Marlowe theatre, Canterbury Weilerstein gave a virtuosic account of Gabriela Ortiz’s Grammy-winning Cello Concerto in a concert hall whose dry acoustic made things challenging at times There are venues that boost a performance – spaces that subtly polish or burnish or clarify – and those that hinder. The latest concert in the Philharmonia’s residency at Canterbury’s Marlowe theatre suggests this handsome building is unfortunately among the latter. The acoustic isn’t so much dry as desiccated, exposing the slightest flaws and offering all the atmosphere of an anechoic chamber. The orchestra’s dynamo principal guest conductor, Marin Alsop , presumably knew what she would be up against, having made her local debut last year. The concert began with a deliciously natty performance of Arturo Márquez’s Danzón No 2 . The opening episode – dusky clarinet, piano, claves, string pizzicato – was loose-limbed. A trumpet solo was served with outrageously slow vibrato, the strings strutted to order. Continue reading...

The S&P 500 has been a bit of a roller coaster for investors in recent weeks. The benchmark has shifted from gains to losses and back multiple times -- and often during very short periods. This is amid a variety of concerns, from questions about artificial intelligence (AI) spending levels to worries about economic growth. And the biggest weight of all right now may be the conflict in Iran, which deepened in recent weeks and turned into a war. So, you may not feel very excited about investing right now. But, during tough times, it's important to look beyond the present and into the future: Today, stocks and other assets may be suffering, but history has demonstrated that quality players always have recovered. And that's why the following S&P 500 Vanguard ETF is a no-brainer buy right now for less than $1,000. A look at history As mentioned, the S&P 500 has been traversing a rough patch, with the ups and downs leaving it little changed so far this year. But this famous index has been known to recover after every dip, downturn, or even market crash, as we can see in the chart below. In fact, over time, it's delivered an average annual return of 10%, making it a solid long-term investment that investors can count on. And that's exactly why now, in times of uncertainty, it's a good idea to seek the safety offered by this index. You can do this by investing in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO 1.18%). This fund mimics the composition of the S&P 500 and therefore will deliver the same performance as the benchmark. Buying this exchange-traded fund is a fantastic idea because it offers you exposure to the companies driving the U.S. economy -- and this will always be the case as the index rebalances to admit or remove members on a quarterly basis. The Vanguard ETF follows these moves to ensure that it accurately reflects the index. Expand NYSEMKT : VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF Today's Change ( -1.18 %) $ -7.32 Current Price $ 614.71 Key Data Points Day's Range $ 614.08 - $ 617.70 52...

Bank of America (BAC 3.03%) is one of the biggest banks in the world. It had $3.4 trillion in total assets as of Dec. 31, 2025. Investors are certainly familiar with the company. This spotlight is brighter because Berkshire Hathaway has been such a significant shareholder for a long time. Does this mean the large financial institution is a buy right now? The effect of potentially lower interest rates Like any other lender, Bank of America is influenced by the changing macro landscape, most notably as it relates to fluctuating interest rates. President Donald Trump recently nominated Kevin Warsh as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve, which could add more support for cutting the Fed Funds interest rate going forward. There are clear implications for this business. Despite earning lower yields, lower interest rates can benefit Bank of America. When borrowing costs come down, demand for loans from consumers, small businesses, and corporations could rise. Additionally, the rates paid on deposits can be adjusted lower, supporting net interest income. Bank of America has historically been able to post growth over the long term. Sell-side analysts believe earnings per share (EPS) will increase at a compound annual rate of 13.1% between 2025 and 2028. Any unexpected developments can obviously affect this outlook drastically. An extremely durable business Warren Buffett, who stepped down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway at the end of last year, likes to own companies forever. To do this, he needs to find businesses that have staying power. Bank of America fits the bill. It's a global systemically important bank, which means that it's too big to fail. If there's ever any sign of trouble, there's a chance that the U.S. government will step in to prevent a total failure. What's more, there will always be a need for the products and services that a financial institution provides. Bank of America also has a wide economic moat, with its scale and customer switching costs, which supp...

