MPs launch inquiry into AI and financial services

Lenz Therapeutics (NASDAQ:LENZ) reported second quarter 2025 results on July 30, revealing $5.0 million in GAAP revenue from licensing milestones, significantly surpassing analyst expectations. Despite a deeper net loss due to increased spending, the company made strides in its commercial plans ahead of an important FDA decision for its lead product, LNZ100, aimed at treating presbyopia. Want More Context? 🔎

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) and XRP (CRYPTO: XRP) have experienced significant pullbacks after a period of strong growth, with XRP dropping nearly 20% in one session and Bitcoin retreating after hitting a record high in July. Despite concerns that the summer rally might be over, these pullbacks are considered typical in a bull market, suggesting they are just temporary pauses rather than a sign of a trend reversal. Want More Context? 🔎

Wave Life Sciences (NASDAQ:WVE) reported disappointing Q2 2025 earnings, with revenue of $8.7 million falling short of the $13.2 million forecast and a loss per share of $0.31 versus the anticipated $0.28. Despite a 55.8% year-over-year revenue decline and increased operating expenses, the company made progress in its RNA-based medicine pipeline using its proprietary PRISM platform. Want More Context? 🔎

Blackbaud (NASDAQ:BLKB), a provider of cloud software for social impact organizations, reported strong Q2 2025 results with non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.21, surpassing expectations, and a 6.8% organic revenue growth to $281.4 million, despite a 2.1% year-over-year decline in reported revenue due to the sale of EVERFI. Management has raised its full-year guidance following record profitability metrics for the quarter. Want More Context? 🔎

Home Federal Bancorp of Louisiana (NASDAQ:HFBL) reported a net income of $1.2 million for the quarter ending June 30, 2025, significantly up from $638,000 the previous year, with diluted earnings per share rising to $0.38. The bank, serving northwest Louisiana, attributes these gains to lower funding costs and increased non-interest income, although it faces challenges with asset quality and deposit contraction. Want More Context? 🔎

Funds tracking the Russell 2000 index offer investors exposure to 2,000 small-cap U.S. companies, often outperforming the S&P 500 during economic growth. The Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (NASDAQ: VTWO) is a popular choice due to its large size and low expense ratio of 0.07%, raising the question of whether it's the right investment option currently. Want More Context? 🔎