Borrowing Costs Soar to Post-Financial Crisis High in Blow to Reeves
UK government borrowing costs have surged, with the ten‑year gilt yield topping 4.9%, the highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. The rise inflates debt‑service obligations, pushing projected interest payments toward £110 billion this year and eroding the fiscal headroom Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently highlighted. Simultaneously, forecasters have slashed GDP growth expectations to 0.4% for 2024 and anticipate inflation above 4% amid renewed energy price pressures. The Treasury now faces mounting pressure to devise a multi‑billion‑pound household support package while balancing tighter fiscal rules.
This Industrial Gas Stock Can Be a Winner as Growth Slows and Inflation Rises, Says JPMorgan
JPMorgan upgraded Air Products and Chemicals to overweight, raising its price target to $310 from $280, implying about a 9% upside from the latest close. The bank cites higher oil prices from the U.S.–Iran conflict as a catalyst for increased...
Garry Marr: Why It Could Be the Right Time to Walk Away From Your Real Estate
Canadian homeowners and condo investors are increasingly facing underwater properties as market values retreat. Insolvency filings tied to real estate rose to eight percent of all bankruptcies in 2025, up from five percent a year earlier. Experts warn that while...
Watch: Why We Still Think EUR/USD Can Reach 1.20
ING’s foreign‑exchange strategists remain bullish on the euro, forecasting EUR/USD could climb to 1.20 by year‑end despite heightened geopolitical risk, rising oil prices and a temporary US inflation spike. They argue the Federal Reserve will treat the oil‑driven price bump...
MTN and Vodacom Dwarf South Africa’s Listed Tech Sector
MTN and Vodacom, South Africa’s telecom behemoths, each generate more than R1 billion in revenue within two to three days, dwarfing the daily earnings of all JSE‑listed technology companies. MTN’s daily run rate sits at roughly R621 million and Vodacom’s at R417 million,...
Domestic Investment Push Could Cost Pension Savers Dearly, Report Warns
The Fraser Institute warns that proposals forcing large Canadian pension plans to boost domestic allocations could dramatically erode long‑term returns, likening the effect to a 73% tax on equity performance. It argues that the strong track records of Canada’s public...
Conditions for Call Satisfied
Småkraft AS announced that it has exercised the call option on its SMAKR02 ESG bond series and will redeem all outstanding notes. The redemption follows a refinancing under an amended and restated senior secured facilities agreement. All contractual conditions for...
Claim the 'Founder' Title After 55: Launch a Business Without Jeopardizing Your Retirement
More older adults are adopting the “Founder” title on LinkedIn, with a 69% jump in 2025 and a 300% increase since 2022. Research shows a 60‑year‑old starting a business is three times more likely to succeed than a 30‑year‑old, and...
Dennis, 79, Is Worried About a Market Crash. Should He Move His Portfolio to 100% Income?
Dennis, a 79‑year‑old investor, wonders whether to shift his portfolio from a 30 % equity allocation to 100 % income amid fears of a market correction. The Financial Post’s advice stresses that market timing is unreliable and that a 30 % equity exposure...
The $87 Billion Reason Tech ETFs Are About to Move
Technology‑focused ETFs are diverging in 2026 as the broad XLK fund, holding $87.7 billion and dominated by Nvidia, Apple and Microsoft, slipped 4% YTD, while the AI‑heavy Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (MAGS) fell nearly 10% amid doubts over AI spending payoffs....
Veg Oils Price Surge: CPO and CME Soyoil Futures Extend Gains
Vegetable oil futures, led by crude palm oil (CPO) and CME soybean oil, surged amid rising crude oil prices and heightened Middle East tensions. The most active May CPO contract on Bursa Malaysia rose 0.93% to 4,541 ringgit per tonne,...
ACP: Deteriorating Credit Market Decreases Appeal (Rating Downgrade)
The abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund (ACP) has been downgraded to a Sell as its net asset value continues to erode in a deteriorating credit market. The fund’s 17.5% dividend yield is unsustainable, with more than half of distributions funded...
