Articles about Mark

• US stock markets experienced sharp volatility in March 2026, with equities approaching correction territory before a month-end rally as oil prices surged significantly, driven by geopolitical events shaping the economic outlook. • Energy emerged as the strongest-performing sector, driving value stocks to materially outperform growth peers, while bond markets showed less stability than expected as inflation concerns contributed to higher rate volatility. • Despite market weakness and narrowing leadership, corporate profit expectations remained resilient with consensus earnings forecasts pointing to healthy growth in 2026, suggesting the selloff was driven by valuation reassessment rather than earnings deterioration.

• The US stock market has risen 16% over the past year with earnings forecasted to grow 15% annually, though the market remained flat in the past week, creating opportunities for value-focused investors. • Analysis identified 10 top undervalued stocks trading at approximately 49% discounts to their estimated fair values, including Vertex (49.8% discount), Nutanix (49.9% discount), and Roku (49.4% discount) based on cash flow assessments. • Stocks like Uranium Energy (49.2% discount), iRhythm Holdings (48.8% discount), and BillionToOne (49.5% discount) also appeared significantly undervalued, suggesting potential growth opportunities despite broader market volatility.

Simon Dudley fired after his comments were condemned by prime minister and families of fire victimsReform UK’s housing spokesperoson has been sacked his role after he described the Grenfell Tower fire as a “tragedy” but said that “everyone dies in the end”.Keir Starmer had called on Nigel Farage to sack Simon Dudley, a former head of Homes England, after his comments, which were condemned by Grenfell families and others. Continue reading...

Brent crude jumps 6.5% as US president vows to hit Iran ‘extremely hard’ over coming weeksBusiness live – latest updatesOil prices soared and stocks sank after Donald Trump vowed in a televised speech to hit Iran “extremely hard” over the coming weeks, knocking investors hopes of a near-term end to the conflict in the Middle East.Brent crude prices jumped by 6.5% on Thursday morning to more than $107.6 a barrel, reversing Wednesday’s drop when hopes of a de-escalation pushed the international benchmark below the $100-a-barrel mark at one point. Continue reading...

• The iconic film 'The Sound of Music' celebrates 61 years since its nationwide U.S. theatrical release on April 1, 1965. • Produced by 20th Century Fox, the movie starred Julie Andrews as Maria and Christopher Plummer as Captain von Trapp. • The musical remains a cultural staple, continuing to captivate audiences with its timeless story and songs.

Elon Musk’s rocket company could go public as early as June, Bloomberg reportsSpaceX has confidentially filed for an initial public offering on the US stock market, according to reports from Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal. The IPO is set to be one of the most closely watched and highly valued listings in market history.Elon Musk’s company, which has become a dominant power in both space travel and satellite communications, could potentially seek a valuation upwards of $1.75tn. The confidential filing will give regulators a period to review and discuss the company’s financial disclosures before investors and the public are able to view them. Continue reading...

• SpaceX captured 97% of US launch activity during Q4 2025, according to analysis by Bryce Tech, with 83% of the global market share. • China ranked a distant second with 8% of global launches, while Russia took 4% of the global market during the same period. • The data underscores SpaceX's growing dominance in commercial space launch services as competitors struggle to match its capabilities and operational cadence.

• Asian equity markets surged following signals from Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian indicating willingness to pursue a ceasefire with the United States, with Trump stating military action could conclude within two to three weeks. • South Korea's Kospi jumped 8.1% to 5,461.51, Japan's Nikkei 225 gained 4.5% to 53,352.96, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 2% amid improved investor sentiment. • The geopolitical shift triggered broad rallies across Asia-Pacific exchanges including Australia's ASX 200 climbing 2% and Taiwan's Taiex jumping 4.4%.

Court case will weigh the constitutionality of his contentious bid to end birthright citizenship President Donald Trump will watch the US supreme court hear a landmark case today weighing the constitutionality of his contentious bid to end birthright citizenship – an extraordinary and possibly unprecedented move for the nation’s highest office.Trump signed an executive order on his return to the White House decreeing that children born to parents in the United States illegally or on temporary visas would not automatically become US citizens.Trump signed an executive order seeking to restrict mail-in voting across the US with a series of new requirements, including the establishment of a national voter list.The move was unprecedented and likely unconstitutional, according to experts. The Brennan Center said in response, “He has no lawful authority to write the rules that govern our elections. He tried a year ago; we sued him; we won. A year later, he has tried again. He can expect the same result.”Several states and Democratic officials criticized the order, describing it as an illegal attack that amounted to voter suppression ahead of the midterms, and said they will take legal action to stop the president, including California.Trump continued to fume over today’s ruling from a US judge that halted the construction of his $400m White House ballroom, and sharply criticized the decision during a press briefing and on social media.Pete Hegseth lifted the suspension of the crew of the military helicopters that hovered near the home of singer Kid Rock, and said there would be no investigation. Continue reading...

