UK public sector net borrowing for June 2025 surged to £20.7 billion, significantly higher than the £17.7 billion recorded in the previous month and surpassing the market consensus estimate of £17.5 billion. This figure marks the second-highest June borrowing since monthly records began in 1993, following June 2020. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) confirmed these figures, with acting Chief Economist Richard Heys commenting on the public sector finances.
In corporate news, pharmaceutical giant Sanofi (SNY) is set to acquire UK-based vaccine maker Vicebio for a total consideration of up to $1.6 billion. The deal includes an upfront payment of $1.15 billion and up to $450 million in development and regulatory milestones. This strategic acquisition aims to significantly boost Sanofi's respiratory vaccine pipeline, integrating Vicebio's proprietary Molecular Clamp technology, which enables the development of next-generation multivalent vaccines against respiratory pathogens. Vicebio's lead asset, VXB-241, is a bivalent vaccine targeting Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), currently in exploratory Phase 1 clinical trials.
Meanwhile, Italian banking group UniCredit (UCG) has maintained its substantial position in German lender Commerzbank (CBK), with its aggregate stake standing at approximately 28%. This position comprises a 9.5% direct ownership and around 18.5% through derivative instruments. The move, which has been described by UniCredit as an investment to crystallize value within Commerzbank, received clearance from the German Federal Cartel Office in April 2025, removing a significant regulatory hurdle for the Italian bank's ambitions.
On the geopolitical front, the Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a statement indicating that resorting to the UN sanctions mechanism would only complicate the ongoing nuclear issue. This development adds a layer of uncertainty to international relations, particularly concerning energy markets and global stability.
European markets opened mixed, with trade remaining relatively contained as investors anticipate numerous upcoming earnings reports.
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.