Kindiki Invites China VP Han to Kenya
Chinese Vice President Han Zheng will travel to Kenya, South Africa and Seychelles from March 22 to 30, at the invitation of Kenya Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and his counterparts. The high‑level tour is framed as a key exchange to...
Builders Invested over £3bn in Single-Family Housing in 2025, Savills Reports
UK housebuilders poured £3.17 bn into single‑family housing (SFH) rentals in 2025, a jump from £544 m in 2022 and representing 59 % of all build‑to‑rent (BTR) capital last year. The share of BTR investment in SFH has risen dramatically from 6 % in...
Selective Outrage Won’t End the Iran War
The UN Security Council issued a resolution condemning Iran’s retaliatory strikes on Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, labeling them a breach of international law. The article argues the vote is one‑sided, focusing on protecting Gulf oil flows and...
ECB Policymaker Villeroy: Potential Rate Hikes Will Be Decided Meeting by Meeting
ECB policymaker Francois Villeroy de Galhau warned that any future rate adjustments will be decided on a meeting‑by‑meeting basis, with a bias toward hikes rather than cuts. He emphasized the central bank’s vigilance and readiness to act amid energy market...
Marmite Maker Unilever in Talks to Merge Food Business with US-Based McCormick
Unilever is in advanced talks to combine its food division with US spice maker McCormick in an all‑stock transaction. The food unit, home to brands such as Knorr and Hellmann’s, is estimated to be worth tens of billions of pounds,...
Grab These 3 Goldman Sachs Mutual Funds for Outstanding Returns
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, overseeing about $3.6 trillion in assets, highlighted three Zacks Rank #1 mutual funds that have delivered strong three‑year returns. The Goldman Sachs U.S. Tax‑Managed Equity Fund returned 20.6%, the Growth Allocation fund posted 17.4% with a 0.55%...
SalMar - Update of Issuer Credit Rating From Nordic Credit Rating
Nordic Credit Rating upgraded Norway‑based salmon farmer SalMar ASA to a BBB long‑term issuer rating with a stable outlook on 20 March 2026. The agency highlighted the company's strong profitability and moderate financial leverage as key drivers. The rating places SalMar in...
Emergency Spending: When Borrowing May Be a Practical Option
Unexpected costs such as medical bills, car repairs, or appliance failures can quickly strain household budgets. While a solid emergency fund remains the first line of defense, many families turn to short‑term borrowing when savings fall short. Digital lending platforms...
Iran-Driven Energy Shocks Elevates Credit Risk for UK Energy Suppliers
UK energy suppliers face heightened credit risk as Iran‑driven gas price shocks double wholesale gas prices to 174 pence per therm in March 2026. The UK’s electricity market relies on gas‑fired generators for marginal pricing, so wholesale spikes directly erode supplier...
Is Apple Stock Your Ticket to Becoming a Millionaire?
Apple remains a dominant consumer‑discretionary giant with a $3.7 trillion market cap and a 29% net profit margin in Q1 FY2026. Its shares have surged nearly 11,000% over the past two decades, turning a $9,500 investment into $1 million today. However, the...
One Alliance North America Targets Debut $100m One Shield Re Catastrophe Bond
One Alliance North America Insurance Company is launching its first catastrophe bond through Bermuda‑based One Shield Re Ltd., targeting at least $100 million of multi‑peril reinsurance. The Series 2026‑1 Class A tranche will provide three‑year coverage for named storms across six states and...
Fuel Prices Set for Another Increase, but Hikes to Ease
Diesel and gasoline prices in the Philippines will rise next week, but the hikes are milder—diesel by about P14‑P14.50 per litre and gasoline by P7‑P7.50, marking the tenth consecutive weekly increase. Jeepney operators are pressing the government for the same...
Platinum Is Back. So Why Are Its Miners Shunning Growth?
After a year of depressed prices, platinum‑group metal (PGM) prices have nearly doubled and producer shares rose over 70%. Despite the rally, CEOs of companies that control 80% of global PGM output said they will prioritize life‑of‑mine extensions, cost discipline...