泡泡玛特Labubu三丽鸥新品秒售罄 2026-03-12 22:04:35 来源： 同花顺7x24快讯 分享 文章提及标的 泡泡玛特 -- 3月12日晚，泡泡玛特（HK9992）Labubu三丽鸥新品开售。泡泡玛特（HK9992）小程序渠道火速售罄，抽盒机渠道仍在排队中。(新浪财经)

Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG) is down approximately 7% in early trading on Thursday. This occurred even after Dollar General released quarterly results that beat on every headline metric. Yet, Dollar General then promptly underwhelmed investors with its outlook for the year ahead. The pattern is familiar in retail: great quarter, cautious guidance, and a stock ... Dollar General Is Down 7% — Here’s Why Wall Street Is Divided on DG Stock

The post Tired of the AI Bubble Yet? Here’s a Real Solution to a Real Problem by Benzinga Contributors appeared first on Benzinga . Visit Benzinga to get more great content like this. Benzinga Money is a reader-supported publication. We may earn a commission from the advertisers associated with this article. Read our Advertiser Discloser . The market is experiencing a “Great Rotation,” with momentum moving away from much-hyped AI and tech stocks in favor of tangible assets like the industrial sector. The sector has seen double-digit increases in the early part of 2026, compared to the tech-dominated Magnificent Seven’s 7% year-to-date decrease. Like big tech, however, the upside for many industrial companies was only open to hedge funds and venture capital many years ago. GACW offers individual investors the opportunity to be an early investor in a tangible asset that Shark Tank judge Kevin O’Leary* says, “solves a big problem.” This engineering company is disrupting the tire industry with its Air Suspension Wheel (ASW), an airless mechanical wheel with in-wheel suspension. Designed as a safe, eco-friendly, and cost effective alternative to polluting rubber tires, the ASW is 100% recyclable and engineered to last the lifetime of the vehicle. GACW plans to initially target the $5 billion annual mining tire market, but the patent-protected wheels have potential applications for off-road vehicles to wheelchairs. They’ve already generated $4 million in proceeds with four signed contracts including a $1.5 million license deal. Invest in the wheel that could replace tires. Join GACW on StartEngine. Invest HERE. Early traction in a $5B Industry Traditional rubber tires are a financial black hole for mining companies. It costs these firms millions to purchase and maintain the tires, and operational challenges like punctures and blowouts can shut down production,which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars a day. Beyond that, tire fitters at these job sites face extreme s...

Image source: The Motley Fool. Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 8 a.m. ET CALL PARTICIPANTS Chief Executive Officer — Charles Gillespie Chief Financial Officer — Elias Mark Chief Operating Officer — Kevin McCrystle TAKEAWAYS Revenue -- $46.2 million for the fourth quarter, representing a 31% increase year over year and marking a quarterly record. -- $46.2 million for the fourth quarter, representing a 31% increase year over year and marking a quarterly record. Adjusted EBITDA -- $15.5 million, up 5% year over year, with a margin of 33% compared to 42% in the prior year period. -- $15.5 million, up 5% year over year, with a margin of 33% compared to 42% in the prior year period. Sports Data Services Revenue -- $11.8 million, up 29% sequentially from Q3 and 440% year over year, comprising 26% of total revenue, the highest proportion to date. -- $11.8 million, up 29% sequentially from Q3 and 440% year over year, comprising 26% of total revenue, the highest proportion to date. Non-SEO Revenue Sources -- Exceeded SEO-related revenue for the first time, reaching more than half of total revenue in the quarter. -- Exceeded SEO-related revenue for the first time, reaching more than half of total revenue in the quarter. Recurring Revenue -- Accounted for 47% of total fourth quarter revenue, including both subscription and marketing revenue share arrangements. -- Accounted for 47% of total fourth quarter revenue, including both subscription and marketing revenue share arrangements. Cost of Sales -- $6.9 million, significantly higher than the prior year’s $2.2 million due to traffic diversification strategy. -- $6.9 million, significantly higher than the prior year’s $2.2 million due to traffic diversification strategy. Gross Profit -- $39.3 million, a 19% year-over-year increase, with an 85% gross profit margin versus 94% in the previous year period. -- $39.3 million, a 19% year-over-year increase, with an 85% gross profit margin versus 94% in the previous year period. Operating Ex...

3月12日，张江论剑·2026浦东新区智能终端供应链产业推介会暨企业家闭门研讨会在上海举行。面对智能终端从垂直分工走向生态共荣的变革，浦东正聚焦“芯片—模组—整机”全链条布局，加快构建“4+X”产业体系。会上，国内首个具身智能标准体系发布，同时“张江南具身智能供应链平台”正式启幕，通过“定标准、筑平台”的组合拳，推动智能终端产业跨向“万台级”规模化量产新阶段。 3月12日，张江论剑·2026浦东新区智能终端供应链产业推介会暨企业家闭门研讨会在上海举行。面对智能终端从垂直分工走向生态共荣的变革，浦东正聚焦“芯片—模组—整机”全链条布局，加快构建“4+X”产业体系。会上，国内首个具身智能标准体系发布，同时“张江南具身智能供应链平台”正式启幕，通过“定标准、筑平台”的组合拳，推动智能终端产业跨向“万台级”规模化量产新阶段。

North American Construction Group ( NOA ) declares CAD 0.12/share quarterly dividend . Payable April 9; for shareholders of record March 26; ex-div March 26. See NOA Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, & Dividend Growth. More on North American Construction Group Ltd. Historical earnings data for North American Construction Group Ltd. Dividend scorecard for North American Construction Group Ltd. Financial information for North American Construction Group Ltd.

