Highs

• The S&P 500 rose 0.8% to close above 7,000 points for the first time, while the Nasdaq Composite surged 1.6% to a record high, driven by gains in technology and software stocks and optimism over potential U.S.-Iran peace talks. • Bank of America posted a 17% rise in quarterly profit from strong trading and investment banking fee rebounds, while Morgan Stanley reported a near 30% profit jump supported by record equities trading revenue and improved dealmaking activity. • Stock index futures edged higher after-hours, with S&P 500 Futures up 0.2% to 7,070.75 points and Nasdaq 100 Futures rising 0.3% to 26,440.75 points, reflecting continued market momentum.

At least 432 ebike fires and 147 e-scooter fires recorded in 2025, up 38% and 20% respectively on previous yearEbike and e-scooter fires in the UK reached a record high last year, an investigation has found, renewing concerns over the use of lithium batteries and unregulated marketplaces.Fire brigade figures obtained by the Press Association show there were at least 432 ebike fires recorded across the UK in 2025, up 38% from 313 the previous year and more than five times higher than the 84 recorded in 2021. Continue reading...

• CDC reports released in February 2026 show U.S. childhood and teen obesity rates have reached record levels, marking a significant public health concern for younger populations. • The same reports indicate adult obesity rates appear to be plateauing or slowing their growth trajectory, suggesting different demographic trends across age groups. • The findings underscore ongoing disparities in metabolic health across generations and highlight the need for targeted prevention and intervention strategies.

• The Dow Jones Industrial Average confirmed correction status on March 28, 2026, falling over 10% from its February 10 record close to 45,166.64. • Twenty-four of 30 Dow components closed negative on Friday, with Nasdaq down 2.2% to 20,948.36 and S&P 500 off 1.7% to 6,368.85. • Geopolitical tensions, surging oil, and inflation fears drove the risk-off sentiment, with sectors like Consumer Discretionary down 3.1%.

• Alcoa shares surged 11-12% and Century Aluminum 13.6% as aluminum prices reached near four-year highs due to Middle East infrastructure strikes. • Iranian missile strikes hit critical metal industry infrastructure, disrupting supply and driving the commodity rally amid the widening conflict. • The gains in metal stocks contribute to broader market recovery, underscoring sector sensitivity to geopolitical supply shocks.

Exxon Mobil and Chevron shares surged over 20% year-to-date, reaching record highs as crude oil approached $100 per barrel due to supply fears. U.S. oil producers benefit from domestic output buffering global disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. This sector strength offsets broader market declines, with the Dow down 6% monthly. Analysts warn of inflation risks persisting post-conflict.