US president’s claim that conflict is nearing end prompts 15% drop in Brent crude and stock market climb in AsiaBusiness live – latest updatesOil prices tumbled and stock markets rallied across the world on Wednesday after Donald Trump said the war in Iran would end in “two to three weeks”.Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil, dropped to $99.78 a barrel, down more than 15% compared with its price on Tuesday – its lowest level in a week. Continue reading...

Rachel Reeves will address concerns about price rises and shortages with retailers as energy costs surgeThe bosses of the UK’s biggest supermarkets are to meet the chancellor on Wednesday as the government seeks to gauge the extent of potential price rises and shortages of household essentials amid a surge in energy, fuel and fertiliser costs.Rachel Reeves is meeting the bosses of Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Morrisons as concerns rise about the potential impact on the cost of living – including higher food prices – as a result of the Middle East conflict. Continue reading...

• Equity markets reacted positively after Iranian state media indicated willingness to end the conflict with the US, contingent on certain conditions, as reported in Bloomberg coverage. • President Trump described potential US exit from Iran as 'very soon,' predicting sharp drops in gasoline prices and improved safety from neutralized nuclear threats. • The month-long war has spiked fuel costs, affecting grocery prices as noted by industry figures like Stew Leonard Jr.

• The S&P 500 rose over 1.5% and Nasdaq climbed nearly 2% Monday after the White House signaled it may abandon America's role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump telling allies on Truth Social to "build up some delayed courage" and secure the strait themselves. • Trump wrote on social media: "You'll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won't be there to help you anymore, just like you weren't there for us," signaling a potential shift toward military disengagement despite ongoing operations. • The mixed messaging coincides with U.S. gas prices crossing $4 per gallon Tuesday—up more than $1 from February 27—marking the first time since 2022's Ukraine crisis energy shock, while Trump's approval rating has dropped to -16.7, a record low for his second term.

• The 10-year Treasury yield declined 18 basis points to 3.82% following the cooler-than-expected inflation reading, marking the steepest single-day drop in three months and reflecting a significant repricing of Fed rate cut probability. • Bond investors rushed into longer-duration securities as real yields compressed, with the 2-year Treasury sliding 12 basis points to 3.45%, indicating heightened expectations for near-term monetary easing. • The yield curve steepening trend accelerated, with the 10-2 spread widening to 37 basis points, suggesting market consensus that the Fed will begin cutting rates this spring while maintaining a measured approach to further reductions.

• Bitcoin price fell to $66,710.43 at 8:45 a.m. ET on March 31, 2026, down $1,112 from prior day and $15,830 from recent peak. • Decline reflects ongoing cryptocurrency market pressures in US trading. • Highlights volatility impacting tech investment sectors tied to digital assets.

Delegation marks four years since liberation of town as EU focus returns to Ukraine amid Iran war falloutSeveral EU ministers are expected in Bucha, Ukraine, today to mark the fourth anniversary of the town’s liberation and the massacre that became one of the early symbols of the Russian aggression against Ukraine.The anniversary marks a rare moment in recent weeks when the EU’s attention focuses back on Ukraine amid growing concerns about fallout from the Iran war. The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, leads the delegation.“The scale of Russian atrocities in the course of its aggression is unseen on European soil since WWII. The crime of aggression is the root cause of them all. There must be accountability and there will be no amnesty for Russian criminals, including the highest political and military leadership of the Russian Federation.” Continue reading...

• Asian stock markets declined sharply as geopolitical tensions persisted, with South Korea's Kospi dropping 3.4%, Japan's Nikkei 225 falling 1.2%, and Taiwan's Taiex losing 2.2%, erasing year-to-date gains for some indexes. • Oil markets remained elevated with Brent crude holding near $113 per barrel and US benchmark crude at approximately $103, marking a surge of more than 40% since the Iran conflict began five weeks ago. • A reported drone strike on a Kuwaiti oil tanker and ongoing regional attacks reinforced supply security concerns, keeping markets highly sensitive to geopolitical developments despite signals the US may seek conflict resolution.

• Moody's AI-based recession probability model has surged to 49%, just below the 50% threshold that historically signals economic recession within a year, amid mounting economic concerns. • The US labor market delivered a major disappointment with March data showing a loss of 92,000 jobs, far below expectations, while GDP growth projections have been revised downward from 1.4% to as low as 0.7%. • Recession forecasts from major institutions have escalated: Goldman Sachs raised odds to 30%, EY-Parthenon estimates risk at around 40%, and BlackRock CEO Larry Fink warned rising oil prices could trigger global recession.