Earnings Call Insights: Harvard Bioscience (HBIO) Q4 2025 Management View John Duke, President and CEO, stated that "2025 was a pivotal year of foundation building," highlighting actions such as the December refinancing, which extended debt maturity and reduced annual debt service to $5 million, delivering $3 million in annual cash savings. He announced a "strategic consolidation of our manufacturing footprint with the phased closure of the Holliston facility and consolidation into Minneapolis and European centers of excellence," expected to generate $3 million in savings in 2027 and $4 million thereafter. Four new Board members were appointed, and a Scientific Advisory Board is being established. Mark Frost was officially named CFO. CEO Duke reported Q4 revenue of $23.7 million, gross margin of 60%, and adjusted EBITDA of $3.8 million, emphasizing "favorable mix shift toward higher-margin product lines, benefits from cost reductions, disciplined expense management and sharpened operational execution." He said the company is evolving "from a traditional life science tools provider into a leading enabler of translational science." He outlined four priorities: leading in translational science, accelerating high-margin innovation, expanding consumables and recurring revenue (now 55% of revenue), and operational excellence. Mark Frost, CFO, stated, "Revenue was $23.7 million, just above the midpoint of our $22.5 million to $24.5 million guidance and below the $24.6 million we reported in the fourth quarter of 2024." He cited a 260 basis point year-over-year gross margin improvement, operating income of $1.7 million (up from flat), and adjusted operating income of $3.3 million. He added, "Adjusted EBITDA was up 27% year-over-year to $3.8 million in the fourth quarter driven by cost reductions, including decreased costs related to manufacturing and SG&A headcount as well as expense management." Outlook Frost introduced 2026 guidance of "low single-digit growth in revenue ...

Tehran said the world should be ready for oil at $200 per barrel and warned that any tanker bound for the US, Israel and its partners was a legitimate target. The regime has also declared it has the right to strike financial institutions in the region, after an attack on an Iranian bank.

U.S. selected services revenue rose by 0.8% to $6,163.5B in Q4 2025 from Q3's $6,113.1B, against $6,159.4B recorded in the Q4 advance reading, according to data released by the Census Bureau on Thursday. The figure represents a 6.7% increase from the year-ago quarter. Utilities revenue for the quarter stood at $213.1B, up 2.5% from Q3. Transportation and warehousing revenue fell 0.2% to $367.8B. Information sector revenue was $663.3B, an increase of 2.2% quarter-over-quarter. Finance and insurance revenue rose 1.3% to $1,903.6B, while real estate and rental and leasing revenue also advanced 1.3% to $277.7B. Professional, scientific, and technical services revenue was up 0.4% to $796.6B. Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services revenue decreased 1.1% to $348.8B. Health care and social assistance revenue grew 0.5% to $1,105.6B, the Census Bureau said . More on U.S. Economy Goldman now sees first Fed rate cut in September, not June Initial jobless claims barely budge in past week U.S. trade deficit narrows more than expected in January Housing starts unexpectedly rise in January; building permits drop more than consensus

Getty Images McDonald’s ( MCD ) has been making itself a big deal of late. The burger chain recently released its new Big Arch sandwich using an innovative social media pitch involving CEO, Chris Kempczinski. While initially panned across social media, the saying of “any publicity is good publicity” came to full fruition as other CEOs elsewhere, including Tom Curtis of Burger King, joined in on the fun. According to the Wall Street Journal ("WSJ"), MCD is also preparing to roll out a new value menu aimed at budget-conscious consumers. This would include meals for $3 or less and a new $4 breakfast meal. I believe this initiative could help sustain MCD as a continued outperformer in a period of more uncertain economic conditions. Shares are already having a good run in the face of heightened volatility elsewhere. The stock is up 6% over the past year, most of which has come on a YTD basis. Seeking Alpha - 1-YR Share Price Performance Of MCD Stock At current trading levels, I view the outlook as positive and see shares as fairly valued. MCD Stock Key Metrics MCD currently commands a forward trading multiple of about 25x forward earnings. This is viewed negatively by the Seeking Alpha (“SA”) quants, and the poor scoring on valuation is ultimately one of the main factors driving the ‘hold’ rating from the SA quant lens. Seeking Alpha - Valuation Metrics Of MCD Stock This is despite positive marks on both profitability and momentum. While I don’t view the multiple as cheap, I see it as reasonably priced for a restaurant chain that continues to roll out new growth initiatives timely with the current economic environment. Seeking Alpha - Ratings Summary Of MCD Stock While the broader SA community is also largely neutral on MCD’s prospects, many on Wall Street are more bullish. That said, the community appears to be trending to the neutral category, with 14 analysts over the last 90 days rating shares as a ‘hold’. In addition, consensus price targets on the stock see just 5....

