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Skip to content Shein is finally heading to the public markets via a Hong Kong IPO targeting a $27 billion valuation. Here's what investors need to know ahead of the 1 September listing. Source: Adode images Trading Leverage trading Investing CFD IPO Hang Seng Index Shein is finally heading for the public markets, but its long-awaited stock market debut is arriving with a much lower valuation and a much tougher investment backdrop than the company could have hoped for a few years ago.

Skip to content Brent crude traded just below $94 a barrel on Friday 21 August 2026, heading for a second consecutive weekly gain of around 6%, as a stalled US-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz kept a risk premium in the oil market. Here's what's driving the move, and how UK traders use CFDs and spread bets to take a view on oil either way.

Skip to content Technical analysis of the FTSE 100, GBP/USD and gold as they stay bid despite testing resistance. Source: Adobe images Technical analysis Trading Day trading Leverage trading Investing CFD Macro Update Asian markets fall on tech jitters: Regional equities weakened as traders braced for Nvidia's earnings on Wednesday, with the Nikkei down 0.5%, South Korean stocks off 2.8%, and the MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan index sliding 1.3%.

Skip to content Chart patterns are an integral aspect of technical analysis, but they take some getting used to before they can be used effectively. To help you get to grips with them, here are 10 chart patterns every trader needs to know, what they signal, and how to trade them. Source: Adobe images A chart pattern is a shape within a price chart that helps to suggest what prices might do next, based on what they have done in the past.

Market sentiment indicators are among the most helpful tools for judging how the market feels now and where it's headed, helping to find undervalued or overvalued opportunities. However, they should be used alongside other technical and fundamental analysis rather than as a single authority on the outlook.

Skip to content Technical analysis of the Dow as it slides further while AUD/USD continues to rise and US natural gas futures stabilise. Source: Adode images Technical analysis Day trading Trading Leverage trading CFD Investing Crypto rally continues: A short-squeeze this week has reignited enthusiasm for cryptocurrencies, with Bitcoin heading for a fifth consecutive daily gain, up nearly 20% so far, while Ether has climbed over 25%.

Skip to content Bitcoin (BTC) broke above $69,000 on 20 August 2026 for the first time since June, extending a rally that began in Wednesday's after-hours session. The move was driven by a US Treasury announcement to substantially increase long-dated bond buybacks, and was amplified by a wave of forced buying as leveraged short positions were liquidated. Ethereum (ETH) moved even further, rising by a reported 9–18% depending on the source and time window.

Skip to content UK inflation accelerated to 2.9% in the year to July 2026, up from 2.6% in June, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The reading landed in line with economist forecasts and was driven largely by higher household energy costs. Despite the hotter inflation print, London's FTSE 100 index closed at 10,743.35 points on 19 August 2026, up 0.14% on the day and ending a six-session run of losses.

Skip to content Brent crude rose toward $92–93 a barrel on 19–20 August 2026, extending gains for a fourth consecutive session, as the United States and Iran showed little sign of reaching an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US benchmark, also traded higher over the same period. The renewed rally has put oil back in focus for UK retail traders watching commodities markets.

Skip to content Hydrogen stocks give investors exposure to the transition to clean energy, with a focus on green hydrogen produced using renewable electricity. The sector remains early-stage and largely pre-profitability. This guide covers the most watched UK and global hydrogen stocks for 2026. Source: Bloomberg Most hydrogen stocks are pre-profitability businesses dependent on government support, declining electrolyser costs and long-term decarbonisation commitments.