Delayed Publication of India Steel Price Assessments: Pricing Notice
Fastmarkets announced that its India steel price assessments were published on March 20, a day later than scheduled. The delayed release includes domestic and export prices for hot‑dipped galvanized coil, cold‑rolled coil, hot‑rolled coil, heavy plate, billets, and electrical steel,...
FX Daily: Hawkish Hangover
European central banks delivered a hawkish surprise, pushing the euro and pound higher while the dollar weakened. The ECB signaled a possible April rate hike, adding 15 basis points to market expectations, and the Bank of England voted unanimously to...
European Gas Falls as US, Israel Seek to Ease Iran War Concerns
European natural gas futures fell up to 3% after the United States and Israel announced steps to reduce the risk of Iranian attacks on Persian Gulf energy facilities. Despite the dip, the contracts remain on track for a roughly 20%...
Asia Turns to Coal as Iran War Rapidly Shrinks Supplies of Gas
The escalating war in the Middle East has sharply curtailed liquefied natural gas shipments from Qatar, the world’s largest LNG exporter, creating a supply gap for Asian importers. In response, countries such as South Korea, Indonesia and Bangladesh are accelerating...
Making Sense of the Bank of Canada Interest Rate Decision on March 18, 2026
The Bank of Canada kept its overnight rate at 2.25% on March 18, marking a third consecutive hold. Inflation slowed to 1.8% in February, still under the 2% target, while the labour market remains weak. The decision reflects caution amid...
Dangote Demand Soars As War Disrupts Africa Fuel Supply
Dangote’s 650,000‑barrel‑per‑day refinery, now two years operational, is seeing soaring demand as the Ukraine war disrupts traditional fuel imports to Africa. Roughly 75% of its output is reserved for Nigeria, leaving limited capacity for export to neighboring economies. Countries across...
FTSE 100 Live: Gilt Yields Soar, Bank of England Rate Hike Fears Grow, Wetherspoon Shares Tumble
UK gilt yields surged to just under 5%, the highest level since 2008, as markets price in expectations of Bank of England rate hikes. Unilever entered talks to sell its foods business to McCormick, while discount retailer The Works saw...
ECB Would Need April Hike If Price Outlook Sours, Nagel Says
European Central Bank Governing Council member Joachim Nagel warned that the ECB could be forced to raise interest rates as early as April if inflationary pressures intensify, particularly due to the ongoing Iran war. He indicated that a deteriorating medium‑term...
Seoul Harnessing Iran War to End the ‘Korea Discount’
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is leveraging the Iran war‑induced market volatility to push sweeping capital‑market reforms aimed at erasing the long‑standing “Korea discount.” The government announced bans on duplicate listings, which account for roughly 20% of domestic market...
Tata Power Shares Jump 5% After Gujarat Govt Approves Supply Agreement for Mundra Plant
Tata Power’s shares jumped as much as 5% after Gujarat’s government approved a revised supply agreement for its 4‑GW Mundra coal‑fired plant, allowing the company to resume long‑term power deliveries. The plant had been idle for six months following the...
Helping Customers Build Wealth: How Investment Properties Help Homebuyers Get Ahead
Fortress Mortgage Advisors’ partners Craig Andriulli and Michael LiPari are urging first‑time homebuyers to view their primary residence as a stepping stone to investment properties. By using the equity in a newly purchased home, they help clients acquire vacation rentals...
Southeast Asia’s Railway Expansion
China has become the primary driver of Southeast Asia’s railway build‑out, financing and constructing most cross‑border projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. The newly completed Jakarta‑Bandung high‑speed line, a $7.2 billion venture largely funded by the China Development Bank, is...
Rewriting the Hedge Fund Playbook: Lessons From 2008
With assets near $5 trillion, hedge funds face a modest March drawdown amid Iran‑related volatility. The article argues that structural reforms since 2008—more realistic performance expectations, stricter due‑diligence, better liquidity alignment, and a shift toward stable institutional capital—make a repeat of...