Welcome to the Brussels Edition. I’m Suzanne Lynch, Bloomberg’s Brussels bureau chief, bringing you the latest from the EU each weekday. Make sure you’re signed up . Big Tech’s grip on the full chain of AI technologies is under scrutiny for possible competition distortions, according to the European Union’s antitrust chief. As Sam Stolton reports today from Berlin , Teresa Ribera raised the alarm in a speech today over how companies can “entrench corporate power” in Artificial Intelligence markets, as her regulators pursue alleged risks posed by giants including Nvidia and Meta. “We are looking at the entire AI stack,” Ribera told Berlin’s International Conference on Competition on Thursday, referring to the set of technologies and services that underpin AI systems. She said the focus is not just on the final applications “but also on underlying models that power them, the data the models are trained on and the cloud infrastructure and energy sources at their foundation.” Scrutiny from the EU’s powerful regulatory arm of the burgeoning AI industry is likely to unsettle US tech giants, already feeling the heat of regulations like the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA). At the same time, European countries are grappling with the implications of AI on their economies and work-forces. While fears of workers being displaced by technological change exist, Europe equally needs to ensure it doesn’t miss the benefits of the current data revolution. Earlier this week, Nobel prize-winning economist Professor Sir Christopher Pissarides briefed EU ministers in Brussels as Europe grapples with the implications of AI on its economy. Speaking after the meeting, EU Commissioner Roxana Minzatu said it had been a “lively” discussion, with different opinions expressed. While there was an emphasis on protecting workers, “we should make the most of the opportunities that artificial intelligence can bring to the workplace for both companies and workers,” she s...

大埔宏福苑長遠安置方案的「特設銷售」計劃中，房協提供粉嶺百和路及觀塘安達臣道項目，合共400個單位，超過八成五屬於400呎或以上。 房屋局回覆查詢時指，粉嶺百和路項目推出的100個單位，有71個是434呎或以上的兩房單位，當中60個是463呎至497呎的兩房大單位。 至於觀塘安達臣道項目300個單位中，271個是415呎或以上的兩房單位，當中112個是483呎至515呎兩房大單位。而房協單位平均實用面積較大，配備基本裝修及部分家電。 房委會項目及整體供應比房協多，設計較簡約，售價更能幫助中低收入家庭自置居所。

Image source: The Motley Fool. Thursday, March 12, 2026 at 8 a.m. ET Call participants Executive Chairman — David Cote Chief Investment Officer — Thomas Knott President & Chief Executive Officer, CompoSecure — Graham Robinson Chief Financial Officer, CompoSecure — Mary Holt President & Chief Executive Officer, Husky Technologies — Rob Domodossola Chief Financial Officer, Husky Technologies — John Linker President — Jonathan Wilk Need a quote from a Motley Fool analyst? Email [email protected] Takeaways CompoSecure Non-GAAP Net Sales -- $117.7 million in Q4, up approximately 17% from prior year, driven by domestic demand and core customer momentum. -- $117.7 million in Q4, up approximately 17% from prior year, driven by domestic demand and core customer momentum. CompoSecure Full-Year Non-GAAP Net Sales -- $462 million, reflecting approximately 10% year-over-year growth. -- $462 million, reflecting approximately 10% year-over-year growth. CompoSecure Gross Margin -- 55.7% in Q4, expanding approximately 360 basis points versus prior year due to ROS implementation benefits and improved yields. -- 55.7% in Q4, expanding approximately 360 basis points versus prior year due to ROS implementation benefits and improved yields. CompoSecure Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA Margin -- 36.5% in Q4, representing an increase of approximately 640 basis points over prior year. -- 36.5% in Q4, representing an increase of approximately 640 basis points over prior year. CompoSecure Full-Year Pro Forma Adjusted EBITDA -- $171 million, increasing approximately 24% year over year, with margins up more than 400 basis points to 36.9%. -- $171 million, increasing approximately 24% year over year, with margins up more than 400 basis points to 36.9%. CompoSecure Recurring Revenue -- Approximately 75% of revenue comes from replacement and reissue cycles, with 123 million cards shipped over the last 4 years. -- Approximately 75% of revenue comes from replacement and reissue cycles, with 123 million car...

