Aviva boosted by analyst upgrade, cost savings, and strong earnings outlook post-Direct Line deal.

Aviva PLC has gained analyst attention after RBC Capital reinstated coverage with an “outperform” rating, citing its shift to higher-return, capital-light segments post-Direct Line acquisition. The insurer now trades at a discount to peers despite strong projected earnings growth, with cost savings from integration rising to £200 million. Meanwhile, KEFI Gold and Copper surged 19% on nearing completion of a $240 million debt deal for its Ethiopian gold project. Other updates include progress in helium and gold projects, legal and general’s potential acquisition of a digital savings platform, UK banks seen as undervalued with strong fundamentals, and EnergyPathways raising £1.24 million for a government-designated energy project. Tiger Alpha rose 15% on a new blockchain staking strategy, while Deutsche Bank sees gold’s rally slowing but not reversing, with broad-based precious metal strength and supportive fundamentals.