Asia Week Ahead: Japanese Inflation and South Korean Sentiment Data
Japan’s February CPI is expected to slow further thanks to an energy subsidy, but core‑core inflation will stay well above the 2% target, keeping the Bank of Japan cautious about rate hikes. The central bank is likely to postpone an...
Map: States Where Electricity Costs Went Up the Most in 2025
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that residential electricity bills rose nearly 7 percent in 2025, double the overall inflation rate. Democrats on the Joint Economic Committee used federal data to show that while New Jersey, Indiana and Illinois saw price...
Fuel Chief Blames Panic Buying for ‘Short-Term’ Shortages
Australia’s largest fuel retailer Ampol says it has enough stock to meet demand despite panic‑driven shortages at some stations. The Middle‑East war and China’s suspension of 15% of regional fuel exports have strained traditional supply routes, prompting Ampol to secure...
ACCC Authorises Fuel Majors to Coordinate to Ensure Fuel Supplies, with Conditions
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has issued an urgent interim authorisation allowing the Australian Institute of Petroleum and its members to coordinate fuel supply logistics across the country in response to Middle‑East conflict‑driven disruptions. The permission expressly forbids...
Iran War-Induced Fertilizer Shortage Threatens Republicans in Farm States Ahead of Midterms
The war in Iran has shut the Strait of Hormuz, halting the flow of roughly half the world’s nitrogen‑rich urea fertilizer. U.S. corn growers see prices jump from about $350 to $600 per ton, squeezing margins just before planting. Democrats...
NIHI: Tax-Efficient Way To Collect A 10% Yield From International Stocks
NEOS MSCI EAFE High Income ETF (NIHI) employs a collar option‑spread on international equities to deliver roughly a 10% yield, paid monthly and designed for tax‑efficient payouts. The overlay caps upside participation while providing limited downside protection, appealing to income‑focused...
Stock Futures Tick Higher, but S&P 500 Heads for Fourth Losing Week in a Row Amid Rising Oil Prices: Live...
U.S. stock futures edged higher Thursday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested the Strait of Hormuz could reopen, easing some war‑related concerns. Despite the bounce, the S&P 500 is on track for a fourth consecutive weekly decline, with the Dow...
Raja Venkatraman, MarketSmith Recommend Five Stocks for 20 March
India's benchmark indices slumped over 3% on March 19, their steepest drop since June 2024, after HDFC Bank’s chairman resigned and crude‑oil prices spiked following Middle‑East attacks. The Nifty 50 closed at 23,002.15 and the Sensex at 74,207.24, erasing roughly 13 trillion rupees...
US Federal Debt Becoming ‘Alarmingly Unsustainable’ as Iran War Fuels Spending: Analysts
U.S. sovereign debt surged to $39 trillion, a level analysts deem alarmingly unsustainable, as war‑related spending on Iran adds pressure. The debt rose $2 trillion in just a few months, with Biden’s administration issuing $4.7 trillion of new 10‑year debt since 2021. Experts...
The Commodities Feed: LNG Supply Disruptions Now a Long-Term Problem as Iran Hits Qatari Facilities
Iranian missile attacks on Qatar's Ras Laffen LNG complex knocked out roughly 17% of the plant’s export capacity, equivalent to about 17 bcm or 3 % of global LNG trade. The disruption is expected to linger for three to five years, prompting the...
Tight Supply and Rising Costs Shape Start of 2026 Property Market
January 2026 showed a mixed property market. New buyer registrations steadied at 74 per branch, while 29 % of adults reported difficulty covering rent or mortgage payments. In lettings, each available home attracted an average of seven applicants, even as fully managed...
India Maps Supply Chain Gaps in Pharma, Textiles, Fertilizers Amid West Asia War
India’s commerce ministry has launched a comprehensive audit of critical supply chains in pharma, textiles and fertilizers as the West Asia war threatens global trade. A detailed questionnaire asks firms to disclose import dependence, source countries and the substitutability of...