格隆汇3月12日｜随着波斯湾冲突的持续，花旗投资研究的分析师上调了今年头三个季度的布伦特原油价格预测。花旗预计，第一季度布伦特原油均价为每桶75美元，第二季度为78美元，第三季度为68美元，分别高于此前预测的73美元、70美元和62美元。花旗预计，未来两周布伦特原油价格将在每桶80-100美元之间，高于此前预测的80-90美元。“我们认为，以色列/美国和伊朗都不希望看到局势进一步升温，因为这可能会波及地区能源基础设施和伊朗的公共基础设施，因此，我们的基线观点是，在美国/以色列的军事目标达成后不久，局势将会降温，”Eric Lee在一份报告中称。但他补充说，地区能源基础设施仍有很高的遇袭风险，“这有可能引发20世纪70年代式的石油冲击“。

In Brief Honda has canceled three electric vehicles it was developing for the U.S. market, blaming President Donald Trump’s tariffs and rising competition from Chinese EV companies. Honda said on Thursday that Trump’s tariffs have harmed the company’s gas and hybrid vehicle business, which has put its overall automobile business in “an extremely challenging earnings situation.” Combined with an “inability to respond flexibly” to competition from China and slowing growth in the U.S. market, the company said it has decided to cancel the Honda 0 SUV and 0 Saloon, which it first showed off at the 2025 Consumer Electronics Show. The electric Acura RSX has also been scrapped. The Japanese automaker said it will “reassess its resource allocations and further strengthen its hybrid models” in the U.S. market. All these changes could cost Honda as much as $15.7 billion, the company warned. Honda joins an increasingly long list of legacy automakers that have pulled plans for electric vehicles they had once planned to sell in the U.S.

格隆汇3月12日｜据CCTV国际时讯，伊朗新任最高领袖穆杰塔巴·哈梅内伊今天（3月12日）发布他就任后首份声明。穆杰塔巴在声明一开始表示，他是通过伊朗国家电视台的播报获悉伊朗专家会议投票的结果。对他而言，倚靠在霍梅尼和遇害的阿里·哈梅内伊曾安坐的地方，是一件艰难的事。穆杰塔巴说，他瞻仰了其父阿里·哈梅内伊的遗体，“他那只未受伤的手紧握成拳”。穆杰塔巴说，在这次事件中，伟大的伊朗民族所展现出的警觉与智慧，以及坚毅、勇敢，令朋友赞叹不已，也让敌人惊愕万分——正是伊朗人民捍卫了国家的尊严与强大。

The European Commission has warned it will cut funding for the Venice Biennale if organisers go ahead with plans to include Russia. The commission reiterated that any breach of ethical standards by the art festival would be treated as a violation of contract, leading to suspension of the €2m (£1.7m) agreement. Commission spokesperson Thomas Régnier said he could not pre-empt a decision from EU lawyers as to whether the contract had been broken, but stressed the decision to include Russia was not in line with European values and ethical standards. “The commission condemns the decision by the Fondazione Biennale to allow Russia to participate in the 2026 Biennale art exhibition,” he told reporters. “Because culture in Europe should promote and safeguard democratic values. It should foster open dialogue, diversity and freedom of expressions. These values are currently in today’s Russia not honoured.” “If there is a breach of the contract … the commission will terminate or suspend the contract,” he said. The €2m EU grant supports film projects at the contemporary arts show. Biennale organisers said last week that Russia would be allowed to take part in the art exhibition, which runs from 9 May to 22 November, triggering an outpouring of anger and accusations from Ukraine that it was offering “a stage … for whitewashing war crimes”. Foreign and culture ministers from 22 countries have called on the organisers to rethink, citing the “systematic destruction of Ukraine’s cultural life and heritage” including the killing of at least 342 artists, damage or destruction of 1,685 cultural heritage sites and 2,483 cultural facilities. “In this context, granting Russia a prestigious international cultural platform sends a deeply troubling signal,” wrote ministers from mostly EU countries and Ukraine. The letter was addressed to the Biennale’s board and its president, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, a rightwing journalist and public intellectual, who was appointed to the post in 2024 by Gi...

