• Oil prices surged as geopolitical tensions related to the Iran war intensified, with the Strait of Hormuz blockade causing the largest global oil supply disruption since the 1970s energy crisis.
• The US dollar strengthened amid escalating geopolitical risk, reflecting investor flight to safe-haven assets as financial markets react to the conflict's economic impact on energy supplies and global trade.
• The US-Israeli war on Iran, initiated February 28, 2026, with strikes on leadership and nuclear facilities, has led to Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure, rivaling 1970s oil crises.
• Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's killing sparked Iranian strikes on Israel and US bases, disrupting 20% of global oil transit and surging prices by 40%.
• US markets face inflation risks, with experts warning of recession if chokepoint remains closed beyond two weeks.
• Commercial property insurer FM Global announced April 2, 2026 that the Financial Times has recognized it as one of The Americas' Fastest-Growing Companies of 2026.
• The Johnston, Rhode Island-based insurer joins other leading regional companies on the prestigious FT list recognizing high-growth businesses.
• The recognition highlights FM's strong business performance and market position in the competitive commercial property insurance sector.
Washington-based fund says rising energy and food costs will hit economies worldwide and could leave lasting scarsThe International Monetary Fund has warned that “all roads lead to higher prices and slower growth worldwide” should the conflict in the Middle East continue to throttle the amount of oil, gas and fertiliser making its way out of the Gulf.In a stark message that countries on all continents will be affected, the Washington-based organisation said a rise in energy and food costs would harm economic growth this year and could leave lasting scars on the global economy. Continue reading...
• SpaceX launched 83 Starlink satellites across March 2026, including 29 from Cape Canaveral on March 4, 25 from Vandenberg Space Force Base on March 8, and 29 from SLC-40 on March 19.
• These deployments increased the Starlink constellation to over 6,700 operational satellites, targeting internet access for remote regions, aviation, and maritime sectors.
• The expansion bridges the digital divide in underserved areas and enhances U.S. Space Force defense infrastructure amid evolving aerospace demands.
Campaigner criticises ‘shortsighted and self-defeating’ decision and says it increases risk to the UK publicThe polio virus was detected in London sewage for the second time this year, days before ministers withdrew funding for global polio eradication efforts.Its detection reveals the spending cuts to be “shortsighted and self-defeating”, campaigners said. Polio is an extremely infectious viral disease, which typically affects young children under-five. It can cause paralysis by damaging nerves in the spine and base of the brain, and can be life-threatening if it affects muscles used for breathing. Continue reading...
His remarks come as foreign secretary Yvette Cooper meets her counterparts at a G7 meeting in FranceHello and welcome to the UK politics blog, follow along to get the latest updates.Foreign secretary Yvette Cooper is in France today for the meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Vaux-de-Cernay, near Paris, where she is expected to speak with US secretary of state Marco Rubio. On top of the agenda is the conflict in the Middle East, with reports suggesting Rubio will ask ministers for help reopening the strait of Hormuz.Starmer is visiting a school in London this morning, as new government guidance advices parents to limit screen time for children under the age of five to one hour a day, while under-twos should not be watching screens alone.Peter Mandelson will reportedly be asked to hand over messages from his personal phone as part of the government’s disclosure of documents related to his appointment as UK ambassador to the US. The government has so far only had access to his work phone. Starmer told Sky News that he “beats himself up” over Mandelson’s appointment, saying it was a mistake he would never repeat. Continue reading...
• Taiwan-based DRAM chipmaker Nanya Technology secured NT$78.72 billion (US$2.47 billion) through private share placements from SK Hynix subsidiary Solidigm, Japan's Kioxia, and U.S. companies Cisco Systems and SanDisk Technologies.
• Following the investment, SK Hynix will hold a 2 percent stake, Kioxia 2 percent, SanDisk 4 percent, and Cisco 2 percent in Nanya Technology, positioning the company strategically amid the AI boom.
• The capital will be directed toward investing in advanced memory manufacturing facilities and production equipment, strengthening Nanya's competitive position in the high-demand semiconductor market.
Donald Trump says he was ‘a little surprised’ at Australia’s lack of support, echoing comments from a week beforeFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastDonald Trump has taken another swipe at Australia, alongside Nato, the UK and most of the rest of the world, for not getting more involved in the US-Israel war against Iran.At a press conference on Thursday at the White House, the US president was asked to reflect on phone calls with the UK prime minister Keir Starmer. He began by describing Starmer as a “lovely man”. Continue reading...
Critics have mocked Mike Johnson and Republicans for presenting the president with the newly concocted awardSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxAmid an aggressive war in Iran, heightening and devastating pressure on Cuba, immigration enforcement operations throughout the country and a partial government shutdown, the lead Republican in the House has given Donald Trump a newly concocted award.Democrats, lawmakers and commentators are criticizing and ridiculing the “America First” award given to Trump on Wednesday evening during the National Republican Congressional Committee fundraiser. Continue reading...