• José Guadalupe Ramos, a Mexican national, died in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody in Los Angeles, according to ICE, marking the 14th death in ICE custody for 2026. • Mexico's foreign ministry announced it would file a legal brief supporting a lawsuit brought by detainees alleging poor conditions at the detention center, including inadequate medical care, unsanitary conditions, and punitive use of isolation. • The death raises ongoing concerns about detention facility conditions and has prompted diplomatic engagement from the Mexican government to address alleged violations.

Jewish families ‘narrowly escaped being struck by the car’ after girl swerved towards them in Ripponlea, police sayFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastA 13-year-old Melbourne girl has been charged with 52 offences including allegedly shouting antisemitic remarks, throwing eggs and swerving a stolen car towards members of the Jewish community.Victorian police said in a statement on Tuesday that the girl and two other girls were alleged to have been seen driving the stolen black Hyundai sedan in the south-eastern suburbs of Hampton, Ripponlea and Caulfield over multiple days last week. Continue reading...

Review of Kai Schwemmer’s broadcasts undermines claim ‘process of growth’ had led him to abandon bigoted viewsThe newly appointed College Republicans of America political director Kai Schwemmer has made racist, antisemitic, homophobic and sexist statements while espousing extremist rightwing views on abortion, a Guardian review of livestream recordings can reveal.Schwemmer said he would accept a world in which slavery was legal if abortion was criminalised, describes himself as “very much an anti universal suffrage guy” and accepts a supporter’s description of him as “our Mormon Nick Fuentes” – referring to the white nationalist influencer whose platform he streamed on for years. Continue reading...

• U.S. nonfarm payrolls for March will be released Friday amid sharp energy price increases due to Middle East conflict, providing critical snapshot of labor market health as investors reassess economic outlook. • HSBC economists expect "modest but positive growth" in employment, though markets have slashed expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, with money markets pricing only 42% probability of a rate increase in 2026. • This week's data releases—including ADP private payrolls (Wednesday), JOLTS job openings (Tuesday), jobless claims (Thursday), and consumer confidence surveys—will reveal war impact on business and consumer sentiment.

• Autozi Internet Technology (Global) Ltd. (AZI) received a Nasdaq notification on March 29, 2026, for failing to meet the minimum market value of listed securities requirement. • The company has been given 180 days to regain compliance by achieving a market value of listed securities of at least $35 million for 10 consecutive trading days. • This compliance issue highlights ongoing challenges for smaller Nasdaq-listed firms amid market volatility and economic pressures.

• The benchmark S&P 500 fell for a fifth consecutive week and is down more than 7% since U.S.-Israeli military strikes on Iran in late February. • Rising volatility and shifting rate expectations continue to pressure equity markets as geopolitical tensions compound economic uncertainties. • Market participants are reassessing expectations for Federal Reserve policy, with implications for growth stock valuations.

Pontiff’s unusually pointed comments come after Pete Hegseth’s prayer for violence against enemies ‘who deserve no mercy’Pope Leo has said God ignores the prayers of leaders who wage war and have “hands full of blood” in an apparent rebuke to the Trump administration.The pontiff made the comments on Sunday as thousands of US troops arrived in the Middle East and days after the US defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, prayed for violence against enemies who deserved “no mercy”. Continue reading...

Brent crude jumps 51% since start of March and gold suffers fifth-largest monthly fall in 50 yearsMiddle East crisis – latest updatesThe Brent crude oil price is on track for its biggest monthly gain on record in March after the Iran war caused mayhem in the markets.Brent crude, the international benchmark, has climbed by 51% since the start of March, LSEG data shows, beating the previous monthly record of 46% in September 1990 after Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, leading to the first Gulf war. Continue reading...

• The Nasdaq 100 and Dow Jones Industrial Average have both entered correction territory, defined as a more-than-10% decline from recent peaks, marking a significant milestone in the market downturn. • Tech stocks have been particularly hard hit, with Amazon dropping 3.1% and Meta Platforms falling 3.5%, as the sector faces pressure from both high valuation concerns and geopolitical tensions related to the Iran war. • The S&P 500 has suffered five consecutive weeks of losses—its longest losing streak in nearly four years—and is now 8.7% below its record set in early 2026.

• Financial advisors are recommending patience for investors amid extreme market swings, noting that historical data shows staying invested typically outperforms reactive selling during crises—even during wartime. • The S&P 500 has retreated to levels not seen since August 2025, with three major indexes all significantly below their recent peaks as geopolitical uncertainty continues to roil markets. • Investment strategists emphasize that while current volatility is unsettling, panic-driven decisions often lock in losses and can result in missed opportunities for recovery.