Once upon a time in Hollywood, if you were an actor preparing to walk the red carpet at the Academy Awards, you might have been fasting to fit into your outfit. You definitely had access to the best hair and makeup artists, and designers and jewellers lent you thousands of dollars worth of incredible products. Maybe you even had a subtle bit of plastic surgery. You looked great! For a long time Hollywood operated a fairly coherent beauty ideal that, however unattainable, was at least legible. Beautiful meant healthy, glowing, symmetrical, and slim but not gaunt. The stars on the red carpet mostly looked like the most optimised version of themselves, which is to say they looked like very beautiful and polished versions of the rest of us. But the look coming out of Hollywood now is not universally aspired to, in fact there is significant public ambivalence and even rejection of it. Before, people may have looked at celebrities and felt inadequate because they didn’t look as good, but now it seems a significant portion of the public looks at celebrities and feels something closer to concern, or alienation. The comment sections on images of dramatically altered celebrities are not full of aspiration; they are full of “she looks sick”, “he looked so much better before” and “this is sad.” This awards season there’s been a cluster of stars whose red carpet or fashion week appearances have led to concern, not admiration. These are actors who suddenly look either severely underweight and unwell, or those who have been overly cosmetically enhanced – or both. The most dramatic recent example is Jim Carrey, who looked so altered that people thought the person on the podium at the 2026 César awards was a body double. The 64-year-old’s eyes were wide, his cheeks plumped and defined, his skin strangely smooth. Even his eye colour appeared to have been altered. So intense was the speculation that his representatives had to verify in the media that it was him and that he had worked ...

franckreporter Wall Street's major averages were lower on Thursday as oil prices continued to climb due to the escalating U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict. The benchmark S&P 500 ( SP500 ) was last -1.2%, while the Nasdaq Composite ( COMP:IND ) was -1.5%, and the Dow Jones ( DJI ) was -1.3%. Over in the bond market, the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield ( US10Y ) was 1 basis point higher at 4.24%, while the 2-year Treasury yield ( US2Y ) rose 2 basis points to 3.68%. Crude oil ( CL1:COM ) rose 8.7% to $94 per barrel on Thursday, while Brent ( CO1:COM ) was also higher at $99. “I find it hard not to have a central scenario where oil prices will remain very high for a long time, higher than the market current prices,” said Olivier Blanchard, Robert Solow Professor of economics emeritus at MIT. “There is no reason, whether or not Trump declares that war is over, to think that Iran will not continue for some time to threaten to destroy the ships that try. Why should they stop? The risk will thus remain sufficiently high that most non-Iranian ships will not take the risk. Thus, the shortfall of 20 million barrels a day is likely to last for long,” he added. The conflict in the Middle East has triggered one of the largest supply shocks of global oil markets in history, leading to disruption of almost 7.5% of the worldwide supply, according to the International Energy Agency. In economic news, t he initial jobless claims barely budged in the past week. The U.S. trade deficit narrowed more than expected in January. Also, housing starts unexpectedly rose in January, while building permits dropped more than consensus. The Federal Reserve balance sheet will be released later in the day. More on markets Disinflation Continues With Unknowns Ahead AIER's Everyday Price Index Jumps 0.61 Percent In February 2026 Dow Jones And U.S. Index Outlook: Stock Markets Drop Despite Low CPI Report

With the US-Israeli war against Iran in its second week, energy markets are in turmoil. On Thursday, the price of Brent Crude Oil topped $100, only slightly lower than the $119 peak per barrel on Monday. These swings have focused attention on key energy choke points such as the strait of Hormuz, where about one-fifth of the world’s shipped oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes each day. This shutdown of the strait will be felt in people’s everyday lives for months to come, particularly in the form of spiralling household bills. But oil prices alone do not capture the full economic significance of the conflict. To understand its wider implications, we need to look at the major changes that have reshaped energy markets over the past two decades, and the central role the Gulf now plays within them. An unexpected consequence of this war is that the US’s two biggest enemies, China and Russia, could well be drawn closer together. The first of these changes is the dramatic pivot in the world oil trade that has accompanied China’s rapid industrial and manufacturing growth. For most of the modern oil era, Gulf crude flowed primarily west, supplying the United States and Europe. Today, the centre of gravity of that trade has shifted decisively towards Asia. China alone now accounts for roughly one-quarter of global oil imports, most of which comes from the Gulf states. China now consumes about 90% of Iran’s crude oil exports, much of it routed through Malaysia to avoid sanctions. These changes help explain why the current war carries such significant economic and geopolitical implications. As the centre of gravity of the oil trade has shifted east, the choke point that once loomed large in western strategic thinking now sits equally at the heart of Asia’s economic security. For China, in particular, conflict in the Gulf and the vulnerability of transit routes such as the strait of Hormuz pose a major risk to its energy supplies. By contrast, other geopolitical shocks hav...

