Core Insights - German defence giant Rheinmetall is negotiating a multi-billion-euro ammunitions supply contract [1] Group 1 - The CEO of Rheinmetall, Armin Papperger, confirmed the negotiations are in the final stages [1]

Market Performance - The US benchmark S&P 500 rose by 1.13%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed by 1.04%, and the Nasdaq Composite increased by 1.49%, driven by easing investor fears over regional banks and positive sentiment regarding a potential trade deal with China [1][4][29] - Apple shares surged by 5.35% this year, contributing significantly to the Nasdaq's performance, as strong iPhone sales data indicated a potential shift beyond the typical iPhone refresh cycle [5][6][7] Trade Relations - President Trump expressed optimism about reaching a trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping during their upcoming meeting in South Korea, highlighting a good relationship between the two nations [2][26] - Trump has threatened to impose additional tariffs on China, potentially raising the total US tariffs on Chinese goods to 157%, following China's export controls on rare earths essential for chip production [3][11] Company-Specific Developments - Apple has seen a significant rebound in its stock price, hitting a record of $264.22, following an upgrade from Loop Capital based on strong demand for the iPhone 17, which saw sales 14% higher than the iPhone 16 during the initial launch period [6][7][17] - Defence stocks, particularly Babcock International and Rolls Royce, surged as hopes for a peace deal in Ukraine faded, with Babcock rising by 2.3% and Rolls Royce by 1.9% [12][13] Economic Indicators - Oil prices fell by 1% to $60.68 per barrel due to concerns over a global supply glut and lower economic growth [8] - The US Treasury signed a $20 billion lifeline for Argentina's economy, which is expected to provide vital access to US dollars and support President Javier Milei ahead of midterm elections [18][19] Consumer Sentiment and Business Outlook - Consumer sentiment dipped slightly to 47.4 in October, indicating financial stress among households despite rising incomes, as high bills continue to impact disposable income [56][57] - Canadian businesses are facing significant layoffs in the steel and aluminum sectors due to the impact of US tariffs, with a weak outlook for growth in domestic export sales [23][24]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. defense firm Northrop Grumman is developing higher caliber cannon bullets aimed at reducing costs for shooting down drones, responding to feedback from Ukrainian soldiers facing drone swarms [1] Group 1 - Northrop Grumman is testing new ammunition types to enhance drone defense capabilities [1] - The initiative is driven by operational insights from Ukrainian forces engaged in combat [1] - The focus is on achieving cost-effective solutions for countering drone threats [1]

Group 1 - The company AV has announced the opening of a new office in Hereford, United Kingdom [1] - AV has entered into a coproduction agreement with UK-based TIA for its Tomahawk Grip controller [1]

Core Viewpoint - Iveco Group has signed a definitive agreement to sell its Defence Business to Leonardo S.p.A. for an enterprise value of €1.7 billion, creating a European champion in the land defence segment [1][2]. Group 1: Transaction Details - The transaction is expected to be completed by 31 March 2026, pending regulatory approvals and carve-out completion [3]. - Upon completion, Iveco Group plans to distribute the net proceeds to shareholders through an extraordinary dividend [3]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - The sale allows both the Defence Business and commercial vehicles business to focus more strategically, enhancing their competitive capabilities [2]. - The partnership will combine mobility solutions and protected platforms from Iveco's Defence Business with Leonardo's advanced systems, delivering comprehensive land defence capabilities [2]. Group 3: Financial Performance - The Defence Business, comprising Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) and ASTRA, generated revenues of €1.1 billion in 2024 [5].

Group 1 - The company is engaged in advanced discussions for potential transactions involving its defence business and the overall balance of the company [1][2] - The Board of Directors is carefully reviewing these potential transactions while considering the interests of all stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, and clients [2] - Iveco Group operates under seven major brands, including IVECO, FPT Industrial, IVECO BUS, HEULIEZ, IDV, ASTRA, and IVECO CAPITAL, employing 36,000 people globally with 19 industrial sites and 31 R&D centres [3]

Core Viewpoint - The Company reported a decline in net asset value (NAV) and total return for the six months ending March 31, 2025, reflecting challenging market conditions and investment performance [3][4][13]. Financial Highlights - NAV per share decreased from 40.55p to 34.48p, representing a total return of -8.19% [4][13]. - Market capitalization fell from £150.60 million to £124.25 million [4]. - Share price also declined from 42.20p to 33.80p, with a share price discount to NAV per share of 1.97% [4]. - Dividends paid per share increased from 1.50p to 2.75p during the period [4][6]. Investment Activity - The Company invested £3.6 million in qualifying companies during the period, maintaining 92.29% of its portfolio in qualifying investments [6][30]. - An offer for subscription launched on October 9, 2024, aimed to raise up to £20 million, with £5.4 million raised by issuing 14 million shares [6][31]. Performance of Qualifying Investments - Positive contributors included Aquis Exchange (+95.8%, +£1.71 million) and Cohort (+26.1%, +£1.12 million) due to increased defense spending [15][16]. - Negative contributors included Kidly (-100.00%, -£1.26 million) which went into administration, and Zoo Digital (-74.3%, -£1.14 million) which issued a disappointing trading update [20][21]. Non-Qualifying Investments - The non-qualifying portfolio saw a decline of £1.27 million, with notable losses in WH Smith and Hollywood Bowl due to a weaker economic outlook [27][28]. - The fixed income portfolio returned +£0.35 million, offsetting some losses from direct equities [29]. Market Outlook - The UK economy is expected to see a modest GDP growth of +1.0% in 2025, supported by increased public spending despite inflation concerns [10][39]. - The AIM index has shown resilience post 'Liberation Day', indicating potential growth opportunities despite ongoing market volatility [12][40]. Portfolio Structure - The Company maintained a strong liquidity position with net cash of £11.7 million and a focus on recurring revenue, which represented 82% of total revenue [26][29]. - The portfolio's weighting to qualifying investments increased to 58.4%, while cash weighting decreased to 7.6% [36].