [6][49] - The FTSE 100 benefits from a weaker sterling, as many of its companies generate earnings overseas, which is further supported by the anticipated interest rate cuts [5][51] - Retailers have reported that extensive discounting during Black Friday contributed to the fall in inflation, indicating a competitive retail environment [24][25]

Core Insights - The UK's offshore sector is undergoing significant consolidation driven by a stringent fiscal regime, particularly the Energy Profits Levy (EPL), which has raised the marginal tax rate on upstream revenues to 78% [1][3] Group 1: Consolidation Trends - Mergers and acquisitions have become prevalent in the UK offshore sector, with Harbour Energy planning to acquire Waldorf Petroleum, and TotalEnergies merging its North Sea assets with Neo Next [2] - The consolidation has resulted in the concentration of over 500,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day (boe/d) production into fewer operators, as companies respond to high tax rates and declining output [2][9] - The UK North Sea's production has decreased from 1.1 million b/d in 2020 to approximately 474,000 b/d by September 2025, with no new field approvals granted for two consecutive years [2][8] Group 2: Fiscal Impact - The EPL initially raised around £7 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal year, but revenues have since dropped to an estimated £2-2.5 billion by the fiscal year 2024-25 due to reduced activity [3] - The consolidation of oil companies is seen as a strategy to offset the high tax burden against accumulated losses, attracting political scrutiny regarding potential tax liabilities [3] Group 3: Investment Environment - Investment in new supply has stalled, with the UK North Sea's production declining faster than expected and no new field developments approved in 2024 or 2025 [4] - The government's North Sea Future Plan aims to manage existing fields while halting the issuance of new exploration licenses, contrasting with investment encouragement seen in other countries [4][7] Group 4: Employment Concerns - Job losses in the oil and gas sector could reach a rate of 1,000 per month by 2030, with the offshore workforce contracting by about one third since 2014 [5] Group 5: Future Outlook - The consolidation strategy in the UK is primarily defensive, aimed at managing regulatory risks and tax liabilities rather than fostering growth [10] - Lower oil and gas prices could provide a narrow window for relief from the EPL, but the conditions for replacing it with the Oil and Gas Price Mechanism (OGPM) are challenging to meet [11]

Core Insights - Indian refiners continue to import Russian oil despite reports of halting imports, averaging 1.2 million barrels per day (b/d) in December, lower than the 1.75 million b/d average of 2025 [2] - Prices for Russia's Urals crude have decreased by $6 to $7 per barrel, but demand has improved, stabilizing the differential [3] - High freight costs are impacting Russian oil exports, with chartering costs for Aframax vessels to India rising to around $8 million, approximately 50% higher than early 2025 [4] Market Movers - TotalEnergies has agreed to sell 9.99% of its equity in the SK408 block offshore Malaysia to PTT while retaining a 30% stake and operatorship [5] - Shell is preparing a new drilling campaign in the PEL 39 block offshore Namibia starting April 2026, marking its return to the area after a write-down of the Graff discovery [5] Industry Developments - Neste has revised its 2035 carbon neutrality target, now pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2040 [6] - Ecopetrol has reduced its 2026 low-carbon budget by 60% to $225 million, citing a need for broader budget discipline [6] Market Sentiment - Weak Chinese macroeconomic data has influenced market sentiment, with industrial output dropping to its lowest since August 2024, leading to a decline in Brent futures below $61 and ultimately below $60 per barrel [7]

Core Insights - Aduro Clean Technologies Inc. has successfully graduated from the Shell GameChanger program, marking a significant milestone in the development of its Hydrochemolytic™ Technology (HCT) aimed at decarbonizing the chemical sector [1][5] Group 1: Technology Development - The Hydrochemolytic™ Technology was recognized for its potential to produce high-quality hydrocarbons from mixed waste plastics, providing a promising route for decarbonization in chemical manufacturing [2] - Technical evaluations demonstrated that the patented chemistry achieved over 80 percent liquid hydrocarbons with reduced gas and char formation, indicating advantages in feedstock flexibility and process efficiency [3] - The technology is capable of converting complex, contaminated waste plastics into high-quality liquid hydrocarbons using readily available industrial equipment, supporting the transition to a circular economy [4] Group 2: Program Outcomes - Graduation from the Shell GameChanger program confirms the successful validation of Aduro's process-design model, enhancing confidence in scaling up from a continuous flow reactor to a Next Generation Process Pilot Plant and future Demonstration Plant [4][5] - The collaboration with Shell provided insights that are instrumental for optimizing process performance and the engineering design of the Demonstration-scale facility, which is targeted for an input capacity of approximately 8,000 tonnes per year [4] Group 3: Future Plans - Aduro plans to maintain communication with Shell to provide updates on the operations of its newly commissioned Pilot Plant and progress towards the Demonstration-scale facility [5] - The company is focused on advancing its Hydrochemolytic Technology and preparing for commercialization, following the successful conclusion of the external validation process [5]