With the Strait of Hormuz effectively weaponised as part of the Iran crisis , Beijing should move beyond rigid non-intervention to take targeted action to defend its massive interests abroad, according to a leading Chinese government adviser. In an interview published on Monday, Zheng Yongnian called for a more assertive “intervention 2.0” while avoiding US-style hegemonic overreach or “strong-arm” tactics. He argued that China’s commitment to “ absolute non-intervention ” was becoming increasingly untenable as rise of the “jungle law” created disorder, evident in the self-interested power plays surrounding the Iran conflict. Advertisement His assessment was published by the Greater Bay Area Review, a social media account affiliated with the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, where Zheng is dean of the school of public policy. 01:22 Oil tankers set ablaze by Iranian drones as shipping vessels targeted in Middle East war Oil tankers set ablaze by Iranian drones as shipping vessels targeted in Middle East war Tehran halted cargo traffic through the narrow Strait of Hormuz, a choke point for one-fifth of global oil trade, after US-Israeli joint strikes killed Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei nearly two weeks ago.

As the first tranche of documents relating to the hiring of Peter Mandelson are released, how bad will the fallout be for Keir Starmer and the government? Pippa Crerar is joined by Peter Walker to discuss. Plus, the fuel duty row that Rachel Reeves thought she could avoid Continue reading...

Chinese firms should prioritise regional political stability when they make overseas investment decisions, as mounting geopolitical tensions and currency fluctuations increase the risks of doing business abroad, a prominent Chinese entrepreneur has warned. “The current unrest in the Middle East, fluctuations of the US dollar and international complexities serve as a reminder for firms expanding abroad: we must go to locations that offer relative stability,” said Liu Yonghao, founder and chairman of agricultural conglomerate New Hope Group. As one of China’s leading entrepreneurs and overseas investors, Liu has been driving New Hope Group’s global expansion for nearly 30 years. He is also a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the country’s top political advisory body. Advertisement “It is better for us to invest more in places that we understand relatively well and where we can have a better grasp of the situation,” he added, speaking on the sidelines of the “two sessions” – the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and the CPPCC – in Beijing on Tuesday. Liu said he favoured regions such as Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand – whose markets are comparatively more predictable and geographically distant from conflict zones. Advertisement His comments came as an increasing number of Chinese firms look to overseas markets for new growth opportunities and an escape from sluggish demand and intensifying competition at home.

On one side, Amazon (AMZN) is pouring nearly $200 billion into capital expenditures, doubling down on AI chips, cloud infrastructure, satellites, and ultra-fast delivery. On the other, Walmart (WMT) just crossed $700 billion in annual sales, is gaining share from higher-income households, and is turning advertising and memberships into powerful profit engines. Both are investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) and expanding their business at a rapid pace. But if you are buying one stock to hold for the next decade, one has the stronger long-term case. Let’s break it down. The Bull Case for Amazon Over the last ten years, Amazon stock has returned 622%. And while Amazon started its journey as an e-commerce giant, it has now evolved into a technology-powered growth engine fueled by cloud computing, AI, advertising, and logistics innovation. In the most recent fourth quarter, Amazon reported $213.4 billion in revenue, up 12% year-over-year (YOY), with $25 billion in operating income. Net income rose 4.8% to $1.95 per share. On the retail side, the everyday essentials segment grew nearly twice as fast as other categories in the U.S., and Amazon delivered nearly 70% more same-day items YOY. Prime members enjoyed the exclusive benefits and received over eight billion same- or next-day items in the U.S. in 2025. However, Amazon’s real story isn’t retail anymore; it’s Amazon Web Services. Notably, AWS revenue grew 24% YOY, reaching a $142 billion annualized run rate. Management emphasized that this growth is happening on a massive base, adding more incremental revenue than competitors. For the quarter, AWS added $2.6 billion in revenue and nearly $7 billion for the year. Management boasted that AWS added more data center capacity in 2025 than any other company globally. In the global cloud computing market, AWS maintains its leading position with a 28% market share. Additionally, its chips business (Graviton and Trainium) is now at a $10 billion plus annual revenue ...

NicoElNino Apollo Global Management’s chief economist, Torsten Slok, is warning that the software industry could face mounting financial pressure later this decade as a significant wave of debt approaches maturity. According to Slok, the sector is confronting roughly $40 billion in debt coming due in 2028, a large portion of which is concentrated among companies with lower B-rated credit profiles. The looming maturity wall raises concerns about refinancing risks, particularly in an environment where borrowing costs are expected to remain elevated for an extended period. Companies with weaker balance sheets may find it more difficult to roll over existing obligations if interest rates stay higher for longer. At the same time, the software industry is navigating a period of rapid technological change driven by artificial intelligence. Firms are being forced to increase spending on AI infrastructure, product development, and competitive innovation, potentially placing additional strain on cash flows. Taken together, the combination of substantial debt maturities, higher financing costs, and structural disruption from AI could create a challenging landscape for lower-rated software companies seeking to refinance their obligations later in the decade. See the chart below provided by Apollo: Software Debt (Apollo Asset Management) Software ETFs: ( IGV ), ( IGPT ), ( XSW ), and ( AOTS ). More on markets Where will the S&P 500 close by the end of 2026 as the U.S.-Iran war continues When will U.S. strikes on Iran end? Prediction markets say a nearly 50% chance by month's end Despite oil's 10% slide, prediction markets are not convinced that the oil rally is over Iran, Oil, And Unemployment Could Kickoff Bear Market RBC Capital Markets holds S&P 500 target, says Iran conflict too early to shift view

Jefferies believes Microsoft (MSFT) stock remains attractively valued, even as the company strengthens its leadership in artificial intelligence (AI). While many newer AI-focused companies have captured headlines, legacy players like Microsoft may ultimately prove more resilient. Why Is Jefferies So Optimistic? Recently, Jefferies reiterated its “Buy” rating and maintained a $675 price target for MSFT stock, following a meeting with Microsoft’s head of investor relations. MSFT stock is down 16% so far this year, compared to the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite Index’s ($NASX) dip of 2%. The firm's target price implies the stock has potential upside of 67% from current levels. Despite Microsoft’s strong positioning in AI infrastructure, cloud, and enterprise software, Jefferies argues that the stock does not fully reflect the company’s long-term earnings potential. What's more, Microsoft just proved the same in its second quarter of fiscal 2026 why it is still a must-own stock. In Q2, revenue surged 17% year-over-year (YOY) to $81.3 billion, while EPS climbed 24% to $4.14. The company’s cloud business generated more than $50 billion in quarterly revenue for the first time, an increase of 26% YOY. Within the cloud business, Intelligent Cloud revenue rose 29% to $32.9 billion, while Azure and other cloud services surged 39%. Management stated that cloud demand continues to exceed supply, owing to AI workloads. Remaining performance obligations reached $625 billion, highlighting the durability of enterprise AI spending flowing through Microsoft’s ecosystem. Positioned for Long-Term AI Leadership Jefferies noted that AI margins appear to be growing faster than Azure margins at a comparable level. Despite spending $37.5 billion on capital expenditures, with about two-thirds going to GPUs and CPUs, operating margins increased to 47%. The company also paid out $12.7 billion to shareholders in a single quarter. Jefferies' bullish stance stems from the fact that Microsoft has the ...

On one side, Amazon (AMZN) is pouring nearly $200 billion into capital expenditures, doubling down on AI chips, cloud infrastructure, satellites, and ultra-fast delivery. On the other, Walmart (WMT) just crossed $700 billion in annual sales, is gaining share from higher-income households, and is turning advertising and memberships into powerful profit engines. Both are investing heavily in artificial intelligence (AI) and expanding their business at a rapid pace. But if you are buying one stock to hold for the next decade, one has the stronger long-term case. Let’s break it down. The Bull Case for Amazon Over the last ten years, Amazon stock has returned 622%. And while Amazon started its journey as an e-commerce giant, it has now evolved into a technology-powered growth engine fueled by cloud computing, AI, advertising, and logistics innovation. In the most recent fourth quarter, Amazon reported $213.4 billion in revenue, up 12% year-over-year (YOY), with $25 billion in operating income. Net income rose 4.8% to $1.95 per share. On the retail side, the everyday essentials segment grew nearly twice as fast as other categories in the U.S., and Amazon delivered nearly 70% more same-day items YOY. Prime members enjoyed the exclusive benefits and received over eight billion same- or next-day items in the U.S. in 2025. However, Amazon’s real story isn’t retail anymore; it’s Amazon Web Services. Notably, AWS revenue grew 24% YOY, reaching a $142 billion annualized run rate. Management emphasized that this growth is happening on a massive base, adding more incremental revenue than competitors. For the quarter, AWS added $2.6 billion in revenue and nearly $7 billion for the year. Management boasted that AWS added more data center capacity in 2025 than any other company globally. In the global cloud computing market, AWS maintains its leading position with a 28% market share. Additionally, its chips business (Graviton and Trainium) is now at a $10 billion plus annual revenue ...